Secret Cellar Doors 2
We compiled a list last year and it was a hit so here we are again giving you another edition of our Top 10 Secret Cellar Doors in McLaren Vale and Surrounds….
In terms of McLaren Vale wineries, there’s more than meets the eye with many secret hidden gems amongst the ‘well known’ big players in the industry. It is home to over 80 Cellar Doors, nestled alongside 31kms of pristine coastline hiding some of the best examples of South Australia’s wines. If you’re looking to go off the beaten track it will definitely pay off as you’ll come across some unique and fabulous Cellar Doors that McLaren Vale has to offer.
So, consider this our list of the Top 10 Secret Cellar Doors in McLaren Vale – our second instalment just for you - not to be missed!
Hours: Monday to Saturday 11-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm
Tucked away amongst the vines in a quiet pocket of Willunga, you can experience the genuine country hospitality at Battle of Bosworth wines. Producers of organically grown and certified wines from their family-owned vineyards in McLaren Vale. A cosy Cellar Door where visitors can taste their way through various wines with incredible regional character.
Hours: 10-4pm, daily
Enjoy the serenity while admiring the native flora and fauna, paired with stunning views across the vineyards, great wines that reflect 170 years of SA winemaking heritage, Bec is the next generation of Hardy family winemakers.
Enjoy a longer stay at the Cellar Door by visiting ‘The Kitchen at Bec Hardy’, an elevated casual dining experience that celebrate fresh, local and seasonal produce, that really compliments the award-winning wines.
Bec Hardy Wines really offers one of the most private and peaceful pockets of South Australia’s iconic McLaren Vale. With a range of tastings and experiences you won’t be disappointed.
Hours: 12-5pm every Saturday
Positioned up on a hill, offering stunning views over the organic vineyard and rolling hills. They are a small batch winery in Blewitt Springs producing a portfolio of sustainable handmade wines. They offer tastings and private winemaker-led tastings to learn about the wines and winemaking practices. And right next door to Tipsy Hill Estate who host ‘Private Dining’ events, could be a great for a pre-dinner wine.
Hours: Friday to Sunday 11am to 5pm
Focusing on traditional wine-making processes they also have a range of preservative-free craft beers and ciders, believing there is something for everyone! Their restaurant serves only the freshest ingredients from the amazing region. Created with imagination and flair you will find a delicious and seasonal menu that caters for all tastes. Also, a top wedding venues in the Southern Vale.
Hours: Sat & Sun 11-4.30pm
Foggo Wines & Fortifieds is a boutique Cellar Door in the heart of McLaren Vale, known as the ‘Home of the Fortified’. Small in stature, but big in heart, this independent winery produces some of McLaren Vale’s most exceptional small batch fortifieds and wines. Their Cellar Door experience is not just about the wine; it’s also about the surroundings, too. They also offer build-a-platter for lunch.
Hours: Open daily from 10am until 5pm (No Buses)
Geddes Wines is a unique winery where all the fruit is sourced locally in McLaren Vale by Tim personally. The wines are all hand made in our own winery in Blewitt Springs and Geddes are environmentally conscious. with strong belief wines are created, not produced. The winery is built in the hill surrounded by trees and a native bush setting. A great first stop if you’re then going onto Tipsy Hill Estate for a ‘Premium Picnic’.
Hours: 11-4.30 Friday to Monday
Hastwell & Lightfoot is one of McLaren Vale’s most exciting small batch, family-owned and operated winegrowers, now under the leadership of the second-generation. They are leaders in crafting wines from Mediterranean varieties like Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo, Barbera, and more! People love H&L wines because they are fresh and vibrant.
Hours: Friday to Sunday 11am to 5pm
Ortus Wines, meaning new beginnings, is the dream come to fruition over the span of 15 years for mother daughter duo, Julie and Paige Cooper. The Cellar Door has been cleverly transformed into a warehouse style space – all oozing cool NY loft vibes. Their McLaren Vale range comes from our own family vineyard.
Hours: 12-4pm Friday & Saturday
Premium wine tasting with stunning views of the Onkaparinga Gorge. Varney Wines sits on a high profile, historic, half-hectare rural property at the gateway to McLaren Vale. The site was built around an 1870’s stone barn. You can enjoy premium tastings in the barn and take home some of the amazing wines too!
Hours: Open Thursday - Monday
Slice of Italy in the McLaren Vale wine region. Nestled in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region is Vigna Bottin Cellar Door and Osteria. Specialising in Italian varietals, the Bottin family have been growing grapes in the region for three generations. Vigna Bottin offers seated wine flights involving a journey through a choice of wines from the Casa and Cantina ranges, alongside a tasting plate
Keep in mind some of these Cellar Doors are smaller so we recommend booking ahead especially for larger groups, then sit back, relax and sip away.