10 things to do this October long weekend in McLaren Vale wine region
With stunning vineyards views, a welcoming community, and a food and wine culture that flows with the seasons, McLaren Vale is made for long weekends.
As spring breathes new life into our landscape, the October Long Weekend is your chance to unwind, reconnect, and savour the simple pleasures. Whether you’re here for the wine, the food, or opportunity to disconnect from the everyday, here are 10 ways to make the most of your visit:
1. Explore the Grenache & Gourmet Festival
The Grenache & Gourmet Festival reaches its crescendo this weekend, and it’s the ultimate celebration of McLaren Vale’s finest Grenache wines paired with gourmet food. With events ranging from long lunches to curated tastings, it’s a must-do for any wine and food enthusiast. Be sure to visit participating venues for unique Grenache themed experiences.
See all events at grenacheandgourmet.com.au
2. Enjoy a Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is at the heart of any visit to the McLaren Vale wine region. McLaren Vale's 80+ cellar doors range from boutique offerings, collaborative spaces and family-owned wineries to unique tasting rooms housed in futuristic architecture.
Most are set among vineyard views and coastal backdrops, and wine tastings are often hosted by the winemakers themselves, offering a personal insight into the region’s refined reds and vibrant Mediterranean red and white varieties. With curated and bespoke wine flights, optional food pairings, and warm hospitality, a wine tasting is a chance to explore the distinctive character of McLaren Vale's wines.
Discover: McLaren Vale's Cellar Doors
3. Get Active: Take a Bike Ride Along the Shiraz Trail
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, why not explore McLaren Vale’s beautiful landscape by bike? The Shiraz Trail is a 8 km bike and walking trail running through the heart of the region, offering scenic views of vineyards and the coastline. Get in touch with SA eBikes, Gone Awol Tours or Deluxe eBikes to arrange ebike hire, then take a gentle cruise, stopping at cellar doors along the way for a wine or spirit tasting.
Find out more: Shiraz Trail Information
4. Book a long lunch
The McLaren Vale wine region has long been known as South Australia’s land of the long lunch, and for good reason. With the bounty of the Fleurieu Peninsula at their fingertips, local chefs champion seasonal, paddock-to-plate dining in every form. From award-winning farm-to-table restaurants with optional wine pairings to relaxed cellar doors serving up pizzas and regional platters, there’s a table – and a view – waiting for you.
Whether you’re craving a leisurely Italian-inspired lunch at Vigna Bottin or Pizzateca, a multi-course degustation at Maxwell or The Salopian Inn, or a relaxed local produce platter at Lloyd Brothers or Hastwell & Lightfoot, McLaren Vale serves up flavour, warmth, and unforgettable moments with every bite.
Find: Places to Eat McLaren Vale
5. Explore Breweries
Local craft beer breweries in McLaren Vale are small, independent, and proudly hands-on, focusing on unique flavours and a local focus on ingredients.
Expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere at local taprooms, often with scenic vineyard views. Beer styles range from crisp lagers and hoppy pale ales to rich porters and experimental brews infused with native botanicals or wine-inspired elements. Many breweries also offer food pairings and occasional live music, making them great spots to unwind.
Whether you're a beer enthusiast or simply after a relaxed, family-friendly vibe like you'll find at Swell Brewing, McLaren Vale’s craft breweries have something for everyone. From the hop-forward creations and refined dishes of Vale Brewing at Vale Restaurant and Bar to the small-batch, handcrafted styles at Goodieson Brewery, each pour is a reflection of our region’s love for flavour done well.
Find: Craft Breweries in McLaren Vale
6. Take a beach stroll from Aldinga Beach to Silver Sands Beach
Take a leisurely stroll between Aldinga Beach and Silver Sands along the 2km flat stretch of raised pathway overlooking the coast. This easy walk offers breathtaking views of Sellicks Beach's stunning cliffs, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. End your walk at the Silver Sands Beach Club, where you can unwind with lunch, dinner, and a curated wine list featuring local and international selections – perfect for exploring the coastal beauty of McLaren Vale wine region while savouring the local flourishing wine culture.
Find: Best Beach Walks near McLaren Vale Wine Region
7. Admire Local Art
Art is woven into everyday life in McLaren Vale, adding another layer of creativity to every visit. Many cellar doors and restaurants double as galleries, showcasing works by South Australian and local Fleurieu Peninsula artists. These local creatives bring colour, texture, and story to the region, with works displayed in spaces where food, wine, and place come together.
From curated contemporary art exhibitions by Praxis Artspace at Ortus Wines and sculptures set among the views to hands-on art experiences at Dowie Doole, McLaren Vale invites you to experience art in a way that’s relaxed, intimate, and beautifully connected to place.
Find: Art Experiences in McLaren Vale
8. Visit a Distillery
Dive deeper into McLaren Vale’s craft beverage scene with a visit to one of McLaren Vale's many distilleries. Known for small-batch, handcrafted spirits, our region's distillery offer tastings with botanical flavours inspired by the local landscape. It's a perfect complement to the region’s wine culture, offering an exciting opportunity to explore another side of McLaren Vale's craftsmanship.
Gin tastings with botanical flavours inspired by the local landscape are a plenty at Down South Distillery and Never Never Distilling Co. Angove Wines' range of award-winning St Agnes Distillery spirits tell the story of Australia’s oldest continuously operating distillery while the uniques stories of the Australian wine industry are brought to life through McLaren Vale Distillery's fortified wines.
Explore: McLaren Vale's Distilleries
9. Trek one of the many walking trails
McLaren Vale is home to some truly breathtaking South Australian walking trails, with the Onkaparinga River National Park standing out as a must-visit for nature lovers. Just minutes from the vineyards, this dramatic landscape offers a striking contrast to the region’s rolling hills and coastal views. Wander along clifftop paths with sweeping vistas on the way to the Punchbowl Lookout, hike down to rock pools and riverbeds on the River Hike, or simply take in the stillness of ancient red gums and rugged gorge walls. Whether you're after a gentle stroll or a more challenging adventure, the trails through Onkaparinga National Park offer a peaceful, awe-inspiring way to connect with the land.
Find: McLaren Vale's Best Walking Trails
10. Visit a Garden Escape
McLaren Vale is home to a number of stunning cellar doors where gardens play a starring role.
Wander through the beautifully kept grounds at Coriole, where heritage gardens and olive groves frame vineyard views, or enjoy the laid-back charm of Big Easy Radio, with lush lawns and shaded picnic spots perfect for live music and wine. Ivybrook Farm pairs rustic elegance with cottage gardens, while Woodstock invites you to sip under tall gums and explore their native garden setting complete with a resident wildlife sanctuary. Each offers a serene, green escape where great wine meets nature in full bloom.
This October long weekend promises something for everyone in McLaren Vale. Whether you’re tasting world-class wines, indulging in gourmet food, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable getaway!
