Exploring the McLaren Vale wine region
and the Fleurieu Peninsula
It's easy to do so on your own - distances are short, most attractions are easy accessible and with Karawatha Cottages as your accommodation in McLaren Vale you can even walk to some. But sometimes it just needs to be the extraordinary, be it to surprise your special someone, to treat yourself to a little adventure or just to indulge your senses (and taste buds) without having to worry about driving.
With this in mind, we have curated a small number of experiences across a broad section of activities - from earth bound, to taking to the skies - to complement the self-guided Things To Do described in our Explore McLaren Vale section.
Some of these experiences are exclusive to guests staying at Karawatha Cottages and you will be able to purchase them when booking your cottage or by contacting us by e-mail. For other activities we will link you off to the actual operator; remember to mention Karawatha Cottages when booking with them.
As always, feel free to reach out and let us know if there is anything else you are looking for and can't find here. We are always happy to help and share our passion for McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula !
Food & Wine Walk
We do love "our" Karawatha Cottages Flat Mates Walking Trail, are amazed how many of our guests embark on it and are always thrilled hearing how much they have enjoyed it!
It's so easy - just start walking straight from your accommodation, to enjoy same amazing wines, scenery and a bite to eat on the way.
The only challenge is that some of the unique structured tasting & food experiences need to be booked, as does a table at the award winning Currant Shed. To make sure, that you don't miss out, we have now created an option for you to pre-book the experience with us.
Your day starts with a 250 m stroll to the Beresford Tasting Pavilion for their paired Shiraz & Chocolate tasting experience (approx.1 hr); then it is time for a relaxed walk (2.5 km, approx. 30 min) on back-roads, alongside vineyards to the Shottesbrooke Wines cellar door.
Here it will be all educational with their From the Ground Up Tasting: during a guided tour of the winery you will learn about the impact of soil and micro-climate, taste some of the 'unfinished' products from the barrel - before heading back into the cellar door to sample the final wines (approx. 45 min).
Time for lunch now, with a 5 min walk to the Currant Shed, to indulge in one of the best lunch experiences in McLaren Vale.
After lunch, you have the choice of walking the short 1.2 km back to your cottage - or give us a call and we will pick you up.
Inclusions:
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Beresford Shiraz and Chocolate Tasting (approx. 1 hrs)
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Shottesbrooke Wines From the Ground Up Tasting (approx. 45 min)
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Currant Shed 3 course lunch (excl. wines) or 6 course with wine pairing
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Transfer back to Karawatha Cottages (unless you prefer to walk back)
Costs: $ 175 per person (3 course lunch) | $ 280 (6 course lunch with wines)
Book with your cottage as 'extra' or use our e-mail request form
The Fine Print:
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Offered daily except Wednesday; subject to availability
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Charges will only be processed, after we have been able to confirm all components of the package
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Needs to be booked minimum of 48 hrs in advance
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Cancel policy: as per your room booking
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Bad weather: we will work with you to alter and refund accordingly
Food & Wine (Heli) Flight
Like the idea and sound of the Food & Wine Walk - but don't quite fancy the thought of walking, or want to celebrate that special occasion? Then let's take the idea of a Wine Flight to an altogether different level.
For our Food & Wine Flight package, we partnered with our friends at Helivista to show you the full beauty of the McLaren Vale wine region. Going beyond vineyards and the produce that our amazing neighbours have to offer, Helivista will take you to the skies fly across the Vale to our stunning Fleurieu Coast and back again.
Your day starts with a 250 m stroll to the Beresford Tasting Pavilion for their paired Shiraz & Chocolate tasting experience (approx.1 hr).
The friendly Beresford team will now transfer you in their buggy to the helicopter landing spot; after a short safety briefing, it's time for lift off and Helivista will take across the McLaren Vale vineyards to the coast, showing off all the best the region has to offer. Returning to our corner of the Vale, Helivista will drop you off right at the Shottesbrooke Wines cellar door.
Here it will be all educational with their From the Ground Up Tasting: during a guided tour of the winery you will learn about the impact of soil and micro-climate, taste some of the 'unfinished' products from the barrel - before heading back into the cellar door to sample the final wines (approx. 45 min).
