Hero image courtesy of d’Arenberg Wines

Did you know that you can now jump on a direct flight from Newcastle to Adelaide with Qantas? That’s right, Qantas now flies direct from Newcastle Airport to Adelaide Airport three times a week!

Whether you only have the weekend or a few more days to play, it’s time to start locking in some holiday plans to Adelaide! To make your travel plans as easy as possible, we’ve curated three separate itineraries of all the best spots to eat, drink, explore, and more! To explore the best of McLaren Vale read on, for all the best city experiences click here, and for the ultimate foodie focussed adventure click here.

Morning

The entire day we’ve got planned for you to explore today is based around wining and dining through the beautiful McLaren Vale. So, to make sure you’re well equipped for the day ahead, you’ve got to load up on a delicious breakfast, and why not do it somewhere well worth the visit? Drop into the enchanted garden café that is Peter Rabbit. This whimsical and charming venue features brunch classics and light fare.

Following breakfast, get yourself ready before being picked up in your own personal luxury vehicle with Door to Door Chauffeurs before you embark on the short drive out to your first stop for the day. When you book your transport with this local business, they can work with you to tailor an exclusive intimate wine tour experience, but if you’re keen to check out our personal favourites, keep reading!

Breakfast
Peter Rabbit – 234-244 Hindley St – More Info: click here

Day

Let’s get this wine tour rolling with the first stop dropping into none other than the extraordinarily jaw-dropping cellar door and winery that is d’Arenberg Wines. Since its inception in 1912, d’Arenberg has been offering a selection of food, wine, and art experiences that challenge convention. Much more than just a cellar door, a drop into d’Arenberg is unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Next stop is none other than Mitolo Wines, a somewhat newcomer to the McLaren Vale scene, Mitolo Wines is situated inside a collection of converted shipping containers featuring a tasting room, LittleWolf Osteria, and a soon-to-launch new restaurant named Franks. This family-owned business is led by the founder and owner, Frank Mitolo whose vision is to create a range of wines of individuality, integrity, and utmost quality. A visit to this hidden gem is an absolute must for any wine aficionado.

Only a short 3minute drive down the road, and you’ll be greeted to this Byron-Bay-esque winery, cellar door, and restaurant, Down The Rabbit Hole Wines. This bohemian-styled venue comes complete with expansive grounds perfect for rolling out a rug, trying wines, enjoying platters, a Moroccan-inspired restaurant, and a giant double -ecker bus made for a unique cellar door experience.

We know it’s almost time for lunch, but there’s one more place you absolutely have to squeeze into your busy day before tucking in for some food. Located on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful McLaren Vale is a collective of three businesses all worth a mention on their own; Never Never Distilling Co, Chalk Hill Wines, and Cucina di Strada.

Never Never Distilling Co. is a little gin mix-up for your day of drinking local wines. Brought to you by three passionate people with a dream of creating Australia’s most exciting and innovative gin brand Drop in for a gin flight, order a singular cocktail or book in for the full Premium Gin Masterclass. So go on, step into the Never Never…

Just next door you’ve got the wondrous cellar door that is Chalk Hill Wines. This family-owned winery is dedicated to making smal- batch, handcrafted wines of distinction, this humble cellar door invites you in for a range of immersive tasting experiences.

Now it’s about time you treat yourself to a tasty lunch, and whilst you’re in the vicinity, you’d be mad not to taste the delicious Italian foodie treats available at the on-site eatery that is Cucina di Strada.

If you’re keen for a more substantial meal, and a bit of a view, you’ve got to pull up into the unassuming local pub; Victory Hotel. Located at Sellicks Hill, a 20minute drive from your last stop, Victory Hotel is a restored restaurant dating from 1858, offering a menu featuring locally sourced fresh produce, with a stunning outlook over the coastal areas of Sellicks Beach, Aldinga Bay, and Fleurieu districts.

But what the Victory Hotel is truly known for is their outstanding wine cellar with a vast array of local, Australian, and international wines. The cellar of all wine lovers’ dreams features over 8,000 cellared bottles and magnums.

If you’ve still got a little energy up your sleeve, make the short drive down to the coast and drop by Star of Greece for a quick drink before heading back to the city. This creative Mediterranean-influenced venue is always bustling and with views overlooking the ocean and a simple, yet sophisticated atmosphere, you can understand why.

Lunch
Victory Hotel – Old Sellicks Hill Rd, Sellicks Hill – More Info: click here
Cucina di Strada – 56 Field St, McLaren Vale – More Info: click here

Afternoon Drink
Star of Greece – 1 Esp, Port Willunga – More Info: click here

Night

Keen to keep rolling with that foodie focussed day you’ve been honouring, make sure to make the most of Adelaide’s insane dining scene and pop into the fun, vibrant, and downright tasty Modern Asian restaurant, Gondola Gondola. Indulge in the vivid flavours of the far east and wash it down with the exotic crafted cocktails.

Before heading back to your accommodation for the night, make sure to check out some of the city’s top rooftop bars including the immersive rooftop destination Sôl Bar & Restaurant, situated on level 9 of Sky City, you’ll enjoy 270-degree views from the hills to the coast.

Whilst exploring the rooftop venues across the city, you have to stop at 2KW Bar & Restaurant, sitting atop one of Adelaide’s most historically significant buildings.

Dinner
Gondola Gondola – 1 Peel St – More Info: click here

Post Dinner Drinks
Sôl Rooftop Bar – North Terrace – More Info: click here
2KW Bar & Restaurant – 2 King William St – More Info: click here 

Accommodation

Experience the very best of Adelaide by booking a room at the new five-star Sofitel Adelaide located right in the heart of city-centre. With over 250 luxurious guest rooms and suites including the pièce de resistance that is the palatial Presidential Suite, alongside a grand selection of bars, restaurants, and guest amenities.

Alternatively, check out some incredible accommodation spots available in McLaren Vale such as Shadow Creek, The Vineyard Retreat, and The Old Chaff Mill Retreat just to name a few. 

Transport

If you’re looking for luxury personalised transport whilst you’re exploring McLaren Vale, the dedicated team at Door To Door Chauffeurs are your absolute go-to. Founded to provide exceptional customer service with a fleet of several luxury vehicles suitable to a range of customers needs. Get that Door To Door service with this one-of-a-kind transport offering in Adelaide.