Are you looking for somewhere to escape this Autumn? Well we have found the Best Things to do in McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu this season. Check out a few of our favourites in this Autumn guide, including some new places to eat, drink and stay.
South Australia has so much to offer at this time of year, with big events like the Adelaide Fringe, Womadelaide, Gather Round, LIV Golf and Tasting Australia, there is something for everyone, so come join us!
To Perk Up – Deep Blue Café
The Deep Blue Café is right on the Esplanade in the beachside suburb of Moana. Easy to spot, this colourful La Boca (Buenos Aires, Argentina) inspired building is a great place to take in the coastal feel of the Fleurieu. Offering tasty casual dining for breakfast and lunch, then opens again for dinner from 5-8pm in the evenings. A great way to combine a walk on the beach with a casual meal with friends and family. So, if you’re visiting the region, think about staying beachside, and kicking off your day at this fun café.
- 150 Main Road, McLaren Vale
- 324 Esplanade, Moana
- Open Wed-Sun, for breakfast and dinner
- www.deepbluecafe.com.au
To Eat – Normanville SLSC
Normanville, a small beachside town around 40mins south of McLaren Vale, is known for its stunning white beach and jetty that brings plenty of people to the region. A new addition to this picturesque location is a newly revamped building for the local Surf Life Saving Club. An impressive renovation, it now offers a fantastic place to enjoy a meal by the beach with a stunning view. Home to 3 different dining options, including a casual kiosk, as well as the a la carte Aqua Blue Café, there are plenty of options to suit everyone. A very popular place to get away for a few days, Normanville is now even more of a sought after destination with this venue!
- Jetty Rd, Normanville
- Friday–Sunday
- @normanvilleslsc
To Do – Gather Round & LIV Golf
Whilst not strictly on the Fleurieu Peninsula, these two epic sporting occasions are a fantastic reason to get over to SA, then extend your trip down our way. Tickets can be hard to get by though, so if you’re keen to head along, make sure you get in early. The AFL Gather Round is on from April 4- 7 with games at Adelaide Oval, suburban Norwood Oval, and in the Adelaide Hills at Mount Barker. Oliver’s Taranga are even offering Gather Round attendees the chance to get in the vineyard and book a special edition vineyard tour on ‘Ollie’ our resident golf cart. LIV Golf Adelaide will be held at seaside Grange Golf Club, from April 26-28, less than an hour from McLaren Vale. So make the most of it!
To Do – Tasting Australia
If sport is not your thing, and you’d rather only spoil yourself with world class food and wine, then Tasting Australia is your jam! Including our hotly anticipated Festival of Fiano on the 5th May, Tasting Australia will include lots of Fleurieu food stars, including our friend, and Festival Director, Karena Armstrong, from McLaren Vale institution The Salopian.
Running from 3-12 May, Tasting Australia will include events across South Australia, with so much to see, do, eat & drink. It’s the perfect occasion to head to South Australia and explore the amazing array of events on offer. We’re certainly already looking forward to welcoming Tasting Australia guests to ‘Taranga’ to explore the Fiano vineyard with Corrina, followed by a four course meal matched to our hero white variety, so join us! Find your perfect foodie heaven in SA this Autumn…
To Stay – Saltbush Farm
Saltbush Farm, on the doorstep to Kangaroo Island, is one spectacular place to stay. With views for miles, and authentic Australian wilderness surrounding you, you feel like you could be alone in the world. Settle in to the heated plunge pool on the front deck and watch the sunset, or cosy up by the outdoor fire pit and trade stories with a glass of wine. And don’t let that Autumn weather hold you back, the huge fireplace in the large open plan lounge will make you want those cold nights. Space for 10 people, with 4 bedrooms, and two bathrooms, as well as all the luxury facilities you could want for. Just over an hour south of McLaren Vale, this a destination worth making the journey for.
- 241 Fishery Bay Road, Cape Jervis
- @saltbushfarm
- saltbush farm
UPCOMING EVENTS
Paella Party – Sunday 24th March
Join us for a Paella Party, a four course Spanish feast prepared by the team at Sprout, to celebrate the long awaited release of the Oliver’s Taranga’s Tempranillo and Mencia. A fantastic afternoon to bring friends and family together for a great time!
WHEN 12pm, Sunday 24th March, 2024
WHERE 246 Seaview Rd, McLaren Vale
COST $150pp
BOOK
Festival of Fiano – Sunday 5th May
Are you a fan of fiano? It’s the white Italian grape variety that has the wine world asking for more. Textural, fresh and ever so versatile, this is a variety you’ll want to explore – and who better to guide you than the Queen of Fiano herself: winemaker Corrina Wright at Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards in McLaren Vale.
Corrina’s family, the Olivers, were some of the first to see the potential of this white grape in Australia, and since that first vineyard went in they have not been able to keep up with demand.
The Festival of Fiano invites guests to gather at the picturesque Taranga property and embrace the future of Australian white wine as Corrina leads a guided tour of the fiano vineyard.
Sit back and let Oliver’s Taranga introduce you to fiano in all its forms – including a cheeky international wine to contrast and compare – alongside an expertly matched four-course menu, on the beautiful deck of the newly renovated Oliver’s Taranga Cellar Door.
WHEN 11am, Sunday 5th May, 2024
WHERE 246 Seaview Rd, McLaren Vale
COST $190pp
BOOK
OTT Tunes Playlist – Autumn 2024
Autumn is a busy time at the winery, with grapes being picked, wines being made, early in the morning, and often late into the night. That’s why a good playlist at this time of year is extra useful, something to keep everyone ticking along to some great tunes. Thanks to the Cellar Door team, this one does just that, classic songs and great covers that everyone can sing along to!