South Australia's Wine Regions Holidays

A picturesque wine-lover’s paradise within easy reach of Adelaide

Hidden amongst South Australia’s verdant hills and lush valleys are some of the country’s most famous and biggest wine producing regions. Easily accessible from Adelaide, you can visit award-winning wineries in the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley. These stunning wine regions offer a peaceful escape from the city, with historical towns to explore and gastronomical delights to indulge in. Several cellar doors can be visited for tastings on a day trip from Adelaide. Across the valleys, it’s not just about the wine, you will also find craft gin distilleries, cheese and chocolate producers and award-winning restaurants.

It's a region that can be visited year-round. In the Australian spring months of September to November, the vineyards are bursting into life. The summer months of December to February is a great time to visit as the grapes start to ripen and there is plenty of outdoor dining accompanied by a crisp, chilled Chardonnay. During Autumn, from March to May, it’s a busy time for the producers as the grape harvest is in full swing. From June to August, the winter months bring the chance to try some of the region’s red wines in front of a cosy crackling fire.

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South Australia's Wine Regions Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in South Australia's Wine Regions

The Louise

Romantic vineyard retreat

Barossa Shiraz Estate

A collection of six cosy self-catering cottages amid the beautiful countryside of The Barossa.

Get to know South Australia’s Wine Regions and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +8½ hours

CURRENCY

Australian Dollar

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

Adelaide: 23½ hours (not including stopover time)

RELIGION

Majority Christian

LANGUAGE

Australia has no official language but the majority of people speak English as their first language. Approximately 250 indigenous Australia languages are spoken.

Where are South Australia’s Wine Regions?
The wine regions of South Australia are within easy reach of Adelaide. The Barossa Valley is a 50-minute drive northeast of Adelaide. Travel 45-minutes south of Adelaide to the coastal Fleurieu Peninsula where you will find the McLaren Vale wine region. The Clare Valley is a 2-hour drive from the state capital.

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Barossa Valley
South Australia’s Barossa Valley is perhaps Australia’s most famous wine region. Renowned for its full-bodied reds, the Barossa is a big deal by any standards and is home to over 80 wineries, including iconic brands such as Jacobs Creek and Penfolds. Some of the grapevines in the Barossa Valley are among the oldest in the world. At the heart of the Barossa, Tanunda (the aptly Aboriginal word for watering hole), is a quaint town of heritage buildings. Visit the vineyards of Eden Valley where wine making dates back to 1847 or explore Angaston on a Saturday to sample some of the local produce at the Barossa’s Farmers Market.

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McLaren Vale
Located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, McLaren Vale has developed a practice of sustainable wine production. Its coastal setting not only produces popular Chardonnay and Shiraz varieties but also Roussanne and Tempranillo. Some of the wineries here stand out from the rest, literally. Visit d’Arenberg Cube, a quirky modern five-storey building that appears to float above the vineyards, to have a go at blending your own wine. A great way to explore McLaren Vale is by hiring a bike and cycling along the Shiraz Trail.

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Clare Valley
Clare Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and is best known for its award-winning Rieslings. The rolling vineyards stretch between the towns of Clare and Auburn. There is a rich and fascinating history here – the oldest winery began at Sevenhill in 1851 where Jesuit priests produced sacramental wine. As well as over 50 wineries, the beautiful setting of the Clare Valley has provided inspiration for many artists who have galleries that are worth exploring.

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South Australia's Wine Regions Weather

Sep - May

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