McLaren Vale Cellar Doors

[Michael McNally]

Hello all

I am visiting McLaren Vale later this week (Covid Gods willing). My focus is on Grenache, then other mediterranean varietals. If there be Chardonnay - great. I have two full days and a half day. Hire car and travelling solo (and spitting) which means I can get through a fair few places. Here's what I have in mind, but I would love any suggestions for other small places/lesser names. I am not really interested in Wirra Wirra, Coriole, Chapel Hill etc that are readily available here.

Definites/Booked:
Aphelion
Bondar
Dodgy Bros
3 Dark Horses
Yangarra
SC Pannell
Varney Wines
Lino Ramble

Hopefully:
Berg Herring
Dog Ridge
Bekkers
Samson Hall

If Time:
Geddes Wines
Sherrah Wines
Kay Brothers

Eats:
The Currant Shed
Salopian Inn
Star of Greece

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Cheers

Michael

[Wayno]

Friends of mine raved about Little Rickshaw in Aldinga for a meal. Might be worth considering

[phillisc]

Varley wines also doing good things and just off the South Road/Victor Harbor Road junction. The restaurant is good too.
Speaking of food, your three suggestions are very sound, but add the best pub in SA...The Victory. a must if in the region and Doug Govan's Shiraz Malbec and Mataro wines (a nod to Wendouree) are excellent VFM.

Cheers Craig

[kaos]

Samuel's Gorge is v good...

[kenzo]

See if you can make a booking with Vanguardist, if it's grenache you're after.

[Scotty vino]

Coriole's (Gather) restaurant shouldn't be overlooked. very good. as good or better than SOG and Currant shed IMO.

[Michael McNally]

[quote="Wayno"]Friends of mine raved about Little Rickshaw in Aldinga for a meal. Might be worth considering[/quote]
Thanks Wayno

Within cycling distance of the AirBNB so might give it a go instead of Star of Greece.

Cheers

Michael

[Michael McNally]

[quote="phillisc"]Varley wines also doing good things and just off the South Road/Victor Harbor Road junction. The restaurant is good too.
Speaking of food, your three suggestions are very sound, but add the best pub in SA...The Victory. a must if in the region and Doug Govan's Shiraz Malbec and Mataro wines (a nod to Wendouree) are excellent VFM.

Cheers Craig[/quote]
Thanks Craig

Varney Wines are on my list and locked in as I have bought their Grenache and GSM before and been impressed.

Thanks for the Victory recco. I have heard about it so might lunch there.

Cheers

Michael

[Michael McNally]

Format editor don't seem to be working!

Thanks Kaos, I'll add them to my If Time list.

Thanks Kenzo, I have tried and love the Vanguardist wines (have a few in the cellar) but they aren't based in McLaren Vale. Barossa (or Clare?) I think.

Thanks Scotty, I'll check out Gather and maybe bump the Currant Shed.

Appreciate the ideas peeps. Keep it coming!

Cheers

Michael

[daver6]

Brash Higgins is worthy of a visit if you can get an appointment.

[kenzo]

[quote="Michael McNally"]
Thanks Kenzo, I have tried and love the Vanguardist wines (have a few in the cellar) but they aren't based in McLaren Vale. Barossa (or Clare?) I think.
[/quote]

You're right! Barossa Valley - sorry I should have checked before posting.

Simon

[phillisc]

[quote="Michael McNally"][quote="phillisc"]Varley wines also doing good things and just off the South Road/Victor Harbor Road junction. The restaurant is good too.
Speaking of food, your three suggestions are very sound, but add the best pub in SA...The Victory. a must if in the region and Doug Govan's Shiraz Malbec and Mataro wines (a nod to Wendouree) are excellent VFM.

Cheers Craig[/quote]
Thanks Craig
The cellar at The Victory is certainly worth a look, the Wendouree stash even more so. Doug's Rudderless wines can be had by the glass and are great VFM.
Cheers Craig

Varney Wines are on my list and locked in as I have bought their Grenache and GSM before and been impressed.

Thanks for the Victory recco. I have heard about it so might lunch there.

Cheers

Michael[/quote]

[phillisc]

Gavin, not sure what's happening to posts...I replied to Michael and it ended up in the middle.
Cheers Craig

[Gavin Trott]

[quote="phillisc"]Gavin, not sure what's happening to posts...I replied to Michael and it ended up in the middle.
Cheers Craig[/quote]

Got someone working on it, bit of a problem after a recent update.

[Nick]

Wine
Would definitely try to set up a visit at Brash Higgins if you can.

Agree also that Samuel's Gorge is worth a visit.

Food
Pizzateca worth a look if you feel like some authentic pizza over in the Kay's corner of the valley.

Pearl down next to the Aldinga boat ramp was excellent when we were there a couple of weeks back.

Haven't eaten at Maxwell yet (booked for next month), but if you're looking for top-end dining, have heard great things.