McLaren Vale Tours

Discover McLaren Vale via bus.

Tours & Experiences

McLaren Vale
Adelaide: Half-day McLaren Vale & Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour
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Wine Tour
From$89.00
5 Hours
McLaren Vale
From Adelaide: McLaren Vale Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch
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Wine Tour
From$239.00
8 Hours
Full-Day Private McLaren Vale Private Tour Bus
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Wine Tour
From$107.85
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale North Hop-On Hop-Off Winery Tour from Adelaide
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Wine Tour
From$100.00
1 Day
McLaren Vale
Mclaren Vale Shared Full Day Wine Tour
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Wine Tour
From$188.76
8 Hours

About McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale is a renowned wine region located about 35 kilometers south of Adelaide in South Australia, celebrated for producing some of the country's finest wines since the 1840s. The region's Mediterranean climate, diverse soils ranging from ancient sands to iron-rich clay, and cooling sea breezes from the nearby Gulf St Vincent create ideal conditions for viticulture. McLaren Vale is particularly famous for its bold Shiraz wines, which showcase the region's warm climate and distinctive terroir, though it also produces excellent Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and increasingly impressive alternative varieties like Fiano and Vermentino. The picturesque landscape of rolling hills dotted with historic cellar doors, combined with its proximity to Adelaide and beautiful beaches, has made McLaren Vale not just a premium wine destination but also a popular tourist region offering wine tours, festivals, and farm-to-table dining experiences that celebrate both the local viticulture and the area's rich agricultural heritage.

What to do

Wine Tasting & Cellar Doors McLaren Vale boasts over 90 cellar doors ranging from boutique family wineries to larger established producers. Must-visit spots include d’Arenberg with its quirky Cube building offering immersive wine experiences, Wirra Wirra for its historic charm and excellent tastings, and Chapel Hill for stunning vineyard views. Many wineries offer behind-the-scenes tours, blending sessions, and food pairings.

Cycling & Walking The region is perfect for cycling with the Shiraz Trail, a 57km bike path connecting McLaren Vale to Adelaide through vineyards and coastal areas. Many operators offer bike rentals and guided wine tours by bicycle. Walking trails through vineyards and the nearby Onkaparinga River National Park provide scenic routes for hikers.

Food Experiences The area excels in farm-to-table dining with restaurants like Salopian Inn and The Currant Shed showcasing local produce. Visit the McLaren Vale Farmers Market on Saturdays for fresh local goods, artisanal products, and gourmet treats. Many wineries have excellent restaurants with vineyard views.

Art & Culture Explore local galleries and studios, particularly during the annual McLaren Vale Wine & Food Festival. The region has a thriving arts scene with many wineries displaying local artwork and hosting cultural events.

Beaches & Nature The nearby coastline offers beautiful beaches at Aldinga and Moana, perfect for swimming, surfing, or coastal walks. The Onkaparinga River gorge provides bushwalking opportunities and scenic picnic spots just minutes from the vineyards.

Bus Services

Public Transport from Adelaide to McLaren Vale

Route 751 (Main Service)

Take the train from Adelaide to Seaford Interchange, then transfer to bus 751, 751W, or 752
Route 751 runs via Aldinga, Willunga, McLaren Vale, Seaford, Beach Road, Noarlunga Centre Interchange and Colonnades
Main stops in McLaren Vale are Stop 92 Main Road (North East side) and Stop 91 Main Road (South West side)
Total journey time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Route 752

Operates between McLaren Flat and McLaren Vale on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

Wineries Accessible by Public Transport

Since the bus routes run along Main Road in McLaren Vale, wineries within walking distance of Main Road stops include:

Several cellar doors are located on or near Main Road in the McLaren Vale township
Serafino Wines is accessible from the main road
The Visitor Information Centre at 796 Main Road has wine tastings available

Note: Many wineries are spread out, so public transport access is limited, and hiring a car is recommended for visiting multiple wineries

TrailHopper Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Bus

TrailHopper offers a dedicated hop-on hop-off wine tour service departing from Adelaide CBD at 10:00am from Stamford Plaza Hotel, or from McLaren Vale Visitor Information Centre at 11:00am.