“The best wine is the wine you love best.”
Back at my home base—Coast Motel and Apartments—I kicked off my 2025 McLaren Vale wine tour the best way possible: with Love. No, really—my Uber driver’s name was Love. A wonderful omen for what turned out to be an unforgettable journey through some of South Australia’s most vibrant and soulful wineries.
SOMOS: VINO, VINYL & Varietals
First stop: SOMOS, where I met up with Justin White—brand manager in the wine biz, music lover, photographer, and all-around legend. We talked vino, vinyl, and varietals. SOMOS is all about unique expressions—think lesser-known Italian grapes thriving in SA’s dry climate.
Their Aglianico, made in amphora, has a red and black sour-sweet fruit character, it’s tart, acidic, with tons of spice and flowers, and a best seller. Definitely one to seek out (and to bring home in your suitcase). The Vermentino, crafted in oak, breaks all the rules: smooth and mellow, without the typical acidity. They’re also behind Jugette, a Mexico-based wine brand, and Seven Eves, with a nod to Pinot Noir (even if SA isn’t quite Pinot’s natural playground).
A new star? Their Grenache & Amigos blend—not pictured, but it was yet another bottle that came home in my suitcase to enjoy with amigos 😉 —light, juicy, fun and effortlessly drinkable.
Pictured above, and also lovingly packed to join me on a tour of the Gold Coast, were two standouts: the Fresquito, a 100% Barbera (spot the little strawberry on the label—also a nickname for my daughter ❤️); and the Mencia, a Spanish varietal now thriving in McLaren Vale. Both are very fun, cool wines from Somos.
💕 Girls Just Wanna Have Fun 💕
While my daughters weren’t able to join me on this trip, I was lucky to make unforgettable memories with lovely McLaren Vale friends—Jazz and Katie—along with their beautiful daughters and Jazz’s mum. Each of them added so much warmth and joy to this visit, giving me the mother-daughter experience I would have otherwise missed. They’ve become such a special part of my story.
Thank you to Jazz for introducing me to some incredible new wineries and rallying the crew for our tour—including Katie, who, even just having a baby just 8 months ago, volunteered to be our driver (baby seat in the back and all—absolute legend). It was baby’s first wine tour (lol), and she quickly became the star attraction at every cellar door. Pictured here at Yangarra Estate.
Yangarra Estate VINEYARD: Place-Making, Not Just Winemaking
Nestled in sandy, ironstone-rich soils, Yangarra Estate Vineyard doesn’t just make wine—they tell stories of place. Led by the acclaimed Peter Fraser, Yangarra focuses on Southern Rhône varietals with an Aussie twist. Their old bush vine Grenache is iconic, and they pioneered Grenache Blanc in Australia.
We dove into their single block tasting, exploring how aspect and terroir shape the wines. Standouts included the Grenache Blanc/Roussanne, the Hickinbotham Grenache, and the equisite Ironheart Shiraz.
Bonus moment: getting to peek inside a glass Wine Globe during fermentation. Transparent ceramic eggs, wild fermentation, and wetting the cap —it’s wine alchemy at its finest. No rings were lost in the making of this moment. 😉
Orbis WINES: Down-to-Earth Elegance
A private tasting with winemaker Verity Cowley of Orbis Wines was an absolute highlight. Verity is a grounded, creative force with a trailblazing spirit. Originally from Byron Bay and a mum to two girls, she brings a calm brilliance to the Orbis ethos—championing sustainability, closed-loop systems, and a bold zero-carbon ambition. It’s a true family affair, with her husband Jamie playing a key role managing operations and the cellar door—together, they’re shaping something truly special in McLaren Vale.
Wine dog Stanley kept us company as we tasted through some of my favourites at Orbis:
- Sparkling Shiraz Petillant Rosé – vibrant and playful
- Fiano – fermented in concrete amphora, crisp with a clean, mineral finish
- Tempranillo Grenache 2024 – bright, balanced, and ready to drink right now
- Nero D’Avola – their very first vintage, dark-fruited and juicy
- Old Vine Shiraz – made from 60–70-year-old vines, rich and expressive
Orbis grows ten varietals across their 23.5-hectare property, some of which are also contracted to other premium producers—including Ministry of Clouds, a fabulous McLaren Vale label that (fittingly) found both me and my daughter back in Brisbane.
Samuel’s Gorge: MY WINE TO-GO IN AUSTRALIA & A Golden Hour Favourite
A repeat visit, and for good reason. I’ve traveled from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay, back to Brisbane, and even all the way to Darwin on my Australian travels with a case of Samuel’s Gorge in tow. Their wines are a perfect match for the Gold Coast golden hour—or a Fleurieu Peninsula sunset. Watching the sun dip while sipping their wines is magic, every time.
But it’s not just the wine—it’s the whole experience. The view of the gorge from the cellar door feels like something out of a dream, and the vibe is more like being welcomed into someone’s home than visiting a winery. There’s something deeply grounding about being there.
