McLaren Vale is South Australian wine country at its most relaxed: rolling vineyards, coastal views and some of the most family-friendly wineries we’ve visited. It’s famous for Shiraz and Grenache, and for being much closer to Adelaide than the Barossa.
We went with both kids. Here’s where we stayed, ate and fed kangaroos.
Getting There
We drove from Melbourne, which takes about nine hours. The easier option is to fly into Adelaide, then drive about 45 minutes to McLaren Vale.
Where We Stayed
We loved Oxenberry Farm. We stayed in Daringa House, which had plenty of room for a family of four and even an open fire. It’s right on the Shiraz Trail, a walking track between several beautiful wineries.
The Wineries
Hugh Hamilton Wines
Our first stop was Hugh Hamilton Wines for a chocolate and wine tasting. That’s two of my favourite things at once.
The wineries here are brilliant with kids. Our daughter was given colouring pencils and paper while our son snoozed in his pram, and nobody batted an eyelid.
Down the Rabbit Hole
The next day we had lunch at Down the Rabbit Hole: fresh, seasonal plates and a gorgeous fig salad.
Woodstock Wines
The highlight for our daughter was feeding the kangaroos at Woodstock Wines. Getting that close to them made her whole trip.
Lena’s Tips
- Fly to Adelaide. The drive from Melbourne is long. From Adelaide it’s 45 minutes.
- Stay on the Shiraz Trail. You can walk between wineries.
- Bring the kids. The wineries here are genuinely welcoming to families.
- Book Woodstock for the kangaroos. It’ll be the bit the kids remember most.
The Verdict
McLaren Vale is easy, beautiful and made for long lunches, with or without children. Stay at Oxenberry Farm, do the chocolate tasting at Hugh Hamilton and let the kids feed the kangaroos at Woodstock.
More Australian wine country: read my Margaret River guide and Sydney guide.
“McLaren Vale is wine country that welcomes kids. Chocolate, Shiraz and kangaroos: what more do you need?” – Lena
