Top spots to relax in front of a cosy fire in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast

Words by GLAM Adelaide

A South Australian getaway in 2023, is always something to look forward to, but when the nights are cool during the winter months and the stars are bright, there’s no better place to be than in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast, relaxing in front of a fire.

This much-loved region is filled with plenty of great restaurants, cellar doors, and roaring fires to keep you cosy, with that added touch of romance.

Overnight stays snuggling in front of the fire

One of the most beautiful, peaceful places you can book for your getaway is The Vineyard McLaren Vale. This stylish retreat sits on a fifteen acre working vineyard in the heart of McLaren Vale, and boasts five distinctive guest houses. Each guest house has a private deck overlooking the surrounding vines and valleys, and is stocked with locally sourced provisions, as well as a complimentary minibar. (Image Credit - SATC)

Another special getaway is Waywood Vineyard Accommodation a luxury, three bedroom house, situated on top of a hill with the vineyard valley vistas as far as your eye can see. A separate studio is attached to the property, which is also available to book should you be travelling with a larger group or just need a little extra space. Waywood Vineyard Accommodation is in close proximity to the ever-popular d’Arenberg Cube, and cluster of wineries including Maxwells and Alpha Box and Dice. (Image Credit - 131 Vineyard Retreat)

The Farm Willunga is also a great choice for a luxurious stay. The self-contained accommodation overlooks a beautiful organic and bio-dynamic olive grove and vineyard, and from the deck, you can see the sea. They can arrange bike hire or a local winery tour too. Indulge in the garden café, which is popular on weekends, with their seasonal menu full of locally sourced and sustainable produce.The providore is irresistible too. (Image Credit - The Farm Willunga)

When seeking a little extra TLC, discover Mulberry Lodge. The country retreat is nestled amongst the vines of McLaren Vale wine region, and sits on the edge of the historic township of Willunga. If you’re eager to stay somewhere close to award-winning restaurants, beaches, and over 80 of McLaren Vale’s cellar doors, Mulberry Lodge is one to have on your list.

Food and Wine experiences with a cosy fire

Whilst exploring, food and wine experiences should be near the top of your list, with McLaren Vale considered one of the world’s most highly regarded wine regions. If you’re big on Shiraz, you’re in for a treat, with many multi-award-winning Shiraz wines to try. McLaren Vale is also a place where you can try something new, and awaken your wine palate with alternative varieties like Fiano, Tempranillo and Nero d’Avola. Must-visit wineries include Maxwell Wines, Alpha Box and Dice, Wirra Wirra and Leconfield Wines.

Maxwell Wines is set apart by its variety of distinctive experiences, including intimate wine and mead tasting experiences, exquisitely curated long lunches, a life-size conifer maze, and a mushroom picking extravaganza. Maxwell is best explored via the officiated winery tour, which will take you through the cellar door, vineyards, beehives, lime cave, and maze. Before you start, you’re given an empty produce bag to fill as you go. The restaurant’s latest menu has been created by Chef Fabian Lehmann, an internationally acclaimed chef. It heroes local produce, supporting the producers who have been impacted by COVID-19. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, then Maxwell’s 100-year-old lime cave, where the estate mushrooms are grown, is a must-see. Maxwell offers the opportunity to explore the ancient, hand-dug cavern, and you can even pick your own mushrooms to take home. (Image Credit - SATC)

Alpha Box and Dice is a boutique winery boasting a wonderfully quirky cellar door. Patrons can enjoy their popular wines by the glass or bottle in the outdoor area, alongside cheese plates or vegan misto plates. Hosted, premium tastings are also on offer, making this a great place to start your McLaren Vale wine tasting experience.

Another of our foodie recommendations is Harry’s Deli. Harry’s is situated inside the historic Wirra Wirra winery, and offers a casual dining experience, overlooking native gardens and biodynamically farmed vineyards. Heralded as a perfect ‘pit stop’ when touring the region, the coffee is top notch, and take away snacks are available to enjoy. The recently renovated cellar door offers an intimate, seated wine tasting experience, with the added ambience of a combustion fire, flickering away as you indulge your palate.

Rounding out our list of wineries to visit is Richard Hamilton Wines. The McLaren Vale cellar door offers the full range of Richard Hamilton Estate and Single Vineyard Reserve Wines, as well as selected Leconfield Wines to enjoy via seated wine flights. If you’re peckish, the winery serves regional platters packed with local produce, ideal for nibbling in front of the fireplace. (Image Credit Leconfield and Richard Hamilton Wines)

So, why not book your cosy getaway now and start dreaming about the wine you’re going to enjoy by the fire.