From Hikes to Wines: How To Spend a Weekend in McLaren Vale

Australians are blessed when it comes to wine. Across the country, our wine-growing regions are plentiful, beautiful and – surprise – full of stunning vino. And in terms of proximity to Adelaide, few are as easily accessible as McLaren Vale. Less than an hour’s drive from the city, McLaren Vale is home to some of the country’s most renowned wineries, but it’s the sheer scope of the region that makes it special, with a seemingly endless list of parks, beaches and restaurants.

These all make it an excellent option for a weekend away for Adelaide locals and visitors alike, since it’s just a quick drive from the airport, too. Ready to go? We’ve put together an itinerary packed with everything that makes McLaren Vale a true destination.

There’s a very human touch to McLaren Vale’s wine country, with its verdant vineyards and scattered cellar doors. Onkaparinga River National Park, on the other hand, offers a chance to escape into wilderness. Following its network of trails – which run from short and easy to those more suited to experienced hikers – is an ideal way to start a weekend away. We recommend taking in the stunning views from the elevated ridges before heading down into Onkaparinga Gorge, where you can take a dip when the weather is warm. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too – the region is known for koalas, kangaroos and native birds.

It’s the wineries and vineyards that draw us to McLaren Vale, no doubt – the region’s climate makes it ideally suited to growing bright, complex reds and fresh, textural white wines, while the history behind the wineries make them more than worthy of a visit. Neighbouring the Onkaparinga Gorge, Chapel Hill is located on the site of a chapel built in 1865. It’s one of the region’s most renowned vineyards, and our pick for a weekend winery trip.

We’d recommend keeping at least a full afternoon free to stop in for a wine flight in the tasting room, located inside the historic chapel itself (or opt for the Icons Masterclass for five of the best Chapel Hill drops with matched food pairings). If weather permits, grab a glass and find a shady spot under the gum trees.

Need somewhere to rest your head? The winery also offers on-site accommodation in the Guest House, a fully-equipped stone chalet-style cottage with expansive views through its double-height windows. It’s a good, centrally located home base for a weekend of exploring the best of the region – and you can end each day watching the spectacular sunset over the vines – glass of wine in hand, of course – before tucking into bed and recharging for the next day.

Thoughts of McLaren Vale might turn to wines sipped within a stone’s throw of trellised grapevines and rolling hills. But with 30 kilometres of coastline, it’s just as much about the beaches, and visiting one should be on your itinerary. Each beach has something a little different to offer, so you can find the best to suit your needs. Moana and Aldinga are both patrolled and popular with surfers, swimmers and families; Maslin offers stunning views (fair warning – it’s also a nudist beach); and Port Noarlunga is ideal for fishing and snorkelling. Plenty of local beaches allow you to drive on the sand, too.

There’s no shortage of great restaurants in McLaren Vale, but to really get a taste of the region, don’t pass by The Salopian Inn. The packed kitchen garden provides the majority of the menu’s herbs, fruit and vegetables, as dictated by the seasons, while meat and seafood are sourced from the region’s local producers – giving chef Karena Armstrong’s menu a very McLaren Vale flavour. Salopian is also known for its massive gin list (over 200 from Australia and abroad) but with an expansive wine cellar, we’d be inclined to grab a bottle of Chapel Hill wine – pairing some of the region’s best food with its best wine, too.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Chapel Hill.