Best wineries around Adelaide

With historic vineyards, generations of makers and globally-acclaimed wines, there’s a good reason Adelaide is called the Wine Capital of Australia. Adelaide’s pioneering wineries produce almost 80 per cent of Australia’s premium wines and 50 per cent of Australia’s bottled wines, and within an hour’s drive in almost any direction you can find yourself sipping award-winning Shiraz, enjoying long lunches among the vines - and even inventing your own blend of red. 

Located next to Adelaide's beautiful Botanic Gardens,The National Wine Centre of Australia is your one-stop-adventure for a taste of cellar doors, tasting areas, wine courses, and a wine museum and interpretive exhibition. Designed to showcase the region’s rich variety, it’s also the perfect place to learn about Australia’s rich winemaking heritage while sampling a drop from every major region. Take a seat in the Wined Bar and enjoy a wine pairing with a charcuterie or cheese board.

If you’re looking for somewhere famous, just 15 minutes from the centre of Adelaide you’ll find Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar Door. Since 1844 this vineyard has been producing notable wine, including the world-famous Penfolds Grange which was launched in 1951. Take a tour of the bluestone cellars before dining at Magill Estate Kitchen - one of Adelaide’s most elegant restaurants - overlooking the vines. A great way to begin a relaxed tour of Australia’s wine capital.

There are plenty of other ways to enjoy Adelaide’s charms between drinks. Take a scenic tram ride to Glenelg, only 20 minutes from the CBD and a great place for waterside cafes and sunsets. The Australian Art Gallery of South Australia houses over 47,000 local and international works, with collections from Australia to Europe, North America and Asia.

About an hour’s drive north of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley’s Mediterranean climate places it amongst Australia's premier wine regions. With charming old vineyards tucked into the verdant hills, the vineyard grapes yield full-bodied Shiraz and vibrant Grenache. Step back in time at Rockford Wines where heritage buildings date back to the early settlement of nearby Krondorf, and the vineyard keeps old-world winemaking alive with rich and earthy traditional Barossa flavours.

For top-tier releases, Hentley Farm produces a range of distinct and delicious wines, from the unique specialities of the Luxury Collection and the vineyard block favourites of the Luxury Red Tasting. Splash out on a Premier Tasting and pick from the five current-release wines from the Seppeltsfield and Mount Crawford vineyards. The Museum Tasting takes a journey into the stories behind the estate’s signature vintages and winemaking craft. Overlooking Greenock Creek, Hentley Farm Restaurant boasts seasonal pairing crafted by award-winning chefs.

Established 160 years ago, Chateau Yaldara has built an international reputation for Shiraz and crisp whites that are enjoyed the world over. Take a tour and enjoy a tasting in the estate’s iconic chateau, a building once home to fine china and ornate furnishings. The Chateau’s Riverside Restaurant also offers a European dining experience that includes woodfire pizzas and an à la carte menu. For more seasonal, artisan-made treats, the Barossa Farmers Market also delivers the best in regional South Australian food.

No Adelaide wine tour is complete without an excursion to the beautiful Adelaide Hills wineries. Only 40 minutes from the city, the Hills harbour a cooler climate that’s perfect for crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. One of Australia’s top sparkling wine producers, Deviation Road captures the surrounding season from high altitude fruits picked within the Piccadilly Valley and fermented to produce small batch, premium ranges. The Tasting Room is also host to seasonal wine events and masterclasses.

If you like wine with a view, The Lane Vineyard serves up a stunning list of wines, with a backdrop of rolling hills and vine valleys. This scenic beauty is also filled with events and activities, such as the interactive winemaking experience, where you can uncork your inner winemaker and blend your own bottled masterpiece. While you’re there settle in for a miniature degustation wine tasting experience. 

Nepenthe Winery uses simple traditional methods to produce complex premium wines. known for its contemporary cellar door and sweeping views, while known for producing premium wines that showcase the unique nature of our home. 

Experience more of this region’s beautiful flavours at the weekly Adelaide Hills Farmers’ Market open each Saturday from 8.30am -12.30pm in Mount Barker. These markets have been bringing the best of the Hills together for over 10 years with a focus on organic produce, artisan treats and farmer gate goods. Enjoy live music and quality coffee while you browse.

Just over half an hour’s drive south of the city, McLaren Vale is a beautiful pocket of surrounding winemaking region situated near coastal attractions and lovely clean beaches. It’s also known for its innovative wineries and Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. D’Arenberg takes the interactive experience up a notch with an ‘alternate realities’ museum For some memorable tasting visit the five-storey d’Arenberg Cube – an architectural wonder housing an aroma room, a virtual fermenter, a 360 degree video room. 

If you’re looking for something a touch more on the cosy side, Oliver Taranga Vineyards has an intimate private tasting room nestled in a heritage worker’s cottage as well as a deck overlooking the vineyard. There have been six generations of winemakers tending these renowned McLaren Vale wines since William Oliver planted the vines, and the family’s expertise continues to produce some of the region’s finest shiraz and grenache. For a closer look, jump onto ‘Ollie' the golf buggy and take a personal tour of the vineyards.

Adelaide accommodation

From Barossa wineries to d’Arenberg wines, it’s easy to base yourself close to wineries near Adelaide. There are plenty of accommodation options Adelaide offers, from comfortable inns and suites to stylish and historic boutique hotels.