No trip to McLaren Vale is complete without ticking off these bucket-list experiences.
This is a huge call, but Pizzateca may just be our favourite pizza in Australia. It's a whole family affair and it always looks like everyone's having a great time. You can even watch as the chefs make the dough. The service is attentive and fun and the aperol spritz flows constantly, accompanied by good music, good vibes and an amazing wine list.
Our recommendation? Begin with burrata and arancini, then always, always order the diablo pizza. The tiramisu is phenomenal and if you're lucky, the staff will bring out some limoncello with your dessert. This is the best little Italian gem in the Vale, so don't make the mistake of passing it by.
Love Italian wine? Then pull over the car, because Coriole are THE pioneers of sangiovese in Australia. They also happen to do a cracking shiraz, like any self-respecting McLaren Vale institution, along with other Italian varietals including fiano, barbera and nero d'avola.
Though Coriole first opened in 1967, the adorable cellar door can be found in a farmhouse that dates all the way back to 1860, as do the colourful gardens. There are two options for lunch – the Gather at Coriole restaurant and the Arbor Bar – with the former serving up local, sustainable produce across two tasting menus, while the latter offers a more relaxed, snack-focused affair. Stop in for a tasting, a snack or long lunch, and a walk in the gardens, and you won't be disappointed.
Even if you haven't heard of d'Arenberg, there's a high chance you'll still recognise the famous d'Arenberg Cube. The five-storey building – an architectural marvel hosting d'Arenberg's tasting room, a café and an art gallery – was built in 2003 to represent the complexities and puzzles of winemaking, and has since become a regional icon. It's an absolute must-visit, as is the chef-hatted d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant, which can be found nearby at the property's homestead.
Back at The Cube, you'll find pieces from local artists in the gallery, as well as work from Chester Osborn, the winemaker and fourth-generation guardian at d'Arenberg. They also host world-class international exhibitions including works from Salvador Dali, and there are so many whacky, wonderful things hidden in the building that you're more than ready for a wine tasting once you reach the top floor.
A family-run winery dating back to the 1960s, Chalk Hill is run by brothers Tom and Jock Harvey, who have six generations of grape-growing experience running through their blood. They're born-and-bred locals and incredibly passionate about giving back to the McLaren Vale community, so don't be surprised if you hear their names being thrown around town often.
The winery is located right in the heart of McLaren Vale, just a five-minute walk from the town centre, and the Never Never Distilling Co. operates out of the site too.This makes it the perfect destination for anyone with a gin-loving friend, who will no doubt appreciate you breaking up the wine tastings with something a little different. And with stunning views of the region, it's a spot you may well want to spend the entire afternoon enjoying; just grab a glass of wine, a gin and a pizza, then play a few lawn games while enjoying the jaw-dropping scenery.
The Paxton family have tenderly cared for their own vineyards in McLaren Vale for over 40 years now, with David Paxton being one of the most respected viticulturists in Australia. They're at the forefront of the region's organic and biodynamic scene, crafting delicious, sustainable wines that keep visitors coming back again and again.
Paxton's cellar door operates out of an old stone building with a wonderfully high arched ceiling. You'll usually find people sprawled out on the grass or sitting around a barrel enjoying a glass or two. The same cellar door staff have been working here for years, so there's a really welcoming atmosphere and plenty of knowledge to be shared. It's actually one of the first wineries you'll pass when entering McLaren Vale, so it makes for a fantastic first impression of the region.
The beginning of every Wirra Wirra harvest is signalled with the ringing of a giant 17th-century bell and if that doesn't convince you to drop by the cellar door, nothing will. Except, perhaps, the opportunity to explore a 125-year-old winery that's witnessed the entire evolution of McLaren Vale and even has a medieval catapult from which you can launch watermelons. We're not joking.
The best thing about Wirra Wirra is that the wines more than match up to the experiences on offer. Shiraz and cabernet sauvignon are the specialities, and visitors can choose from three different tasting options. The recently renovated cellar door is a joy to spend time in, so don't be surprised if you end up trying all three tastings, and be sure to try one of the eight tour experiences – each with its own masterclass – if you have the time.
