Search
A guide to sustainable tourism experiences in McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale is one of the most environmentally sustainable wine grape growing region in Australia.
Growers and producers are deeply aware of the gifts that the rolling hills, rich soils and coastal plains of McLaren Vale wine region provide, and take great pride in treading lightly and caring for the land, as the indigenous Kaurna people have done for tens of thousands of years. The dedication to sustainability extends beyond the vineyards and wineries to encompass a holistic approach that benefits both the environment, the community, and visitors alike.
From countless farm-to-plate dining experiences and vine-to-glass vineyard tours to off-grid boutique accommodation, the McLaren Vale wine region is a must on your list of ecotourism destinations in Australia.
KITCHEN GARDENS
The McLaren Vale wine region is home to some of Australia's leading fine dining restaurants, with many boasting their own kitchen gardens. Beyond their own gardens, the accessibility to abundant fresh local and seasonal produce in the region means the ingredients are fresh from the producer's door and the culinary creations devoured here are a true reflection of the McLaren Vale wine region.
Must-try places where you can relish garden-to-table food experiences include The Salopian Inn, whose ¾ acre kitchen garden provides high quality produce with all the benefits of reduced food miles and zero nasty chemical input; The Kitchen at Bec Hardy whose estate boasts a range of fruit trees and seasonal produce that informs their seasonal menus; and The Currant Shed who boasts their very own Tahitian lime grove - the fruits of which feature regularly on their award-winning menu.
VINE-TO-WINE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
McLaren Vale’s growers and producers have embraced sustainable viticulture and winemaking with a passion that is truly exemplary, making them the Australian leaders in sustainable winegrowing. Their resolute focus on telling the story of sustainability and of place in their wines extends to their cellar door experiences and offerings.
Vine-to-wine experiences provide the opportunity learn the full process of sustainable wine production and taste the outcome in the glass.
Must-try sustainable wine experiences include Gemtree Wines' Wine & Wander tour that invites guest to meander through Gemtree's 10 hectare biodiverse conservation area featuring six interlinking dams and 50,000 native plants before taking seat to savour their range of biodynamic wines; Shottesbrooke Vineyard's Explore Wine & Dine Experience where guests undertake an educational tour of the estate to learn about the decisions made by their founders almost 40 years ago that have had a positive and sustainable impact on the way they produce their wines today, followed by a winery tour and lunch at their award-winning restaurant; and d'Arenberg Wines who's holistic approach to sustainability lead them to achieve the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard by Ecotourism Australia and a commitment to be net carbon zero by 2035.
GETTING AROUND
Bike hire and many walking trails provide responsible travel options that allow you to experience the stunning natural landscape of the McLaren Vale wine region in the most environmentally friendly way possible. One of the region's most well-known trails is the Shiraz Trail, an 8Km walking and cycling track that runs through the heart of the region and provides access to other walking trails and many cellar doors and restaurants en route or nearby. Electric eBikes can be hired from Oxenberry Farm or Red Poles or arrange a custom drop off from Deluxe Ebikes.
Electric Vehicles charging stations are available at various points throughout the McLaren Vale wine region. Stay at Serafino Wines' accommodation or at Vale 194 to have access to overnight EV charging while you recharge, or charge your car while you dine at Maxwell Wines' three chef hat restaurant.
STAY
If you're looking for an off-grid escape into nature or the confidence of a Quality Tourism Accredited Accommodation, the McLaren Vale wine region offers many boutique accommodation options that are tailored-made for the eco traveller.
Must-try sustainable accommodation options in the McLaren Vale wine region include CABN's minimalist tiny homes that offer a completely off-grid experience; Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat, a Quality Tourism Accredited Accomodation that has a commitment to sustainability in the areas of energy, waste, water and their garden; and The Old Chaff Mill Retreat, a luxury accommodation that runs entirely on filtered rainwater, their worm farm consumes the waste from the compost bins provided in the suites and their solar panels and battery help to reduce their carbon footprint.
