Secret Cellar Doors of McLaren Vale #3
Top 10 Secret Cellar Doors of McLaren Vale – Part Three:
Our last two editions of Secret Cellar Doors of McLaren Vale were such a hit that we’re back with another instalment. McLaren Vale is world-famous for its Shiraz, Grenache, and Mediterranean varietals, but beyond the big names lies a treasure trove of hidden cellar doors just waiting to be explored.
This Spring 2025, we’re showcasing a mix of exciting new arrivals, family-owned gems, and boutique producers who pour just as much love into their cellar door experiences as they do into their wines. These are the places where you’ll taste something unique, meet the makers, and get a real sense of the McLaren Vale lifestyle.
Here’s our latest list of Top 10 Secret Cellar Doors of McLaren Vale – Part Three:
1. Willunga 100
A recent addition to the McLaren Vale cellar door scene, Willunga 100 has been producing highly regarded Grenache for years and now has a welcoming space in the heart of Willunga. The focus here is on minimal intervention winemaking, especially small-batch Grenache from old bush vines. It’s a spot where purity, provenance, and texture take centre stage.
A fresh new face in McLaren Vale, Shadow’s Creek brings contemporary styling and a boutique approach. Their small vineyard is focused on crafting wines that are vibrant, elegant, and perfectly suited to the Vale’s Mediterranean climate. A must-visit if you’re after something off the beaten track and a cellar door that feels personal and intimate.
Well-known by collectors but still flying under the radar for many visitors, Shirvington is a true family affair. Their focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz has gained a loyal following, but the small, warm, and relaxed cellar door experience is what sets them apart. This is where high-end wine meets friendly hospitality.
Sew & Sew is all about crafting wines with finesse and balance, often from less mainstream varieties like Fiano, Nero d’Avola, and Montepulciano. Their smart, stylish cellar door is tucked away, making it a genuine hidden gem for those keen to explore something different.
A boutique producer with a big reputation, Sherrah Wines is the passion project of Alex Sherrah, a winemaker with serious credentials. Expect small-batch, textural wines – think skinsy whites, bold reds, and styles that push boundaries in all the right ways. Their tasting room is as down-to-earth as the people behind the label.
6. Samson Tall
A tiny cellar door with huge character. Located in an old church, Samson Tall is all about hand-crafted, small-batch wines, including Grenache and Shiraz that reflect the Vale’s terroir beautifully. The rustic setting makes it feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret.
7. Hither & Yon
A quirky, vibrant cellar door in Willunga that champions sustainable practices and Mediterranean varieties. Run by the Leask brothers, this is a place full of personality where the focus is on fun, approachable wines – all served in a cosy, character-filled space.
8. Bondar Wines
Based out of the iconic Rayner Vineyard, Bondar Wines has quickly built a reputation as one of the Vale’s most exciting modern producers. Their cellar door is simple and relaxed, offering tastings of elegant, cool-climate-inspired wines – particularly their celebrated Grenache and Shiraz.
For something truly unique, Inkwell offers tastings inside a luxurious shipping-container-turned-cellar door with stunning vineyard views. They’re known for bold reds and a progressive attitude to winemaking, with wines that challenge convention while still being deeply rooted in McLaren Vale tradition.
10. Lino Ramble
If you’re after quirky blends and creative winemaking, Lino Ramble is your spot. Their ethos is all about sustainability and fun, producing wines with personality that are as approachable as they are delicious. The relaxed cellar door is perfect for a casual, laughter-filled afternoon.
Stop for Lunch: The Kitchen at Bec Hardy
No cellar door trail is complete without a proper food stop, and Spring 2025 marks an exciting new direction for The Kitchen at Bec Hardy. With a new chef at the helm, the restaurant has embraced a more relaxed yet no-less-special vibe.
Expect seasonal grazing plates built around the best local, sustainable ingredients, à la carte specials inspired by what’s fresh and available, and a welcoming, come-as-you-are environment. It’s the perfect setting for a long lunch with family and friends – a place where the food elevates the wine, and the wine elevates the food.
Set within the beautiful grounds of Bec Hardy Wines, The Kitchen is fast becoming one of McLaren Vale’s most talked-about dining spots. Whether you’re stopping for a casual shared plate or settling in for a lingering longer lunch, it’s the ideal way to recharge before (or after) exploring more of McLaren Vale’s secret cellar doors.
Why Visit These Secret Spots?
Visiting McLaren Vale’s hidden cellar doors isn’t just about discovering wines you won’t find on every shelf. It’s about meeting the people behind the labels, supporting small family businesses, and enjoying the slower, more intimate side of South Australian wine culture.
So next time you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, skip the well-trodden paths and explore these secret cellar doors of McLaren Vale. You’ll come away with new favourites, new friends, and maybe even a few bottles that no one else has heard of (yet)