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| View across
the valley at McLaren Vale with the
Seaview Winery in the foreground
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McLaren Vale
Attractive and historic town in the heart of
one of South Australia's premier grape growing
areas.
Located 39 km from Adelaide, McLaren Vale is a
charming and substantial township surrounded by
more than 40 vineyards and wineries. On every
side there are fields of grapes and the
signposts at various points are thick with
invitations to visit cellar doors to sample the
vintages and purchase the locally made wines.
It is now accepted that the town was named
after David McLaren, the Colonial Manager of the
South Australia Company, who arrived in the
colony in 1837 and departed three years later.
There is some dispute because some sources claim
that town was named after a John McLaren who
surveyed the area in 1839. Before either of them
came along the local Aborigines reputedly called
the area Myallina Dooronga. Until as recently as
the 1920s McLaren Vale was applied to the region
more than to the particular town and even today
there is a feeling that the surrounding
vineyards are really McLaren Vale vineyards even
if they are some kilometres outside the town.
This is an area which has always been about
grape growing. As early as 1850 the historic
Hardy and Seaview wineries were in operation. It
is widely accepted that Thomas Hardy's purchase
of the Tintara vineyard in 1853 is the symbolic
beginning of the town. Today the fundamental
raison d'etre of the district has not changed.
Things to see:
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Hardy's Tintara Winery
In a way this is the emotional centre of the
district. Located on the Main Road at the
western end of town it is a large complex
centred around the old McLaren Vale Flour Mill
which dates from 1878.
People wanting to do the rounds of the
McLaren Vale wineries could do worse than
purchase a copy of 'Wineries of McLaren Vale'
which is available at the Hardy Winery in
McLaren Vale and which lists, with maps, every
one of the wineries in the local area and gives
specific details of how to get there, what
grapes are grown there, and a history of the
owners and the winery.
The Barn
Located in Ellen Street and built in 1870 this
building was, for a long time, the main coaching
stop in the town.
McLaren Vale Hotel
Located on the Main Road, the McLaren Vale Hotel
was built in 1857 and subsequently bought by
Thomas Hardy who insisted that, regardless of
demands on accommodation, there was always a
room available for him.
Congregational Church and Salopian Inn
(1854)
The Old Chapel in Willunga Road, McLaren Vale is
now used by a range of small cottage industries.
The plaque on the outside says 'To honour the
memory of the pioneers of McLaren Vale who with
dauntless faith held the first church service in
the open air in 1840, built the first chapel in
1844, and built this, the first church, in
1861'. It¹s the McLaren Vale Congregational
Church and is now occupied by the Art Gallery
and L.J. Hooker.
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| Signs to the
Coreole winery, the Chapel Hill winery,
the Seaview Winery and the Amory
Vineyards |
Wineries in the Area - To the North
Chapel Hill Winery
Located on the Chapel Hill Road north of McLaren
Vale this family winery was established in 1979
and specialises in dry red and white table wines
and dessert ports derived from cabernet,
chardonnay, Verdelho and shiraz grapes. It is
open seven days for tastings and sales. For more
details contact (08) 8323 8429.
Coriole Vineyards
Located on the Chaffeys Road north of McLaren
Vale this family winery was established in 1969
and specialises in dry red and white table wines
derived from cabernet sauvignon, semillon,
chenin blanc, sangiovese and shiraz grapes. It
is open seven days for tastings and sales. For
more details contact (08) 8323 8305.
Seaview Winery
Located on Chaffey's Road, north of McLaren Vale
this famous winery was established in 1850 and
specialises in red and white table wines and
sparkling wines derived from cabernet sauvignon,
riesling, semillon, Grenache, chardonnay,
verdelho, sauvignon blanc and shiraz grapes. It
is open seven days for tastings and sales. For
more details contact (08) 8323 8250.
Oliverhill Winery
Located on Seaview Road, north of McLaren Vale
this family winery was established in 1973 and
specialises in red and white table wines,
fortified wines and sparkling wines derived from
cabernet sauvignon, Grenache, chardonnay and
shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8323 8922.
Kay's Amery Vineyards
Located on Kay's Road, north of McLaren Vale
this family winery was established in 1890 and
specialises in full bodied dry reds, white table
wines and fortified wines derived from cabernet
sauvignon, mataro, pinot noir, Merlot, sauvignon
blanc and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days
for tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8323 8211.
d'Arenberg Wines
Located on Osborn Road just north of McLaren
Vale this family winery was established in 1912
and specialises in red and white table wines,
sparkling red wine and fortified wine derived
from cabernet sauvignon, riesling, viognier,
petit verdot, chardonnay, marsanne, rousanne,
sauvignon blanc, grenache, mourvedre,
chambourcin and shiraz grapes. It is open seven
days for tastings and sales. For more details
contact (08) 8323 8206.
