What are the Best Things to do in McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu this Autumn? Check out a few of our favourites in this guide, including some new places to eat, drink and stay.
To Perk Up – Port Elliot Bakery
With queues out the door and down the street every weekend, this cult bakery is the beating heart of the nearby Fleurieu town of Port Elliot. Think hand-crafted limited edition pies of every flavour you can imagine, or decadently decorated donuts that awaken the child in every customer! Get in early to make sure you are one of the lucky ones to enjoy these amazing indulgent treats! You can always follow it up with a walk along the stunning local beaches to make yourself feel a little more virtuous if need be, all just a short drive from McLaren Vale.
— 31 North Terrace, Port Elliot
— @portelliotbakery
To Shop – Trilby’s Chocolate
McLaren Vale is excited to welcome a brand new chocolatier to the neighbourhood, where visitors not only get to taste small batch chocolates but actually watch the chocolate being made. Local Max Collett has made the most of an unused space at his family’s Woodstock winery for Trilby’s Chocolates. Sourcing cacao beans from around the world, Max is enjoying experimenting with new and exciting chocolate styles and experiences for visitors. If you love your chocolate then be sure to stop in and check out Trilby’s Chocolates while you’re in the region. Chocolate tastings are available from Friday to Sunday.
— 215 Douglas Gully Rd, Blewitt Springs
— trilbyschocolate.com.au
To Experience – Deep Creek National Park
Autumn is certainly a great time to get outdoors, and the Fleurieu is spoilt for choice when it comes to nature! One amazing wilderness destination is Deep Creek National Park right at the very tip of the Peninsula, yet still within 100km of Adelaide. Having just suffered some recent bushfire damage, the park is keen to welcome back visitors to this haven of bushland, clifftop ocean views and array of local wildlife. There is so much to see! Explore the many hiking trails, pitch a tent on a beachside campground, hop in the 4WD or tuck yourself away in the more luxurious nature stay options, and escape the world for a weekend, or longer…
To Eat – Tread Lightly
We are very excited by the brand new addition to the local Willunga dining scene – Tread Lightly – a super cosy, underground restaurant. With stone walls, low lights, comfy bench seating and a curated menu of food and wine that is enough, but not too much, this is the kind of place you probably wouldn’t mind keeping to yourself… Certainly if you wanted to treat the special person in your life to an intimate and memorable evening, then Tread Lightly has you covered. Try one of their signature unique cocktails, or grab a bottle of local wine to accompany the tempting menu of local, seasonal dishes. The menu features snacks as well as small and large plates, with guests encouraged to share a few dishes to make the most of the delicious menu. And leave space for the featured desserts too, Tread Lightly certainly know how to indulge their diners!
— 29 High Street, Willunga
— @treadlightlywillunga
To Stay – The Vineyard Retreat
We knew our friend, and IHANA collaborator, Valtteri Bottas, and partner Tiffany, felt like McLaren Vale was now a bit of a second home, but little did we realise they’d find a pretty amazing way of making it their actual home! And honestly, if you are one of the lucky ones to have already stayed at the Vineyard Retreat, it’s not hard to imagine why they would have been tempted to buy it and make it their more permanent abode. Lucky for you, you can still live the dream, with Valtteri & Tiffany continuing to host guests in the amazing selection of accommodation options at the retreat. Go ultra modern in the Cadole Avalon, or Sierra. Or, the beautifully decorated two room houses – the Highland or Manhattan. Or, seclude yourself away in one of the one bedroom houses – the Ardmore or the Strand. Each option includes kitchen and lounge facilities, as well as access to the on-site Jacuzzi, and newly installed sauna. You’re also so close to everything McLaren Vale has to offer, including if you enjoy travelling by helicopter, which might just be a cool extra option to explore…
— @thevineyardretreat
— thevineyardmv.com.au
And don’t forget to BOOK YOUR SPOT at Oliver’s Taranga while you’re down here enjoying the best the Fleurieu has to offer!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Buon Appetito! @ Tasting Australia
If you’re looking for a Tasting Australia event that feels like a big family reunion, tastes like the very best of your Nonna’s kitchen, all paired with delish wines – then join us at Buon Appetito. The Clappis family dishes are full of heart, heritage and generosity, so pairing them with Oliver’s Taranga wines just feels right. It’s the kind of long, relaxed lunch of generous plates, delicious wines and plenty of stories around the table.
WHEN 12pm, Sunday 17th May, 2026
WHERE 1980 Brookman Road, Range Rd, Willunga
COST $200pp (includes 4 course meal and wines)
BOOK oliverstaranga.com/buon-appetito-sun-17-may
Fireside Party @ Oliver’s Taranga
Fire up this June with Oliver’s Taranga for our Fireside Party, a four-course long lunch cooked over the flame, paired with Oliver’s Taranga’s classic red wines to warm you from the inside out. Dress warm and get ready for some winter fun! $160pp, inclusive of all food and wine.
WHEN 12pm, Sunday 21st June, 2026
WHERE 246 Seaview Road, McLaren Vale
COST $160pp (includes 4 course meal and wines)
BOOK oliverstaranga.com/bookings
OTT Tunes Playlist – Autumn 2026
Our winery team at Oliver & Press are flat out bringing the 2026 harvest in right now, but we are super thankful they were able to take a minute to help us put together a vintage playlist. Expect an eclectic selection of music that will keep you going when you need to work hard!