Winter wonders await in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast
Discover the warmth of winter in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast – where coastal beauty, crackling fires, world-class wine, boutique spirits and nature-based adventures await.
Winter in South Australia brings a shift in energy – a season to explore more slowly, to gather with friends and family, savour local flavours and experience familiar places in a new light. In McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast, the cooler months uncover a quieter beauty: peaceful beaches, scenic walking trails and rich culinary moments, all within easy reach of the city 45 minutes away.
Feast on winter flavours
No visit to McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast is complete without indulging in the region’s celebrated culinary scene. Winter brings an extra level of comfort and richness to dining, with menus reflecting seasonal produce, slow-cooked favourites and farm-to-table flair. Perfect for sharing simple pleasures with family and friends.
The Fleurieu Food Festival will return in August with a month-long celebration of the flavours, people and places that make McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast a food lover’s paradise.
From vineyard feasts to farm-fresh experiences, sip and savour your way through intimate long lunches, hands-on workshops and chef-led dining events that highlight the region’s finest produce.
For something more casual but equally delicious and a hit with kids too, Beach Road Wines and the The Vine Shed Cellar Door offer winter menus with wood-fired pizzas, gourmet platters and locally sourced bites designed to pair perfectly with a glass of red.
Local farmers’ markets – like the Willunga Farmers Market, held every Saturday – are ideal for stocking up on fresh produce, artisan breads, local cheeses and hot food to warm your hands and tummy as you stroll between stalls.
And for a sweet finish, don’t miss the indulgent desserts and pastries from Espy Bakehouse or CJ’s Bakery in Christies Beach , Bracegirdle’s in McLaren Vale, or the cozy charm of a hot chocolate from Goodness Coffee Co. in Aldinga.
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Maxwell Wines. Image credit: Maxwell Wines
Warm up with wine, gin, fortifieds and more
While the region is celebrated for its incredible wines, winter is the perfect season to explore its broader palette of flavours. Imagine warming your hands on a glass of rich Shiraz beside a roaring fire at cellar doors such as Beresford Wines, Chapel Hill or Mitolo Wines.
For something a little different, why not try a robust stout from local brewers like Kick Back Brewing, where notes of chocolate and coffee make for a perfect winter sip? Fortified wines, a classic winter warmer, can be savoured at places like Kay Brothers, Yangarra and Battle of Bosworth, while Maxwell Wines offers delicious mead that brings an old-world charm to modern palates.
Don’t miss the chance to explore boutique gins from local distilleries like Settlers Spirits at The d’Arenberg Cube and Never Never Distilling Co., offering unique tastings and seasonal cocktails to keep you cosy.
Moana Beach. Image credit: Heath Riggs
Coastal calm and winter by the sea
The stunning coastline is an amazing site all year-round, but winter reveals a more serene, almost private side to its beaches. Sellicks Beach is a must-see for breathtaking sunsets framed by limestone cliffs, while Maslin Beach invites peaceful walks and rockpool explorations without the summer crowds.
Or for something new, check out stage one of the Witton Bluff Base Trail – a breezy, 30-minute round trip boardwalk from Port Noarlunga to the tip of the bluff. Soak up those stunning views and stay tuned – by mid-2025 the full trail will link Port Noarlunga to Christies Beach. Adventure awaits.
Pet-friendly winter adventures
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If you’re bringing a furry friend along, McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast doesn’t disappoint. Many cellar doors and cafés welcome pets, often with outdoor heated seating or lawn areas perfect for dogs to stretch their legs.
Boy and Bloom South in Port Noarlunga is renowned for its dog-friendly menu, while Mollydooker Wines boasts expansive lawns ideal for playful pups. Stump Hill Café at the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre and Harry’s Deli at Wirra Wirra Winery are also great spots where your fur baby will feel right at home.
Flat to Vale Trail. Image credit: McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast
Trails, nature and outdoor fun
Winter’s crisp air is perfect for exploring the many trails winding through the region. The Onkaparinga River National Park offers diverse landscapes where you might spot kangaroos and vibrant birdlife. For the more adventurous, rock climbing or abseiling with spectacular views is available nearby.
Discover the picturesque landscapes on an e-bike adventure along one of the many cycling trails, including McLaren Flat to McLaren Vale, the Shiraz Trail or Willunga to Aldinga. Fun for the whole family with plenty of spots to stop along the way!
Main and Cherry. Image credit: McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast
Stay cozy in unique winter accommodation
Whether you prefer a rustic shearing shed, a luxury vineyard villa, or a boutique micro hotel, the region’s accommodation options provide a warm and welcoming place to rest after a day of exploring.
Curl up with a good book by the fire, or soak in the winter landscape from your hilltop retreat. Many properties offer packages tailored to the winter months, making your stay even more memorable.
No matter the season, McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast offers something special – and winter is no exception.
Plan your winter escape now and experience the best of South Australia’s wine and coastal paradise.