Merrivale Wines
Located on Olivers Road just north of McLaren
Vale this picturesque winery was established in
1971 and specialises in red and white table
wines and ports derived from cabernet sauvignon,
riesling, chardonnay and shiraz grapes. It is
open seven days for tastings and sales. For more
details contact (08) 8323 9196.
Manning Park Wines
Located on the corner of Chalk Hill and Olivers
Road just north of McLaren Vale this delightful
winery was established in 1982 and specialises
in red and white table wines, fortified wines
and ports derived from cabernet sauvignon,
riesling, grenache, sauvignon blanc and shiraz
grapes. It is open seven days for tastings and
sales. For more details contact (08) 8323 8209.
Marienberg Wines
Located at 2 Chalk Hill Road just north of
McLaren Vale this winery was established in 1966
and specialises in red and white table wines and
sparkling and fortified wines derived from
cabernet sauvignon, riesling, semillon, pinot
noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and shiraz
grapes. It is open seven days for tastings and
sales. For more details contact (08) 8323 9666.
Wineries in the Area - Around the Town
|
| The Hardy's
Tintara Winery |
Hardy's Tintara
Located on the Main Road in McLaren Vale this
large and historic winery was established in
1838 and specialises in premium red and white
table wines derived from cabernet sauvignon,
chardonnay, Merlot and shiraz grapes. It is open
seven days for tastings and sales. For more
details contact (08) 8323 9185.
Luong Rice Winery
Located on 220 Main South Road in McLaren Vale
this unusual winery was established in 1989 and
specialises in chinese rice wine . It is open
seven days for sales. For more details contact
(08) 8323 8156.
Tatachilla Winery
Located on 151 Main Road in McLaren Vale this
winery was established in 1901 and specialises
in red and white table wines and red and white
sparkling wines derived from cabernet sauvignon,
riesling, chardonnay, Merlot, sauvignon blanc
and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8323 8656.
Maxwell Wines
Located on Olivers Road in McLaren Vale this
family winery was established in 1979 and
specialises in red and white table wines and
mead (honey wine) derived from cabernet
sauvignon, semillon, merlot, sauvignon blanc and
shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8323 8200.
Dennis of McLaren Vale
Located on Kangarilla Road in McLaren Vale this
family winery was established in 1971 and
specialises in premium red and white table
wines, port and mead derived from cabernet
sauvignon, muscat, chardonnay, Merlot, sauvignon
blanc, grenache and shiraz grapes. It is open
seven days for tastings and sales. For more
details contact (08) 8323 8665.
Wineries in the Area - To the East
Andrew Garrett Winery
Located on Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat just east
of McLaren Vale this significant winery was
established in 1983 and specialises in red and
white table wines and sparkling wines derived
from cabernet sauvignon, riesling, semillon,
pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc,
cabernet franc and shiraz grapes. It is open
seven days for tastings and sales. For more
details contact (08) 8383 0005.
Ingoldby Wines
Located on Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat just east
of McLaren Vale this small winery was
established in 1973 and specialises in red and
white table wines derived from cabernet
sauvignon, chardonnay, Merlot, grenache,
sauvignon blanc, cabernet franc and shiraz
grapes. It shares a cellar door at Andrew
Garrett Winery and is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8383 0005.
Wirilda Creek Winery
Located on McMurtrie Road east of McLaren Vale
this visitor friendly winery was established in
1992 and specialises in red and white table
wines and fortified wines derived from cabernet
sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and shiraz grapes. It
is open seven days for tastings and sales. For
more details contact (08) 8323 9688.
Wirra Wirra Vineyards
Located on McMurtrie Road east of McLaren Vale
this historic winery was established in 1894 and
specialises in premium red and white table
wines, fortified and sparkling wines derived
from cabernet sauvignon, riesling, semillon,
pinot noir, chardonnay, Merlot, grenache,
sauvignon blanc and shiraz grapes. It is open
seven days for tastings and sales. For more
details contact (08) 8323 8414.
Curtis Wines
Located on Foggo Road east of McLaren Vale this
small winery was established in 1987 and
specialises in red and white table wines and
port derived from semillon, grenache and shiraz
grapes. It is open Saturday, Sunday and Public
holidays for tastings and sales. For more
details contact (08) 8323 8389.
