A brand new GPS system has been introduced to help travellers explore South Australia’s Fleurieu Way.
The first of its kind in Australia, it’s providing self-drive travellers with ‘virtual tour guides’ to help them discover the stunning 235 kms route. It is expected that this system will transform Australian self-drive holidays, providing travellers with an interactive experience that is both entertaining and fun.
Accompanied by a brochure, the GPS package plugs into a car’s cigarette lighter and can be hired from selected visitor information centres. The GPS system offers 20 great reasons to travel the Fleurieu Way, points out places of interest and provides insider tips from locals like Ian Johnson the Cockle Train driver (a steam train that runs along the beach front on the oldest steel-railed railway in Australia); Rebecca Wilson from Bremerton Wines (an award winning winery awarded the accolade of having “Australia’s Best Red”); and Adrian Cox from the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island which has been running for over 100 years.
Highlighted activities include antique-hunting in Strathalbyn, cruising to the mouth of the Murray River or the bird rich wilderness of Coorong National Park, riding the coastal Cockle Train and whale watching along the Encounter Bay coastline.
Discover the Fleurieu Way by Leaonne Hall
Thursday 9 April 2009
SA vines wither as water rushes out to sea
Derek Cameron does everything he can to protect his 30 acres of grapes in McLaren Vale.
Reliant on mains water, he has invested in a highly efficient irrigation system, but when the heat hits the vines begin to wither. Yet while his and other irrigators’ crops go thirsty, the water that could save them flows out to sea.
The State and Federal Governments have funded a 700 Ml dam for treated waste water storage as a part of the “Waterproofing the South” project.
The dam will be able to supply water to more than 50 per cent of the irrigators in McLaren Vale, helping people like Mr Cameron. This will reduce demand for mains water from the Murray River and help to reduce damage such as the estimated $30 million of crops and subsequent $120 million in wine sales, lost in the February heatwave.
The State Government said the dam should be completed by September this year. However, McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association acting chairman Jock Harvey is demanding the September deadline in writing from the Government.
He said the State Government had previously suggested the dam would be completed by February this year and was gravely concerned that the process was taking too long and jeopardising crops. He said the 700 Ml reclaimed water storage project would protect crops, growers and farmers, reduce polluted outflow to the ocean and increase drinking water to the SA Water network.
“We have water that can save growers and vineyards that is being pumped out to sea,” Mr Harvey said. “There are plenty of people who will seriously struggle without the access to this water.”
The dam will be filled with reclaimed water from the Christies Beach waste water treatment plant.
Mr Harvey said that without confirmation, irrigators still reliant on Murray water and likely to face further water restrictions would be forced to make tough business decisions before next season.
“This year will be even more critical because these growers are quite desperate to find out whether they’ll be able to move across to the treated water,” Mr Harvey said.
“The region is the biggest employer south of Adelaide and the investment in this dam would have significant savings for its whole economy.”
SA Water chief operating officer John Ringham said a contract was awarded last week with preliminary site works starting three days later
MELISSA MACK
Independent Weekly
Reliant on mains water, he has invested in a highly efficient irrigation system, but when the heat hits the vines begin to wither. Yet while his and other irrigators’ crops go thirsty, the water that could save them flows out to sea.
The State and Federal Governments have funded a 700 Ml dam for treated waste water storage as a part of the “Waterproofing the South” project.
The dam will be able to supply water to more than 50 per cent of the irrigators in McLaren Vale, helping people like Mr Cameron. This will reduce demand for mains water from the Murray River and help to reduce damage such as the estimated $30 million of crops and subsequent $120 million in wine sales, lost in the February heatwave.
The State Government said the dam should be completed by September this year. However, McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association acting chairman Jock Harvey is demanding the September deadline in writing from the Government.
He said the State Government had previously suggested the dam would be completed by February this year and was gravely concerned that the process was taking too long and jeopardising crops. He said the 700 Ml reclaimed water storage project would protect crops, growers and farmers, reduce polluted outflow to the ocean and increase drinking water to the SA Water network.
“We have water that can save growers and vineyards that is being pumped out to sea,” Mr Harvey said. “There are plenty of people who will seriously struggle without the access to this water.”
The dam will be filled with reclaimed water from the Christies Beach waste water treatment plant.
Mr Harvey said that without confirmation, irrigators still reliant on Murray water and likely to face further water restrictions would be forced to make tough business decisions before next season.
“This year will be even more critical because these growers are quite desperate to find out whether they’ll be able to move across to the treated water,” Mr Harvey said.
“The region is the biggest employer south of Adelaide and the investment in this dam would have significant savings for its whole economy.”
SA Water chief operating officer John Ringham said a contract was awarded last week with preliminary site works starting three days later
MELISSA MACK
Independent Weekly
Wineries slam SA water authority
SA WATER has been slammed by the drought-gripped McLaren Vale wine industry over a 12-month delay in building the region a promised dam.
The South Australian water authority has been accused of mishandling the project to build a 700-megalitre storage site, which was promised to McLaren Vale in the 2007 federal election and funded by state and federal governments, the Adelaide Advertiser reports.
Former chairman of the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association Jock Harvey said: "With further water restrictions likely, we're heading from disaster to catastrophe because we're not viewed as important enough to spend $6 million on a dam that can save losses of $120 million annually."
Labor member for Mawson Leon Bignell said SA Water's handling of the project was a "disaster".
"It should have been finished now. South Australians have the right to know what SA Water is doing and if it is capable of running projects," he said.
Mr Harvey said that without vital water security, hundreds of wine industry jobs were placed at risk and many of the region's growers faced the prospect of abandoning their properties.