A chat with Justin McNamee, the most sociable winemaker on the planet, is always a bonus—warm, passionate about his wines, and always up for a good story. Samuel’s Gorge is a true must-stop for any McLaren Vale pilgrimage.
Juxtaposed: Science Meets Soul
Another repeat visit, and always worth it. Juxtaposed Wines is the vision of a Canadian winemaker with a PhD in terroir—yes, really. Private bookings only, and you’ll want one. The philosophy? Let the vineyard do the talking.
We tasted three Grenache expressions from distinct vineyards, plus a sneak peek barrel tasting of the 2025 Smart Grenache. This famed Clarendon old vine Grenache block, planted in 1922, is a standout—a lesson in longevity and finesse.
Lexi the Rottweiler kept the cats in line (adorable villains), while the wines showed off balance, structure, and the patience it takes to let them to chill and relax in barrel for a couple years.
Dandelion Vineyards: Sip a Minute in the Wonder Room
Enter the Wonder Room at Dandelion Vineyards, and yes—it’s as magical as it sounds. Think 180° vineyard views, curated tastings, and Bulgarian-inspired small bites. Our host Jimmy was a gem—knowledgeable, hilarious, and full of good stories.
Winemaker Elena Brooks, originally from Bulgaria, pours her heart into every bottle. Notable pours:
- Field of Wonders Spritzer – zesty, fun, and perfect for sunshine ☀️
- Lion’s Tooth Shiraz Riesling – bold and bright, with the unexpected flair of co-fermented Riesling skins
- Faraway Tree Grenache – from Firehawk Farm, a biodynamic vineyard perched atop an ancient ridge with sweeping views over McLaren Vale, the Willunga Escarpment, and the Gulf St Vincent
- Red Queen of Eden Valley Shiraz – wow and thank you – a $350 bottle crafted from 100+ year-old vines. One sip and you get it—pure, regal elegance 👑✨
This was wine tasting with joy, discovery, and lots of laughs. ✨
ORTUS WINES – From Vineyard to the BOTTLE – a Mom and Daughter TEAM
Literally a tasting on the fly. Ortus Wines was the final stop before heading to the airport to see my daughter back in Brisbane, and it couldn’t have been more fitting. This beautiful McLaren Vale label is run by a dynamic mom-and-daughter duo, Julie and Paige, who grow their own fruit and work side by side – from vineyard to bottle.
I had the pleasure of meeting Paige, who was warm, welcoming, and generous in spirit. She poured a 2018 Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon, offering a perfect intro to their range. Both were lovely. Ortus is absolutely on my list for a longer, more leisurely visit next time I’m in McLaren Vale.
Vigna Bottin – a slice of Italy in McLaren Vale
Delicious pastas, wine and ambiance – Italian style – at Vigna Bottin.
Other notable stops
Serafino – beautiful labels, beautiful wines
Angove Family Winemakers – lunch + table tasting with a view = perfection
Local gems: Noori (Port Noarlunga) and Star of Greece (Port Willunga)
Gold Coast gems with McLaren Vale flair (aka wine):
The Exhibitionist Bar at HOTA (Home of the Arts) – Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Bonita Bonita – Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast
Friends on the Other Side of the World
Over the years, the fabulous people of McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast have become more than just locals—they’re friends. From those who give me a place to stay, to the ones who pour the wine, share a glass, or simply offer a lift, I’ve been lucky to be embraced by this warm, generous community.
To Jazz, Katie, and Jacqui—thank you for being my South Aussie support system when I’m halfway across the world. You’ve turned my wine journey into something far richer, filled with connection, warmth, and unforgettable moments.
Final Sip
So many people ask me what my favourite wine is. I really enjoy McLaren Vale wines and truly believe the region is one of the best in the world. But what I’ve learned on all my wine journeys is this: the best wine is the one you love. Whether it’s a $350 Red Queen Shiraz from ancient vines or a juicy Grenache at sunset, every bottle tells a story. And if you’re lucky, that story includes a winemaker named Verity, a dog named Stanley or Lexi, or an Uber driver named Love—and friends waiting for you on the other side of the world.
Until next time, South Australia… 🍷
#McLarenVale #WineTour2025 #DrinkWhatYouLove #WineIsForEveryone #CoastToGlass #MyWinePlaylist #FleurieuPeninsula
Planning a trip to McLaren Vale?
Here is the ‘My Wine McLaren Vale Wine Tour Playlist’ itinerary:
HAVE THE BEST STAY at Coast Motel & Apartments in Port Noarlunga South. Book directly with the hotel, ask for Jacqui.
Day 1: Somos Wines + Noori on the Midcoast
Day 2: Yangarra Estate + Orbis Wines + Angove (lunch) + Juxtaposed Wines
Day3: Serafino Wines + Dandelion Vineyards + Samuels Gorge
Day 4: Vigna Bottin + Ortus Wines
My Wine Playlist 