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Discover McLaren Vale's Seven New Must-Visit Cellar Doors This Summer!
There's a fresh buzz in McLaren Vale!
We’re delighted to announce that seven exciting new cellar doors have recently opened, each promising a unique slice of our wine culture. Set against the backdrop of rolling vineyards and the pristine coastal climate that shapes our premium wines, these new destinations celebrate McLaren Vale's perfect blend of creativity, sustainability, and warm hospitality.
Though the cellar doors are new, the wine brands behind them are well-established, bringing years of expertise and acclaim to their first dedicated cellar door experience. This summer, make plans to visit these exceptional cellar doors, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and discover the incredible stories and wines they have to share.
Let’s take a closer look at the fresh faces redefining McLaren Vale’s wine scene.
Aphelion
67 Kays Road, McLaren Vale, SA 5171
Aphelion Wine Co. specialises in crafting exceptional Grenache and other Mediterranean varieties, embodying the essence of McLaren Vale's sun-kissed vineyards. Their minimal intervention approach results in wines that are both expressive and refined. Visitors can enjoy tastings overlooking picturesque vineyards and bushland, with the option to create personalized platters from local produce.
Opening Hours: Open 7 Days, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
aphelionwine.com.au
Grounded Cru
49 Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat, SA 5171
Grounded Cru Wine, a name well-established in the Australian wine landscape, is now making its debut in McLaren Vale's vibrant cellar door scene!
This Halliday 5 Star Winery is known for crafting premium, small-batch wines that showcase McLaren Vale’s distinctive terroir. Set amongst historic old vines on Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat, founders Geoff ‘Joffa’ Thompson and Matt ‘Jacko’ Jackman have created a bright and welcoming space to enjoy curated wine flights, sip a glass of wine in the alfresco area, or bask on the sprawling lawns with a grazing platter. Walk-ins are always welcome but booking a table is recommended to secure your spot at this exciting new destination in McLaren Vale.
Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
groundedcru.com.au
In Praise Of Shadows
Open by appointment only. 212 Seaview Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171
In Praise of Shadows is more than a wine brand; it’s a philosophical celebration of the perfectly imperfect beauty of life. Founded by winemaker Brett Trewartha and guided by the expertise of winemaker Rob Mack, the brand embodies the Japanese aesthetic ideals of Wabi Sabi and the mindfulness-inspired Ikigai. Taking inspiration from Junichiro Tanizaki's 1933 literary work In Praise of Shadows, the brand honours nuance, subtlety, and the interplay of light and shadow in both wine and life. Family-driven and deeply connected to nature, In Praise of Shadows invites you to embrace the journey, find beauty in simplicity, and savour every moment, just as you would their thoughtfully crafted wines.
When booking a visit to In Praise of Shadows, guests can choose from a range of thoughtfully curated tasting experiences designed to connect them with the brand’s philosophy and craftsmanship. Options include the Snapshot, offering a relaxed introduction with a tasting of six wines, In Focus, a deeper exploration of up to eight wines that delves into the I.P.O.S story and inspirations, and The Wide Angle Lens, an immersive 90-120 minute journey featuring up to ten wines, including the premium Enso range. The Wide Angle Lens also includes a curated selection of cheese and charcuterie and the chance to create your own Enso brushstroke artwork, making it a truly engaging and memorable experience.
Opening Hours: By Appointment, book online
inpraiseofshadows.com.au
Orbis Wines
Open by appointment only. 307 Hunt Road McLaren Vale SA 5171
Orbis Wines is a celebration of sustainability, innovation, and authenticity in winemaking. Nestled in the heart of McLaren Vale, Orbis is deeply committed to organic and biodynamic practices, creating wines that reflect a profound connection to the land. Each bottle embodies their mission to honour the environment while crafting vibrant, expressive wines that showcase the region’s unique terroir.
Visitors to Orbis can now enjoy a private tasting experience, exploring their diverse wine range and learning about the eco-conscious methods that define their approach - you may even get to meet their Babydoll sheep! From vineyard to glass, Orbis Wines is dedicated to creating exceptional wines with minimal impact on the planet.
Opening Hours: By Appointment, book online
orbiswines.com.au
Organic Hill Wines
252 Main Road McLaren Vale SA 5171
Organic Hill Wines is dedicated to sustainable winemaking, crafting certified organic, biodynamic, and vegan-friendly wines that embody the pristine natural beauty of McLaren Vale. With a philosophy rooted in environmental stewardship, Organic Hill crafts vibrant and expressive wines without the use of synthetic chemicals, ensuring both quality and harmony with the land.
Their welcoming cellar door, located within a historic barn, invites guests to explore a diverse portfolio that includes standout varieties like Shiraz, Grenache, and Chardonnay. At Organic Hill, every glass celebrates the connection between sustainable practices, exceptional wine, and the stunning beauty of McLaren Vale.
Shadow Creek Wines
Opening early 2025! Hunt Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171
Shadow Creek Wines is a boutique winery dedicated to crafting small-batch, handcrafted wines that embody the essence of McLaren Vale. Nestled amidst the region’s rolling vineyards, Shadow Creek focuses on showcasing the unique characteristics of their terroir through meticulous winemaking and a commitment to quality. Their intimate cellar door experience offers visitors a personalised journey into their wine portfolio, guided by a passion for excellence and authenticity. At Shadow Creek Wines, every bottle tells a story of dedication, creativity, and the timeless beauty of McLaren Vale.
Opening hours: Opening early 2025!
shadowcreek.com.au
Willunga 100
Opening mid-late December 2024! 188 Moritz Road Blewitt Springs SA 5171
Willunga 100 is renowned for its exceptional Grenache, crafted with a deep respect for McLaren Vale’s rich viticultural heritage. Their Grenache Tasting Room, set within the picturesque Blind Spot Vineyard, offers a unique and intimate setting for wine lovers to experience the magic of this celebrated varietal. The standout feature of their offering is the Blewitt Springs Grenache Tasting Flight, which provides a rare opportunity to compare and contrast the nuanced expressions of Grenache from this notable district. This curated flight includes two of Willunga 100’s own Single Vineyard Grenache wines alongside a Single Vineyard Blewitt Springs Grenache from both Yangarra and SC Pannell, showcasing the diversity and character of Blewitt Springs terroir.
Combining expert craftsmanship with a stunning vineyard backdrop, Willunga 100’s Grenache Tasting Room promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of McLaren Vale’s Grenache excellence.
Opening Hours: Opening mid-late December 2024, book here.
willunga100.com
