McLaren Vale Wine & Food Tours

Why McLaren Vale Is One of Australia's Most Underrated Wine Regions

South of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is one of the country's most diverse wine regions, and one of its most enjoyable to visit. Wine Australia describes McLaren Vale as a region of remarkable diversity, with the Mount Lofty Ranges to the east and Gulf St Vincent to the west creating distinct microclimates across a compact area.

The region's signature is shiraz — McLaren Vale shiraz is characteristically rich, full-bodied, and distinctive from the Barossa style. d'Arenberg is the region's most recognised icon, known for both its extraordinary wines and the extraordinary d'Arenberg Cube, a building that has become a destination in itself. But beyond d'Arenberg, the region has excellent small-batch producers across shiraz, cabernet, grenache, and Tempranillo.

The food culture is shaped by the region's Mediterranean heritage — Greek and Italian settlers shaped both the agriculture and the food identity. Coromandel Outstanding produce-focused restaurant, the Verdict on d'Arenberg's tasting experience, and the smallgoods and produce of the region make McLaren Vale a complete food and wine destination.