Adelaide isn’t just South Australia’s capital; it’s the gateway to some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. With rolling coastal vineyards and historic estates and boutique cellar doors, Adelaide offers a spectrum of wine experiences that suit every palate. Going on a wine tour in South Australia? Here’s your guide to the best wine destinations in and around Adelaide.
McLaren Vale
Framed by the Fleurieu Peninsula’s hills and coastline, McLaren Vale is one of South Australia’s most iconic wine regions. Known for its warm-climate reds, particularly shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, the region also shines with Mediterranean varietals like sangiovese, tempranillo, and roussanne.
With more than 80 cellar doors, McLaren Vale combines wine with world-class food and sweeping vineyard views. Hop on a bike and ride the Shiraz Trail–a nine-kilometre (5.5-mile) stretch through lush vineyards and wineries. Don’t miss d’Arenberg, where a five-storey Rubik’s Cube–shaped building combines art, wine, and food in a one-of-a-kind tasting experience.
Adelaide Hills
Perched in the cool climate of the Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills is home to boutique wineries producing exceptional chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and pinot noir. With over 60 wineries and 40 cellar doors, this region is ideal for those who want something a little different.
Standouts include Shaw + Smith, famous for its small-batch wines and sunset views, and Penfolds’ Magill Estate, one of Australia’s most prestigious wineries with more than 175 years of history. The Lane Vineyard offers personalized tastings paired with award-winning views. Round out your visit with a stroll through Mount Lofty Botanic Garden or a trip to the charming German heritage town of Hahndorf.
Barossa Valley
Rich in history and flavour, the Barossa Valley has been producing wine for over seven generations. It’s home to more than 170 wineries, including legendary names like Penfolds, Jacob’s Creek, and Henschke. The region is famous for its full-bodied shiraz, grenache, riesling, and semillon.
One highlight not to miss is Seppeltsfield, the only winery in the world that releases a 100-year-old vintage wine every year. Visitors can even taste a fortified wine from the year they were born, straight from the barrel. Beyond the cellar doors, wander through heritage towns like Lyndoch, Angaston, and Bethany, each offering a glimpse into the Barossa’s old-world charm.
Clare Valley
If Barossa is all about big reds, then Clare Valley is the home of crisp, elegant whites, particularly riesling. With more than 50 cellar doors, this region is dotted with picture-perfect villages like Auburn, Watervale, and Sevenhill.
The best way to explore? By bike along the Riesling Trail, a 32-kilometre (20-mile) route linking towns and wineries. Here you’ll find award-winning cellar doors, boutique B&Bs, and gourmet country pubs. It’s a region that lures visitors with its charm, and often convinces them to stay a little longer.
Spotlight Wineries to Visit
Now that we’ve explored the regions, here are some wineries to add to your must-visit list.
Claymore Wines (Clare Valley)
Claymore combines three passions — wine, music, and football — into one playful tasting experience. Their labels nod to classic albums and sporting legends, while their wines remain firmly rooted in Clare’s rich terroir. Expect everything from refined shiraz and cabernet to crisp rieslings, crafted with care from vines that include parcels over 80 years old.
Ubertas Wines (Barossa Valley)
Family-owned and boutique in style, Ubertas Wines captures the essence of Barossa with award-winning shiraz, merlot, and shiraz-cabernet blends. Their warm hospitality is matched by unique attractions like the Ubertas Maze, keeping younger visitors entertained while parents sip their way through the cellar door.
Angas Plains Estate (Langhorne Creek)
Just 50 minutes south of Adelaide, Angas Plains Estate sits in the fertile Langhorne Creek wine region. Run by Phillip and Judy Cross, the estate is known for its shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay, all cultivated with sustainable practices. Small-batch winemaking, open-vessel fermentation, and a careful oak program ensure their wines balance structure with elegance.
The Final Pour
From the world-famous Barossa to the boutique charm of Clare Valley, Adelaide’s wine regions are as diverse as they are inviting. Whether you’re cycling through vineyards, tasting century-old vintages, or enjoying family-run hospitality, these destinations offer more than just wine. They deliver unforgettable experiences in every glass.