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Some of Australia’s oldest vines grow in McLaren Vale, and the region’s success with traditional red varieties like shiraz, cabernet, and grenache has been substantial. As one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world, it’s no surprise that local winemakers have begun experimenting with many other varieties in recent years. The result is a vibrant mix of the old and the new, with an increasing focus on sustainability. The wineries ahead celebrate their viticultural heritage while contributing to the future of the industry – visit them to learn more about the region.
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d’Arenberg
As a founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine, d’Arenberg encapsulates McLaren Vale’s spirit of tradition and innovation. In 2017, construction was completed on the d’Arenberg Cube, a five-storey, multi-function centre that houses the winery’s tasting room, a restaurant, private tasting areas, as well as an immersive art gallery. This modern structure is juxtaposed against the rich d’Arenberg history and traditional methods still used in the winemaking process today. -
Angove Family Winemakers
Angove Family Winemakers is nestled in the heart of the historic Warboys Vineyard, home to some of the oldest shiraz and grenache vines in the region. The cellar door’s enviable view across the vineyard to the nearby coastline makes for an ideal setting to sample the products of McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate. Angove wines have organic and biodynamic certification, thanks to a concerted effort to minimise the use of pesticides in the viticultural process. -
Shottesbrooke Vineyards
Construction on the Shottesbrooke winery began over two decades ago. Today, it is a hub of activity, with the state-of-the-art winemaking facilities positioned directly next to the cellar door allowing visitors to feel a part of the journey from vine to glass. Views over the Mount Lofty Ranges make for a picturesque place to learn more about the viticultural process, taste Shottesbrooke’s premium wines, or indulge in some delicious local produce. -
Hither & Yon
Originally a butcher’s shop built in the 1860s, the Hither & Yon cellar door still retains its local slate flooring and limestone walls. The site is curated carefully to reflect the winery’s artisan philosophy and focus on design, which is also showcased by their striking wine labels. The vintage vibe of the space is in contrast to Hither & Yon’s modern, innovative style – expect a mix of single-site, old vine wines along with cool blends and natural styles produced with sustainable grape-growing practices. -
Patritti
In 1926, one year after immigrating from Italy, Giovanni Patritti established his eponymous winery. Now, tucked away on a quiet residential street, Patritti is Adelaide’s last remaining fully-operational suburban cellar door. The family owns two exceptional vineyards in McLaren Vale, which they use to craft their range of exclusive wines. The winery produces a range of traditional styles and emerging varieties, embodying the McLaren Vale ideology of tradition mixed with innovation. -
Shingleback Wine
Located at the gateway to McLaren Vale and housed in the original barn of the Aldersey Farm (circa 1890) is the Shingleback cellar door. Four generations of the Davey family have tended the clay soils of the Davey Estate vineyard, implementing best-practice viticulture. The winery now has a prominent focus on sustainability, having just undertaken a revegetation project in conjunction with the McLaren Vale Biodiversity Group, with the aim to diversify the surrounding habitats and increase beneficial insects in the adjacent vines.
Explore... The renowned d’Arenberg Cube. Wander through the gallery of curated art and wine memorabilia before making your way to the tasting room for a guided experience. For a more intimate setting, indulge in a paired degustation at the Cube restaurant or book a private tasting.
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Make time for... a host of wine experiences, with something to suit everyone from the connoisseur to those just looking to relax with family and friends. Get to know the Angove range with a wine flight, cheese and wine pairing or guided tasting, followed by a lunch of gourmet regional produce.
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Image credit: Jacqui Way
Learn... about McLaren Vale’s dedication to sustainability, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Shottesbrooke winemaking facility. Find out more through an educational “ancient soils” wine tasting, followed by a long, regionally-inspired lunch at The Currant Shed.
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Image credit: Josie Withers
Stop by... after visiting the nearby Willunga Farmer’s Market on a Saturday or browsing the surrounding High Street shops. Explore the region by bike, before returning for a lunch of gourmet seasonal burgers, pizzas and cheese platters at the cellar door. Pair this food with Hither & Yon’s distinctive offering of traditional and emerging varieties.
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Experience... the contrasts of old and new at the Patritti cellar door, and a taste of McLaren Vale in the heart of Adelaide. Savour the craftsmanship of the single-vineyard reds, explore the exciting Merchant Series, or discover a variety you might not have tried before. Immerse yourself in more than 90 years of winemaking history for a unique and memorable experience.
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Taste... a selection of current release wines and tasting room exclusives from the knowledgeable and friendly Shingleback team. Enjoy a glass of wine and locally-sourced cheese platter by the open fire or on the sunny veranda. Or, book a WineFood lunch – a four-course, seasonal menu with wine pairing, prepared right in front of you at the Chef’s Table.
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*This article was produced by Halliday Wine Companion in partnership with the featured wineries.
