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.
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, 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:
- Take a drive along Aldinga Beach at sunset
- Coast to Vines Rail Trail Adventure
- Have an art attack and spend a few days perusing the art across the region
- Pack a picnic and head to the beach
- Take the dog for a walk along the beach
- Enjoy a coffee at many of the awesome coffee spots
- Surf the local break
- Take their children to Jubilee Park Adventure Playground, Port Noarlunga
- Cheer on riders in the Santos Festival of Cycling as they contest the picturesque McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast course
- Enjoy live music at wineries and eateries on weekends
- Buy local produce at the Willunga Farmers Market
- Meander the main streets of Willunga, Port Noarlunga, McLaren Vale, Aldinga and Christies Beach
- Make the big decision of which McLaren Vale wine to open next
- Enjoy a meal at their favourite place – if you want to know where, chat to the locals
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