The region already is reeling from an estimated $30 million in lost fruit that could translate to about $120 million in lost wine sales as a result of February's heatwave.
The dam was promised to store reclaimed water as part of the the "Waterproofing the South" project, and would provide water to 50 per cent of the area's irrigators.
Mr Harvey said many of them have had their mains water allocation cut by 38 per cent and faced further cuts.
"We are gravely concerned (the dam) won't be built by September," he said. "It will affect dozens of growers and hundreds of jobs, possibly thousands."
Growers maintain the dam project should have been finished in February - at the very least before the start of the November irrigation season.
Mr Harvey said South Australian Water Security Minister Karlene Maywald indicated in a meeting in February, 2008, the project would take 12 months. But a spokeswoman for Ms Maywald denied this, saying it would be completed "on time" by the 2009/10 irrigation season.
Mr Harvey said the dam would reduce pollution to Gulf St Vincent, protect the grape and wine industries and return mains drinking water to the SA Water network.
Mr Bignell said he had been lobbying for 18 months to have the dam built and had written to Ms Maywald and Premier Mike Rann seeking answers.
The growers' association has been mobilising its members to lobby for assurances the dam will be filled by November. It says in a letter: "We are gravely concerned that the State Government and SA Water's current timeline for building the 700ML reclaimed water storage at Aldinga poses a grave risk to our livelihoods and the economy of the McLaren Vale region over the next 12 months."
SA Water said it had followed the same process undertaken with all major construction projects.
Chief operating officer John Ringham said in an email that a tender for the dam project was awarded last week and work started three days later.
The South Australian water authority has been accused of mishandling the project to build a 700-megalitre storage site, which was promised to McLaren Vale in the 2007 federal election and funded by state and federal governments, the Adelaide Advertiser reports.
Former chairman of the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association Jock Harvey said: "With further water restrictions likely, we're heading from disaster to catastrophe because we're not viewed as important enough to spend $6 million on a dam that can save losses of $120 million annually."
Labor member for Mawson Leon Bignell said SA Water's handling of the project was a "disaster".
"It should have been finished now. South Australians have the right to know what SA Water is doing and if it is capable of running projects," he said.
Mr Harvey said that without vital water security, hundreds of wine industry jobs were placed at risk and many of the region's growers faced the prospect of abandoning their properties.
The region already is reeling from an estimated $30 million in lost fruit that could translate to about $120 million in lost wine sales as a result of February's heatwave.
The dam was promised to store reclaimed water as part of the the "Waterproofing the South" project, and would provide water to 50 per cent of the area's irrigators.
Mr Harvey said many of them have had their mains water allocation cut by 38 per cent and faced further cuts.
"We are gravely concerned (the dam) won't be built by September," he said. "It will affect dozens of growers and hundreds of jobs, possibly thousands."
Growers maintain the dam project should have been finished in February - at the very least before the start of the November irrigation season.
Mr Harvey said South Australian Water Security Minister Karlene Maywald indicated in a meeting in February, 2008, the project would take 12 months. But a spokeswoman for Ms Maywald denied this, saying it would be completed "on time" by the 2009/10 irrigation season.
Mr Harvey said the dam would reduce pollution to Gulf St Vincent, protect the grape and wine industries and return mains drinking water to the SA Water network.
Mr Bignell said he had been lobbying for 18 months to have the dam built and had written to Ms Maywald and Premier Mike Rann seeking answers.
The growers' association has been mobilising its members to lobby for assurances the dam will be filled by November. It says in a letter: "We are gravely concerned that the State Government and SA Water's current timeline for building the 700ML reclaimed water storage at Aldinga poses a grave risk to our livelihoods and the economy of the McLaren Vale region over the next 12 months."
SA Water said it had followed the same process undertaken with all major construction projects.
Chief operating officer John Ringham said in an email that a tender for the dam project was awarded last week and work started three days later.
McLaren Vale - Places to See
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visitors descend to McLaren Vale primarily for perusing the various wineries in the region, many of which are open daily for tastings. Most wineries are located just a short drive from the town centre.
The town boasts an abundance of food and wine and, being the gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula, it also hosts various tourist attractions ranging from steam train rides to water sports such as diving, boating and surfing as well as fishing, whale and penguin viewing, not to mention a plethora of places to eat and the world-famous Shiraz harvested annually between March and early April.
Other attractions in the area include the Dridan Fine Arts gallery, the Tintara Winery Cellar Door which features the oldest vintage wine bottle in Australia and the century old groves in the Olive Grove.
A walking and cycling track stretches along the old railway line from McLaren Vale to Willunga and provides an ideal way to explore the area and sample its many offerings.
Various tours to McLaren Vale operate out of Adelaide regularly. You can also design your own tours at McLaren Vale itself with suggestions from the boutique wineries and gourmet producers in the region.
The town boasts an abundance of food and wine and, being the gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula, it also hosts various tourist attractions ranging from steam train rides to water sports such as diving, boating and surfing as well as fishing, whale and penguin viewing, not to mention a plethora of places to eat and the world-famous Shiraz harvested annually between March and early April.
Other attractions in the area include the Dridan Fine Arts gallery, the Tintara Winery Cellar Door which features the oldest vintage wine bottle in Australia and the century old groves in the Olive Grove.
A walking and cycling track stretches along the old railway line from McLaren Vale to Willunga and provides an ideal way to explore the area and sample its many offerings.
Various tours to McLaren Vale operate out of Adelaide regularly. You can also design your own tours at McLaren Vale itself with suggestions from the boutique wineries and gourmet producers in the region.
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