Here's what’s open in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast today. A great way to support local. 

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To get the most out of your visit to McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast, there are a range of services and information just waiting to be accessed so you enjoy the best experience possible.

Apart from what’s listed below, there is a comprehensive blog brimming with inspiration, experiences and activities.

Visitor Centre

The McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre is your one of the best places to start when planning your trip to the region. 

McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre

Map and Visitor Guide

With passionate local specialists, together with the best map and visitor guide for the region, it guarantees you will discover the region like a local.

Free accommodation and tour booking service

Freecall: 1800 628 410

There is also a Visitor Information Outlet in Port Noarlunga in the Arts Centre on Gawler Street

Wi-Fi hotspots

As part of South Australia’s state touring routes, there are new hot-spots are available across the region.

  • Epicurean Way - McLaren Vale and Willunga
  • Southern Ocean Drive - Aldinga, Moana and Port Noarlunga

Don’t forget to share your experience on social media and tag us using #valeandcoast

Electric car recharge

There are recharging stations located throughout the region including Maxwell Wines, Fox Creek Wines, McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre, and McLaren Vale Motel and Apartments.

Things that locals do

When visiting the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast, one of the most asked questions at the local visitor centre is “What do the locals do?”  Here are a few insights:

 willunga farmers market mclaren vale fleurieu coast

Helpful Wine Tasting Tips

To make the most of your wine tasting experience, here’s a few tips from local Chris Thomas, Chief Winemaker at Dowie Doole.

  • Avoid wearing perfume or aftershave as it inhibits your sense of smell and avoid eating strongly-flavoured foods beforehand.
  • Enjoy a hearty meal before embarking on your wine tasting journey.
  • Plan your journey. Pick out wineries that interest you and don’t be afraid to head off the beaten track to try lesser-known wineries. If you are travelling in a group, call ahead to advise the cellar door staff as to what time you will be arriving.
  • Evaluate colour. Many people launch into smelling and tasting the wine, but a lot of clues can be gained from inspecting its colour. Hold the glass of wine against something white and use the light available to see the depth of colour. Generally the deeper the colour, the more full bodied the wine. Examine the hue for an indication of the wine’s age. For example, Shiraz with a purple hue often indicates a younger wine versus a brick-red hue, which indicates age.
  • Swirl and sniff: swirl the wine in the glass to aerate it and bring out the aromas. Sniff gently to take in the fruit aromas and characteristics.
  • Take a sip and hold the wine in your mouth to feel the sensation of it on your palate. Breathe through the wine to bring out more of the wine’s characteristics. Don’t be afraid to make noise when taking air in with the wine in your mouth (all the pros do it!)
  • Wine tasting is a marathon, not a race. While it is tempting to drink all the samples, use the spittoons to make your palate last longer.
  • Get chummy with cellar door staff; they have a wealth of knowledge to share about the wines and are a great resource for recommendations about other wineries to visit. They may even open some wines for you that aren’t on the tasting list.
  • Be open to new wines. Try new varietals and blends. You may just find a new favourite.
  • Wine tasting is a personal thing. Everyone has their own preferences, so drink what you like and enjoy it un-apologetically. Don’t take it too seriously. And have fun!

Explore our blogs for more things to explore in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast