One of the reasons we started Partner N Wine was because we love planning days exploring our beautiful wine regions. McLaren Vale is our closest wine regions and one of our favourites.
We saw a gap in the market for stress-free transport for small groups at affordable prices.
This latest blog entry will showcase an example of a perfect day out in McLaren Vale. This itinerary is catered to those that prefer red wines, but are wanting to expand their taste beyond a Shiraz.
Pick up in the city at 10:00am
We arrive at your hotel in the city and a group of 7 eager wine lovers aboard the minivan, armed with snacks and supplies. There’s a customised playlist and Spotify is playing some bangers through the car speakers, which really lifts the mood of the group.
1st stop Oliver’s Taranga at 10:45am
This is one of our favourite cellar doors. The original workers’ cottage has been restored to showcase the heritage of six generations of wine-making. The story of the family is etched in every drop of wine and the staff provide award winning service. Oliver’s Taranga recently won the People’s Choice Award for Best of Wine Tourism Services. This is a global award for the 13 Great Wine Capitals of the world. We love the variety of Italian style whites, Spanish inspired Mencia and then there’s Brioni’s Blend. We could write an entire blog on Brioni’s Blend. This medium-bodied red blend of Portuguese style Touriga, Spanish style Mataro and McLaren Vale Shiraz is perfectly balanced. The sweetness of the Touriga, coupled with the spice of the Mataro and the smoothness of a softer style Shiraz creates a mouth-watering sensation. The freshly baked bread and almonds from Willunga are also a lovely way to start the day.
2nd stop at 12:30pm Hugo Wines
The next stop is Hugo Wines in McLaren Flat. We love this small family-owned winery, which has some of the McLaren Vale classics that we know and love. Recently this winery has expanded their tasting list to new varieties. You’re going to try some familiar styles like Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. These are a perfect expression of what this region has to offer. This is complimented by their new varieties of Nero d’Avola, Tempranillo and Grenache. McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate means that Italian and Spanish varietals grow effortlessly in our hot dry summers. We love to stop here for lunch and graze on a platter, which combines cheeses, cured meats and olives from the region.
3rd stop Coriole at 3:00pm
The last stop is Coriole. This garden is the envy of homeowners around the country. Your eyes feast on a bloom of colour, perched on the hill, overlooking the rolling hills. This cellar door aligns with the stone cottage theme of the day. The tasting options include a crisp dry style rosé, their signature Sangiovese, a tangy Nero d’Avola and the Dancing Fig. Like Oliver’s Taranga’s blend, this mix of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Shiraz satisfies medium-bodied red wine lovers from around the globe.
We head back to your hotel in the city. The car is filled with bottles of wine that you have purchased during the day and you are looking forward to cracking open a bottle later on. A day in the vineyards is the perfect way to relax, expand your knowledge and try new wines beyond the bottle-shops. Sip with us. Your new partners in wine!
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