A non-drinker's day in McLaren Vale
Olive oil, chocolate, gelato and a sober good time
Why this guide exists
If you are pregnant, driving, alcohol-free, or just not into wine, McLaren Vale can feel like a region that does not know what to do with you. It absolutely does - you just have to know where to point the car. This day route avoids alcohol-only venues entirely and still leaves you full, happy, and feeling like you saw the Vale.
When to go
Any day of the week works. Saturdays are best if you want the Willunga Farmers Market on the way, Sundays if you prefer quieter cellar doors. Avoid extreme heat days - much of this is outdoor.
How to plan it
Treat this as a six-stop loop with morning coffee at the start and gelato at the end. Driving distances are short - most stops are 5 to 15 minutes apart. Bring a soft cooler in the boot for olive oil and chocolate. Pack swimmers if you want to finish at the beach.
A note on the children
Most of these stops are kid-friendly. The chocolate shop is universally loved.
Cost
A full day on this route - coffee, two tastings, lunch, gelato, dinner - comes in well under what a wine tour would. Most olive oil and chocolate tastings are free or token cost.
Day 1
5 stops-
1
Lloyd Brothers Wine & Olive Co
McLaren ValeFirst proper tasting of the day - but olive oil, not wine. Lloyd Brothers press their own EVOO and the staff will run you through three or four single-variety oils with bread. Insider tip: ask about the leccino.
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2
The Salopian Inn
McLaren ValeLong lunch at the Salopian Inn. Their kitchen garden, share plates and house-made sodas mean you can have a proper restaurant meal without a glass of wine. Book ahead for weekends.
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3
McLaren Vale Lavender
McLaren ValeAfter lunch, head to McLaren Vale Lavender for the rows in flower (November-January is peak), the lavender ice cream and a relaxed walk around the farm. Allow an hour.
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4
Bracegirdle's House of Fine Chocolate
McLaren ValeBracegirdle's House of Fine Chocolate is the indulgent middle-afternoon stop. Hot chocolate, gelato, a long counter of pralines. Take a small box home.
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5
Port Willunga Beach
Aldinga & Port WillungaFinish at Port Willunga Beach for a sunset walk on the sand. Bring a towel for a swim if it is warm - and a jumper for the breeze if it is not.
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On the map
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Image credits
- d'Arenberg Cube by Alan and Flora Botting , CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons