South Australia boasts 18 world-class wine regions, from the established to the emerging, which make for excellent winter escapes as the chill sets in.
What could be cosier than sharing a hearty cellar door platter with friends and family, admiring breathtaking views overlooking the vines, and sipping delicious glasses of wine (or a piping hot cup of coffee) to warm you from the inside out? Then, come back to a heated cabin to properly switch off and celebrate your winter getaway.
Image Credit: clos Clare - Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission
From McLaren Vale to the Barossa, accommodation among the vines is sorted at G'day Parks. Read on to learn more about South Australia's food and wine hotspots, where you can stay and play to your heart's content this winter.
BAROSSA VALLEY
Image Credit: Two Hands Wines - Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission
Distance from Adelaide: 1 hour
The Barossa Valley Wine Region is as famous as they come, with more than 150 wine producers and a reputation for shiraz. Drive along the palm tree-lined Seppeltsfield Road as you pop in and out of cellar doors, like Barossa Valley Estate, Two Hands Wines, and Yalumba. As for activities to add to your itinerary, try Lyndoch Lavender Farm, the Whispering Wall at Barossa Reservoir Reserve, Maggie Beer's Farm Shop, and helicopter or hot air balloon flights.
Stay here: Discovery Parks - Barossa Valley, Gawler Caravan Park
Image Credit: Barossa Valley Estate - Simon Griffiths
ADELAIDE HILLS
Image Credit: Simon Tolley Wines - South Australian Tourism Commission
Distance from Adelaide: 45 minutes
The Adelaide Hills Wine Region is one of the closest to the city, so it scores highly for both convenience and taste. Their pinot noir is the talk of the town at scenic cellar doors like Bird in Hand, Simon Tolley Wines, Longview Vineyard, and Pike & Joyce Wines. The charming German-heritage town of Hahndorf is an essential stop in the Adelaide Hills, along with strawberry picking at Beerenberg Farm, wildlife experiences at Cleland Wildlife Park, and bushwalking through Belair National Park.
Stay here: Discovery Parks - Hahndorf, Belair National Park Holiday Park, Adelaide Brownhill Creek Tourist Park
Image Credit: Longview Vineyard - Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission
MCLAREN VALE
Image Credit: Chapel Hill Wines
Distance from Adelaide: 45 minutes
The McLaren Vale Wine Region is also less than an hour from the CBD, ideal for day trips, weekend stays, and full-blown holidays. With a rich history of shiraz, grenache, and cabernet, cellar doors such as Chapel Hill, Shottesbrooke, Dowie Doole, and Down The Rabbit Hole serve beautiful food and wine. A stop at the weird and wonderful d’Arenberg Cube is a McLaren Vale staple, as is sampling local flavours at the Willunga Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Cyclists and walkers can enjoy rolling vineyard views on the Coast to Vines Rail Trail, and the ocean is so close, you can snorkel the reef at Port Noarlunga, surf at Moana, or relax at Aldinga.
Stay here: McLaren Vale Cabin & Caravan Park, Moana Beach Tourist Park, Christies Beach Tourist Park
Image Credit: Shottesbrooke - Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission
CLARE VALLEY
Image Credit: Riesling Trail - South Australian Tourism Commission
Distance from Adelaide: 2 hours
The Clare Valley Wine Region is home to truly world-class wines. If the Clare Valley's riesling is the gold medallist, shiraz and cabernet are also on the podium. Cycle between cellar doors on the Riesling Trail, exploring winemakers and restaurants like Skillogalee, Shut the Gate Wines, Mr Mick, and clos Clare. If you prefer bushwalking, hike the Cascades Walk in Spring Gully Conservation Park, or get a taste of local heritage and culture at Historic Martindale Hall and the Riverton Light Gallery.
Stay here: Discovery Parks - Clare
Image Credit: Shut the Gate Wines - Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission
KANGAROO ISLAND
Image Credit: Dudley Wines - South Australian Tourism Commission
Distance from Adelaide: 3.5 hours
South Australia’s famous island destination is home to the Kangaroo Island Wine Region, with a strong reputation for cabernet blends, shiraz, and chardonnay that will satisfy most wine drinkers—not to mention fans of fresh produce and seafood straight from the ocean. When you’re not at cellar doors like Dudley Wines, Bay of Shoals Wines, and False Cape Wines, revel in beaching around, wildlife watching, and bushwalking through Flinders Chase National Park.
Stay here: Kangaroo Island Cabins, Discovery Parks - Kangaroo Island
Image Credit: Bay of Shoals Wines - Meaghan Coles
COONAWARRA
Image Credit: DiGiorgio Family Wines
Distance from Adelaide: 4 hours
The Coonawarra Wine Region welcomes travellers with its distinctive terroir. Thanks to terra rossa soil and a cool climate, incredible cab sav is served up at more than 20 delightful cellar doors like DiGiorgio Family Wines, Parker Estate, and Rymill Coonawarra. It’s easy to combine your visit with day trips to Mount Gambier and Naracoorte or explore local history in Penola.
Stay here: Penola Coonawarra Caravan Park
Image Credit: DiGiorgio Family Wines
MOUNT BENSON
Image Credit: Cape Jaffa Wines - South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone
Distance from Adelaide: 3.5 hours
Mount Benson Wine Region stretches north of Robe towards Kingston SE. Since the 1980s, it's been producing cool-climate and maritime-inspired wines. Best known for shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, and sauvignon blanc, enjoy wineries like Cape Jaffa Wines, Mount Benson Wines, and Wangolina. When you’re not wining and dining, Kingston SE is famous for fishing spots, the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, and its supersized resident—Larry the Big Lobster!
Stay here: Robe Lakeside Tourist Park, Discovery Parks - Robe, Kingston Foreshore Caravan Park
Image Credit: Cape Jaffa Wines - South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone
ROBE
Image Credit: Karatta Wine Room - South Australian Tourism Commission
Distance from Adelaide: Just under 4 hours
On the other side of the coin, the Robe Wine Region extends south to Beachport. Their chardonnay and sauvignon blanc sits in the spotlight at cellar doors like Woodsoak Wines and Karatta Wines (with an art gallery celebrating the local Limestone Coast community's artistry). Along with Robe's Mount Benson neighbours, it’s only one hour's drive to the Coonawarra or Mount Gambier. For something a little different, taste sweet treats at Robetown Chocolate Company, go four-wheel driving along Long Beach, or complete the Robe Coastal Walk to reach the town’s famous obelisk.
Stay here: Beachport Caravan Park, Robe Lakeside Tourist Park, Discovery Parks - Robe
Image Credit: Karatta Wine Room - South Australian Tourism Commission
MOUNT GAMBIER
Distance from Adelaide: Just under 5 hours
The Mount Gambier Wine Region may be small, but its pinot noir packs a punch. Along with visits to Herbert Vineyard and Caroline Hills Winery, you’ll have no trouble filling your trip with adventures to natural wonders like the Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole, Mount Schank, and Engelbrecht Cave.
Stay here: Pine Country Caravan Park
PADTHAWAY
Image Credit: Padthaway - John Montesi
Distance from Adelaide: Just over 3 hours
Padthaway Wine Region is pure wine country in the peaceful countryside. For outstanding chardonnay and shiraz, head to Farmer’s Leap, Browns of Padthaway, and Landaire at Padthaway Estate. It’s a 40-minute drive to the Naracoorte Caves, or time your winter visit right and you might see elusive ghost mushrooms at Padthaway Conservation Park.
Stay here: Padthaway Caravan Park
RIVERLAND
Image Credit: Platter - Banrock Station - South Australian Tourism Commission
Distance from Adelaide: 2.5 hours
Ready for the Riverland Wine Region? If you like shiraz, chardonnay, and cabernet sauvignon, you’ll be right at home at cellar doors like Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre, 919 Wines, and Mallee Estate Wines. Lake Bonney is all set for winter water activities, while you can go hiking at the Martin Bend Wetland and Walking Trail or Murray River National Park. Kids will love Monash Adventure Park or The Big Orange in Berri, while thrill seekers should make a trip to Loveday 4x4 Adventures.
Stay here: Discovery Parks - Lake Bonney
Image Credit: Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre - Accolade Wines
LANGHORNE CREEK
Image Credit: Kimbolton Wines
Distance from Adelaide: 1 hour
Cabernet sauvignon fans, a trip to Langhorne Creek Wine Region is in order. Beautiful wineries include Bremerton Wines, Kimbolton Vineyards, and Rusticana Wines. While you’re in the area, Monarto Safari Park presents a slice of Africa and wildlife wonder in South Australia. Otherwise, enjoy a leisurely Murray River cruise or speed things up at The Bend Motorsport Park.
Stay here: Avoca Dell Caravan Park
CURRENCY CREEK
Image Credit: Home of Plenty - South Australian Tourism Commission
Distance from Adelaide: Just over an hour
Cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and sauvignon blanc is the tradition in the Currency Creek Wine Region, with a handful of wineries including Home of Plenty and Shaw Family Vintners. Then, it’s time to surf at Goolwa Beach, line up for a donut at the Port Elliot Bakery, browse the wharf markets, and meet cuddly farm creatures at Goolwa Animal Farm.
Stay here: Discovery Parks - Goolwa
SOUTHERN FLEURIEU
Distance from Adelaide: Just over an hour
The Southern Fleurieu Wine Region has you covered for chardonnay, riesling, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. Head to cellar doors like Charlotte Dalton Winery, Carrickalinga Creek Vineyard, or Allusion Vineyard, then spend a day enjoying Victor Harbor's attractions and events. Ride the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island, look for whales from the shore, surf nearby beaches, and go waterfall spotting.
Stay here: Victor Harbor Holiday Park
SOUTHERN FLINDERS RANGES
Image Credit: Blesing's Garden Wines - Melrose Caravan Park
Distance from Adelaide: 3 hours
The Southern Flinders Ranges Wine Region combines cellar door days with incredible landscapes and nature. The shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot comes recommended at cellar doors including Flinders Run, Blesing’s Garden Wines, and Bartagunyah Estate. Ride the Pichi Richi Railway, get behind the wheels of a mountain bike in Melrose, or hike Mount Remarkable and Alligator Gorge.
Stay here: The Park Jamestown, Melrose Caravan Park, Spear Creek Holiday Park
Explore more cellar doors and hidden gems in SA:
- Eden Valley Wine Region
- Wrattonbully Wine Region
- Adelaide Plains Wine Region.
Image Credit: DiGiorgio Family Wines
It's the season for a winter escape to South Australia's wine regions!
Australia’s wine capital is brimming with reds, whites, and every varietal in between. Book via the G’day Parks app or online to plan your winter wine getaway in South Australia today.
