South Australia is a wine lover’s paradise, boasting some of the most renowned wineries in the world.
From the lush vineyards of the Barossa Valley to the picturesque landscapes of McLaren Vale, this region offers a diverse array of wine experiences. Whether you’re a connoisseur seeking the finest Shiraz or a casual enthusiast looking to explore new flavours, South Australia’s wineries promise unforgettable journeys through rich history, innovative winemaking, and breathtaking scenery.
Join us as we uncork the best wineries in South Australia, where every sip tells a story.
The Best Wineries in Barossa Valley:
Jacob’s Creek Winery
Jacob’s Creek, Barossa Valley. Image via South Australian Tourism Commission
Nestled in the heart of the Barossa Valley, Jacob’s Creek is one of South Australia’s most iconic wineries. Since 1847, when a Bavarian immigrant missed the taste of wine from his homeland so much, he started making it in their adoptive home of Barossa Valley. And since opening, the highest priority for the winemakers at Jacob’s Creek has been creating wine that reflects the true character of the grapes and the soil and sun that shapes the land. Wine tastings, tours of the picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining options are just a few ways for visitors to savour the flavours of this renowned winery
Jacobs Creek | Barossa Valley Way, Rowland Flat, SA 5352
Rockford Wines
Rockford Wines, Barossa Valley. Photography by Josie Withers via South Australian Tourism Commission
For those after one of the best winery visits in South Australia, you can’t go wrong with Rockford Wines. This Barossa Valley cellar door is open seven days, and much like their open door, their arms are open and inviting you to come on down and try their wine. Rockford is committed to keeping the best of the traditional Australian wine trade alive, and to sharing the results of this trade with their customers. Rockford is an old Barossa vineyard and the building it calls home dates back to the early settlement of Krondorf, hence its old-time appeal and county splendour. The staff are always happy to chat and share their knowledge on wine, history and culture of the Barossa.
Rockford Wines | 131 Krondorf Road, Tanunda SA 5352
Chateau Tanunda
Chateau Tanunda vintage winery. Photography by Ekaterina Kamenetsky via Shutterstock
Chateau Tanunda is home to some of the earliest plantings of vines in the Barossa, dating back to the 1840s, and is Australia’s largest and oldest wine Chateau. After the phylloxera plague in Europe destroyed their vineyards in the 1860s, the founders of the Chateau decided to build a Bavarian-style Chateau dedicated to the production of fine quality wines. The Chateau has housed many great winemakers and has been a major contributor to the success of the wines in the Barossa Valley. The sheer decadence of Chateau Tanunda is more than enough of a reason to visit – oh, and the wine of course!
Chateau Tanunda | Basedow Rd, Tanunda SA 5352
The Best Wineries in McLaren Vale:
Angove McLaren Vale Vineyards and Cellar Door
Angove Winery McLaren Vale. Photography by Adam Bruzzone via South Australian Tourism Commission
Visiting Angove Family Winemakers in South Australia offers a unique and enriching experience for wine enthusiasts. As one of the oldest family-owned wineries in the region, Angove boasts a rich history and tradition of winemaking excellence. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, learning about the sustainable practices and organic methods used in their wine production. The picturesque setting, combined with the opportunity to taste a variety of award-winning wines, makes it a perfect destination for a relaxing and educational day out. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking to explore the beauty of South Australia’s wine country, Angove Family Winemakers provides a memorable and delightful visit.
Angove Family Winemakers | 117 Chalk Hill Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
d’Arenberg
D’Arenberg Cube. Photographed by Mariangela Cruz. Image via Shutterstock.
