McLaren Vale, town in South Australia
McLaren Vale is a wine region south of Adelaide featuring hundreds of wineries across gentle hills and flat countryside. The area's diverse soils of red loam, sand, and limestone create conditions for different wine styles and flavors.
The first vineyards were planted here in the late 1800s, establishing a winemaking tradition that continues today. Old vines from that era still produce grapes, showing the region's lasting connection to its agricultural past.
The region's name honors an early settler family, reflecting the strong tradition of family-owned wineries that define the place. Visitors notice how winemakers connect personally with their land and share their stories directly during tastings and vineyard walks.
The region is easy to reach by car or explore by bike on good weather days. Most wineries offer tastings, picnic areas, and casual dining, making it simple to spend a full day visiting different estates.
Shiraz dominates here, but Grenache from century-old vines creates raspberry and spice flavors with surprising depth and power. These ancient plants offer an often-overlooked taste that rewards visitors willing to venture beyond the region's most famous wines.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
