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.