Haselgrove Wines
Located on Foggo Road east of McLaren Vale this
small winery was established in 1980 and
specialises in dry red and white table wines,
fortified and sparkling wines derived from
cabernet sauvignon, chenin blanc, viognier,
chardonnay, Merlot, sauvignon blanc, grenache
and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8323 8706.
Middlebrook Winery and Restaurant
Located on Sand Road east of McLaren Vale this
delightful winery was established in 1947 and
specialises in red and white table wines, ports
and fortified wines derived from cabernet
sauvignon, semillon, chardonnay, Merlot and
shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8383 0004.
Tinlins Winery
Located on Kangarilla Road east of McLaren Vale
this winery was established in 1976 and
specialises in red and white table wines,
fortified and sparkling wines derived from
cabernet sauvignon, riesling, grenache, pedro
ximenes, palomino, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc
and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8323 8649.
Scarpantoni Estate Wine
Located on Scarpantoni Drive east of McLaren
Vale this family winery was established in 1979
and specialises in premium red and white table
wines, fortified and sparkling wines derived
from cabernet sauvignon, riesling, gamay,
muscat, chardonnay, Merlot, sauvignon blanc and
shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8383 0186.
Fern Hill Estate
Located on Ingoldby Road east of McLaren Vale
this boutique winery was established in 1975 and
specialises in premium red and white table wines
derived from cabernet sauvignon grapes. It is
open seven days for tastings and sales. For more
details contact (08) 8383 0167.
P & A Hoffman's Wines
Located on Ingoldby Road east of McLaren Vale
this family winery was established in 1996 and
specialises in dry red and white table wines
derived from cabernet sauvignon and shiraz
grapes. It is open seven days for tastings and
sales. For more details contact (08) 8383 0232.
Ryecroft Vineyards
Located on Ingoldby Road east of McLaren Vale
this well known winery was established in 1888
and specialises in premium red and white table
wines derived from cabernet sauvignon,
chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and shiraz grapes.
It is open seven days for tastings and sales.
For more details contact (08) 8383 0001.
Shottesbrooke Vineyards
Located at 1 Bagshaws Road east of McLaren Vale
this award winning winery was established in
1984 and specialises in premium dry red and
white table wines derived from cabernet
sauvignon, chardonnay, Merlot, sauvignon blanc
and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8383 0002.
Kangarilla Road Vineyard & Winery
Located on Kangarilla Road east of McLaren Vale
this family winery was established in 1975 and
specialises in red and white table wines and
fortified wines derived from cabernet sauvignon,
pinot noir, chardonnay, Malbec, sauvignon blanc,
cabernet franc, zinfandel and shiraz grapes. It
is open seven days for tastings and sales. For
more details contact (08) 8383 0533.
Hugo Wines
Located on Elliot Road at McLaren Flat this
small family winery was established in 1982 and
specialises in red and white table wines and
port derived from cabernet sauvignon, semillon,
grenache, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet
franc and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days
for tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8383 0098.
Woodstock Winery
Located on Douglas Gully Road at McLaren Flat
this family winery was established in 1973 and
specialises in premium red and white table wines
and port derived from cabernet sauvignon,
semillon, grenache, chardonnay, riesling, Merlot
and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8383 0156.
Maglieri Wines
Located on Douglas Gully Road at McLaren Flat
this family winery was established in 1972 and
specialises in Lambrusco and premium red and
white table wines and derived from cabernet
sauvignon, riesling, semillon, grenache,
chardonnay, Merlot and shiraz grapes. It is open
seven days for tastings and sales. For more
details contact (08) 8383 0177.
Wineries in the Area - To the South
Pirramimma Wines
Located on Johnston Road just south of McLaren
Vale this well known winery was established in
1892 and specialises in red and white table
wines and fortified wines derived from cabernet
sauvignon, petit verdot, semillon, pinot noir,
chardonnay, Merlot, grenache, sauvignon blanc
and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for
tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8323 8205.
Fox Creek Wines
Located on Malpas Road south of McLaren Vale
this boutique winery was established in 1996 and
specialises in red and white table wines and
sparkling wines derived from cabernet sauvignon,
verdelho, chenin blanc, chardonnay, sauvignon
blanc, cabernet franc and shiraz grapes. It is
open seven days for tastings and sales. For more
details contact (08) 8556 2403.
Richard Hamilton Wines
Located on Main Road south of McLaren Vale this
family winery was established in 1972 and
specialises in red and white table wines derived
from chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, chenin
blanc, semillon, grenache, Merlot, sauvignon
blanc and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days
for tastings and sales. For more details contact
(08) 8556 2288.