Planning a trip to McLaren Vale? One of the Best Wine Regions near Adelaide? You’d be silly to pass up an opportunity to visit d’Arenberg. Found in the heart of the McLaren Vale, d’Arenberg has something for everyone. By this we mean that if you can’t find the right drop to suit your tastebuds, head on over to their Blending Bench where amateur wine makers can be guided through the process to make a customised shiraz. Beyond this, d’Arenberg’s unique cellar door experience and restaurant reside within the actual cube itself. A spectacle that must be seen to be believed, the five-level structure that makes up the cube was drafted by owner Chester Osborn. And, of course, in the design process, to completely understand the intricacy of wine and wine making, d’Arenberg features a wine inhalation room as well as a 360-degree video room to allow visitors to sit through an educational experience.
d’Arenberg | Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale, SA 5171
The Best Wineries in Adelaide Hills:
Longview Vineyard
Longview Vineyard, Adelaide Hills. Image via South Australian Tourism Commission
Regardless of your reason to visit Adelaide Hills, the Longview Vineyard in Macclesfield South Australia will definitely be the highlight of your journey after exploring the various nearby wineries. Longview Vineyard is a surrounded by the most awarded vineyards of the region. Apart from their central location in the historic township, the single vineyard venue sits on Adelaide Hills’ sloping ranges. Decorated in a modern chic design, the Longview has a distinct Australian accent. Featuring a Shiraz and Pinot room, guests will be please to know that the estate also has their very own cellar door to enjoy. You’ll be dreaming of spending a long time at Longview Vineyard!
Longview Vineyard | 154 Pound Rd, Macclesfield, SA 5153
Shaw and Smith
Shaw and Smith, Adelaide Hills. Photographed by Andre Castellucci. Image supplied via South Australia Tourism
Shaw and Smith | 136 Jones Rd, Balhannah, SA 5242
The Lane Vineyard
The Lane Vineyard, Adelaide Hills. Photographed by Isaac Forman. Image supplied via South Australia Tourism.
Founded only a few years after Shaw and Smith, The Lane also produces a collection of delicious wines that reflect the high quality of the cooler region. Their three tiers, Heritage, Occasion and Block Wine Series offer diversity for all who visit. If you’re visiting The Lane, stop by the tasting room for a delicious drop before heading into the restaurant for a long lunch. With a specially curated menu with matched wines to suit, this will be an experience like no other.
The Lane Vineyard | 5 Ravenswood Ln, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Nova Vita Wines
Nova Vita offers up some of the best examples of chardonnay and shiraz the Hills has to offer. Ower Mark Lozned and his family prides themselves on showcasing the cooler elements of the northern parts of the region, which vary staggeringly to the wineries mentioned above. The Kozned family has a long tradition of growing grapes and making wines, dating back to before WWII in southern Russia, oddly enough. This tradition and quality wine is carried on in the Adelaide Hills through Mark and his drive and dedication.
Nova Vita Wines | 11 Woodlands Rd, Kenton Valley, SA 5233
Wicks Estate Winery and Vineyards
A leisurely 10-minute drive along Onkaparinga Valley Road will see you arrive at Wicks Estate Winery and Vineyards, located just outside the village of Woodside. A family owned and operated business, the Wicks family purchased the land for the vineyard in 1999. They not only make their own collection of wines, but they also offer their skills to many of the smaller wineries to process and make their wines. Their wines are extremely fresh, bright and clean to the palate. And their sauvignon blanc sits up high with some of Australia’s most popular drops, building on the region’s reputation for being our answer to the Kiwi domination of this grape variety.
Wicks Estate Winery and Vineyards | 29 Riverview Rd, Woodside, SA 5244
Make sure to soak up the sun at the top beaches in Adelaide, SA. And after a visit to these great wineries, enjoy a bite at the 8 Quirky and Unique Dining Experiences in Adelaide.
Considered as one of the greatest gems of the Adelaide Hills is Shaw and Smith – a well-known and highly regarded vineyard in the region. Founded by cousins Michael Hill Smith and Martin Shaw in 1989, this vineyard makes wines which reflect the Hills’ cool climate such as chardonnay, pinot noir and, most famously, their best-selling sauvignon blanc. Not only are their wines delicious, but their winery and cellar door make for must-visit destinations on your next visit to Adelaide Hills. You can sit back and enjoy the wine with an astute selection of cheese pairings. Shaw and Smith’s dedication to quality has gone a long way in placing the Adelaide Hills as a quality region in the minds of many Australians.