Winter is one of my favourite seasons in the Vale, and while there’s nothing wrong with curling up by the fire with a glass of your favourite red, McLaren Vale still has much to do. While travellers know McLaren Vale for being a summertime destination, it’s the locals that wait eagerly for the gorgeous winters, quiet coastline, and fun winter events. 

We’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of must-visit events, plus new wineries, breweries, and restaurants you’ll want to check out. 

 

Mark Your Calendar

Events don’t stop just because the temperature drops. Make sure to secure your tickets to these fun upcoming events. They’ll be over before you know it!

 

Farm-to-Table Dinner at Bec Hardy for Braeburn Farm

Dates: 14th July, 6:30 pm onwards

Where: Bec Hardy Cellar Door

Admission: $99 pp for 4-course dinner with wine pairings

The Kitchen at Bec Hardy has been such a success, and we couldn’t do it without our amazing local purveyors. This winter’s first  Farm-to-Table Dinner will feature duck from Braeburn Farm in Yundi on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It’s here where Braeburn raises small game, raw honey, and meadow flowers. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!

 

Farm-to-Table Dinner at Bec Hardy for Section 28 Cheese

Dates: 11th August, 6:30 pm onwards

Where: Bec Hardy Cellar Door

Admission: $99 pp for 4-course dinner with wine pairings

What goes together better than wine and cheese? Section 28 has been our local cheese purveyor for our grazing boards, and we’re delighted to feature them in this Farm-to-Table Dinner. Section 28 makes award-winning handcrafted Alpine-style cheeses that reflect the terroir of the Adelaide Hills. 

 

Fleurieu Food Festival

Dates: August, program to be announced

Where: Various locations

Admission: Varies depending on event

The Fleurieu Food Festival is a month-long event dedicated to showcasing the best of the best in food and libations throughout the Fleurieu Coast. Events will include fine dining in the vineyards and olive groves, foraging experiences, farm tours, cooking classes, and more. In addition, the Willunga Farmer’s Market will also host special presentations throughout the month.

 

Winter donkey tours with Journey Home Wines

Dates: Second and fourth Sundays of the month during winter

Where: McLaren Flat

Admission: $125 pp

Donkeys Agatha and Winsome are excited to meet you! Especially if you bring along a few carrots. During winter join viticulturist and small batch winemaker, Jodie Armstrong, on the a walking wine tour with the donkeys followed by a farmhouse lunch, paired with a range of premium wines.

 

Winter Fire Festival at Tintara

Dates: 23 & 24 June, 21 & 22 July

Where: Fleurieu Arthouse

Admission: $10 pp

Enjoy the comfort of the warming fire with friends and family as you sip on Hardy wines, enjoy live music, and eat some amazing food. There will be art exhibits, a nightly market, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and much more. Special events for each evening will be listed on the website. Capacity is limited, so be sure to secure your tickets! 

 

New Wineries (& Breweries) on the Block

The more, the merrier. Here’s a quick rundown on some of the new wineries popping up in Vale that you won’t want to miss. 

 

Dandelion Vineyards

Hours: 10 am-5 pm, daily

The Dandelion’s new Wonder Room has just cracked its doors open and is sure to impress. The panoramic views of the lush vineyards of Firehawk Farm and the rolling hilltops of McLaren Vale are sure to delight. Be sure to book a wine tasting and try some of their authentic Bulgarian dishes.

 

Penny Red Beer Co.

Hours: 12-10 pm, Friday-Saturday & 12-7 pm, Sunday

Penny Red is the new microbrewery in town and is offers a fantastic selection of small-batch craft beers. Between the brewery overlooking the vineyards, live music, and furry friends basking in the sun, it’s the perfect picturesque way to spend an evening. 

 

Thicker Than Water 

Hours: 10 am-5 pm, weekdays & 11 am-5 pm, weekends

Thicker Than Water has gained a reputation for its award-winning Squid Ink Shiraz. Now, you can sit back, relax and taste multiple vintages side by side in their new cellar door overlooking Vale’s rolling hilltops.

 

Somos

Hours: 11 am-4 pm, Friday-Monday

Somos has recently opened their new cellar door, and it is whimsical! With comfy chairs and plush pillows, it’s a great spot to visit and experience some wines you might not come across often. They feature many biodynamic and climate-appropriate wines like Pinot Meunier, Cabernet Franc, and Albariño, to name a few.

 

Vale Brewing & Taphouse

Hours: 10am-5pm Monday-Thursday, 10am-10 pm Friday, 8am-10pm Saturday, 8am-5pm Sunday

One of the newest kids in town, Vale Taphouse, is set along the scenic McLaren Flat. They’re making exceptional beers in various styles, from easy-drinking lagers to citrus-forward hazy IPAs. They also have a full kitchen and feature fresh, seasonal dishes.

 

New Eateries

With great wine comes great food. Here are some of Vale’s newest editions to our ever-growing restaurant scene. 

 

The Kitchen at Bec Hardy

Hours: 11 am-3 pm, daily

The Kitchen has been a hit, and our constantly rotating seasonal menu keeps visitors on their toes. We make everything with sustainability in mind and are proud to offer only the highest quality ingredients. Our full menu is offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and we offer nourishing grazing boards Monday through Thursday.

 

Moon Garden Willunga 

Hours: 5-8:30 pm, Thursday, 5-9 pm, Friday-Saturday & 5-8 pm Sunday 

Minutes from our cellar door is the new wood-fired pizzeria Moon Garden. They specialise in extended fermented sourdough and utilise only the best, most sustainable toppings.

 

Singapore Circus at the d'Arenberg Cube

Hours: 12-2:15 pm weekdays & 12-3 pm weekends

There’s always something to look forward to at the d’Arenberg Cube; this time of year, it’s their new tasting menu. This winter, they’re serving up South-East Asian-inspired cuisine. Dining options include family-style banquet menus, à la carte, pre-booked specialty dishes, and balcony dining. Bookings required.

 

Final Thoughts

Winter is a very special time here in South Australia, and we take pride in being able to participate in many of the exciting events during the year. We hope you enjoy our recommendations, and we look forward to seeing you at our cellar door this winter season!

Cheers!

Bec