The best wineries to visit on your next trip to South Australia
There’s a reason that South Australia is officially considered one of the 11 wine capitals of the world. With an abundance of internationally renowned wine regions, award-winning drops and gorgeous cellar doors to visit, there’s something for everyone when it comes to wine tastings and tours. From McLaren Vale wineries to Barossa Valley wineries (and many more), here are 10 of the best wineries South Australia has to offer.
D'Arenberg, McLaren Vale
D'Arenberg is located in McLaren Vale, in the southern region of Australia. The estate is run by the fifth generation of the Osborn family, and they produce a wide range of wines, from sparkling to shiraz. But the winery is also a popular tourist destination due to its famous D'Arenberg Cube, which is an architecturally designed five-storey virtual winery experience.
Book your accommodation at BIG4 Port Willunga when you visit D’Arenberg.
Penfolds Magill Estate, Magill
Arguably Australia’s most famous name in wine, Penfolds Magill Estate is the urban heartland of this iconic brand. With vines dating back to 1844, when you visit you can enjoy impeccable fine dining (perhaps paired with a glass of Grange on a special occasion?) or a more casual affair, lots of wine and gorgeous views of Penfolds’ very first vineyard.
Book your accommodation at BIG4 Mannum Holiday Park when you visit Penfolds Magill Estate.
The Lane Vineyard, Hahndorf
The Lane Vineyard is one of the newer wineries in the Adelaide Hills region, having been established in 1993. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a deep respect for history. Their wines are made with a vision to “honour and preserve the unique sense of place” you feel on the traditional lands of the Peramangk and Kaurna people and the wines reflect the coming together of the past and future.
Book your accommodation at BIG4 Mannum Holiday Park when you visit The Lane Vineyard.
Jacob's Creek, Rowland Flat
Jacob’s Creek is another big name in the world of Australian wine so you simply can’t miss visiting their cellar door on your next South Australian winery escape. The cellar door offers a range of tasting experiences where you can sample different wines (including their well-loved shiraz and chardonnays) and learn more about this historic, internationally renowned business. Plus, the breathtaking views of the Barossa Valley aren’t bad on the eyes either!
Book your accommodation at BIG4 Barossa when you visit Jacob’s Creek.
Seppeltsfield Wines, Seppeltsfield
Seppeltsfield Wines is another famous brand in the South Australian wine industry and another one well worth a visit! Take a tour of the Centennial Cellar (you’ll even get to taste the 100 Year Old 1923 Para Vintage Tawny), explore Seppeltsfield village and even check out the Fine Art Gallery onsite.
Book your accommodation at BIG4 Barossa when you visit Seppeltsfield Wines.
St Hugo, Rowland Flat
The award-winning restaurant at St Hugo is just the beginning of the delights you’ll experience when you visit. Book a Flagship tasting flight experience and be treated to their top-tier range of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, as well as samples of their exclusive Back Vintage wines.
Book your accommodation at BIG4 Barossa when you visit St Hugo.
Two Hands Wines, Marananga
Two Hands Wine is all about making awesome shiraz… and that is exactly what they do. Everyone is made to feel welcome at this cellar door with a mantra to ‘demystify wine’ at the forefront of the experience. Chill out with a glass of their best in the wine garden and soak up the scenery of the Barossa.
Book your accommodation at BIG4 Barossa when you visit Two Hands Wines.
Wirra Wirra, McLaren Vale
Wirra Wirra is your classic Aussie winery. Set among the gum trees, it’s the perfect setting to sample the McLaren Vale reds and Adelaide Hills whites that Wirra Wirra is known for. Enjoy a casual meal at Harry’s Deli onsite, where the native gardens and biodynamically farmed vineyards are celebrated via their seasonal menu that showcases regional produce.
Book your accommodation at BIG4 Port Willunga when you visit Wirra Wirra.
Skillogalee, Clare Valley
Often dwarfed by the regional giants of the Barossa and McLaren Vale, the Clare Valley shouldn’t be forgotten and Skillogalee is one of its best wineries. The unusual name comes from the nearby Skillogalee Creek which runs through the property, but many fans of the winery simply refer to it as ‘Skilly’. The award-winning cellar door is housed within the charming stone settlers’ cottage, from the 1850s, or you can book for lunch at the restaurant or take a gourmet picnic out into the spectacular property.
Book your accommodation at Marion Holiday Park when you visit Skillogalee.
Bird in Hand, Woodside
A winery with a conscience, Bird in Hand does more than produce epic wines. The Bird in Hand Foundation was created in 2014 with the aim of giving back to the community, focussing on helping young creatives realise their dreams through the arts and education and actively advocating indigenous and gender equality. Known especially for their whites and sparklings, you can enjoy a tasting with accompanying snacks at their cellar door seven days a week.
Book your accommodation at BIG4 Mannum Holiday Park when you visit Bird in Hand.
How many wineries are there in South Australia?
South Australia has 680 wineries and 340 cellar doors, 200 of which are within an hour's drive of Adelaide.
What is the biggest winery in South Australia?
The Berri Estates winery in the Riverland wine region of South Australia is considered the largest winery, not just in South Australia, but in the southern hemisphere. It makes the most cask wine in Australia, producing 60 million litres a year or half of all the cask wine sold!
What are the vineyard regions in South Australia?
There are 18 wine regions in total and (as we mentioned above) South Australia is officially known as one of the 11 wine capitals of the world, thanks to its abundance of internationally renowned wine regions.
What is the oldest winery in South Australia?
It’s a bit of a contentious one, but Oliver’s Taranga in McLaren Vale is said to be the oldest having been established in 1841 (only just beating Penfolds Magill Estate by three years).