Escape to South Australia’s McLaren Vale, where crackling fireplaces, award-winning wineries, hearty local fare and stunning coastal scenery make for the perfect winter getaway.
SECRET GARDEN
Wander down a lillypilly-lined avenue in Blewitt Springs to a vineyard garden where Bec Hardy and Richard Dolan lead the Tipsy Hill Garden Tour. Perched above the vineyards and circling the family home, the guided stroll begins with welcome bubbles and banter. Then it’s a languid wander, weaving between terraced herb gardens, native weeping peppermint and grass trees, and lemon-scented gums that suffuse their alluring aroma after rain. The two-hour tour culminates with a grazing board enjoyed in a dreamy storybook setting.
DONKEYS IN THE VINES
Strolling through a vineyard with donkeys is a unique way to experience McLaren Vale. Join animal whisperer and veteran viticulturalist Jodie Armstrong from Walking Donkey Wine Tours on a plod beside the vines at Journey Home Wines. Follow Agatha and Winsome between the trellises, one hoof at a time, pausing so they can 'mow' the grass that crochets together Blewitt Springs and McLaren Flat. Hear fascinating stories about how Jodie came to be here with her donkeys. Then comes morning tea and wine tasting – for you, that is (the donkeys stick to their carrots).
RIDE THE RAIL TRAIL
Explore the Shiraz Trail by pedal power on a vintage-style Vallkree cruiser from Deluxe Ebikes. The decommissioned rail corridor is today a paved bike and pedestrian path that rolls between McLaren Vale and Willunga. It forms the final eight kilometres of the 38-kilometre Coast to Vines Rail Trail.