Time for lunch now, with a short walk past gum trees and vineyards to the award winning Currant Shed. Enjoy their 3 course lunch or indulge in their 6 course Chef's selection with paired wines.
After lunch, you have the choice of walking the short 1.2 km back to your cottage - or give us a call and we will pick you up.
Inclusions:
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Beresford Shiraz and Chocolate Tasting (approx. 1 hrs)
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Helivista scenic flight over McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast (30 min)
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Shottesbrooke Wines From the Ground Up Tasting (approx. 45 min)
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Currant Shed lunch incl. wine (3 or 6 course option)
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Transfer back to Karawatha Cottages (unless you prefer to walk back)
Costs: $ 570 pp (3 course lunch)
$ 670 pp (6 course lunch with paired wines)
Book with your cottage as 'extra' or use our e-mail request form
The Fine Print:
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Offered daily except Wednesday, subject to availability
-
Charges will only be processed, after we have been able to confirm all components of the package
-
Needs to be booked minimum of 48 hrs in advance
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Flight weight restrictions applicable (180 kg combined passenger limit)
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Cancel policy: as per your room booking
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Bad weather: we will work with you to change dates or refund if change is not possible
Tipsy Hill - Private Dining
A truly unique and luxurious McLaren Vale dining experience offered by our lovely neighbour Bec Hardy, the great-great-great granddaughter of Thomas Hardy (known as the ‘Father of South Australian wine’).
Bec and her husband (and co Managing Director for Bec Hardy Wines) Richard have generously decided to share their private Tuscan-inspired Tipsy Hill residence (right next to Karawatha Cottages) with guests for an intimate lunch or dinner experience. It is always limited to one group only - so truly a private dining experience.
Tipsy Hill, named after a rose, is their private residence, surrounded by a Mediterranean inspired garden and situated on top of their Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard - the source of the acclaimed Tipsy Hill Cab Sav (99 points - James Halliday). The views, wines, food and of course the company all ensure a true once in a lifetime experience.
Once booked and confirmed, Bec or Richard will reach out to you to curate a personalised, local and seasonal menu, taking into account your preferences, likes and dislikes and, of course, any dietary requirements.
Inclusions:
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Pre-lunch/dinner drinks
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Tour of the Tipsy Hill Garden and Vineyard
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4 course meal
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Wines from the Bec Hardy and Pertaringa range of award winning wines
Costs: $ 395 pp for 4 course degustation
For details and to book see Bec Hardy Wines and simply mention that you stay at Karawatha Cottages in the comment field.
Picnic in the Vale
We are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to food in McLaren Vale with so many fine dining destinations to choose from in our restaurant section or from the above wine and dine experiences.
But sometimes, it is the simple things in life that we are looking for and a picnic out in nature might be just it.
The best option for this is without doubt when the experts from the Salopian Inn prepare your picnic basket for you and deliver it for you to discover on the Gemtree Ecotrail: .
Wine and Wander
Our friends at Gemtree Wines have taken the idea of a picnic onto a different level and combined it not only with a private, tutored wine tasting experience but also a guided educational tour of their Biodynamic Hut, where you learn all about biodynamic grape growing. Then it is time to discover the flora, fauna and wildlife along the Gemtree Ecotrail - with a private dining experience prepared by the award-winning chefs of the Salopian Inn being your destination at the end of the trail.
Costs: $ 185 per person
Book by using our e-mail request form
The Fine Print:
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Approx. 3 hour duration
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Incl. glass of bubbly on arrival, private tasting, guided tour of biodynamic hut, Salopian Inn picnic lunch
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Closed in shoes must be worn; shoes will be sanitised prior to the commencement for bio-security reason
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Tour needs to be booked minimum 48 hrs in advance
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Non refundable within 48 hrs (unless cancelled by Gemtree due to weather conditions)
Wineries with BYO Platters
A really convenient (and cost effective option) are the Build Your Own platters many of our wineries now offer. Simple concept - you choose directly from their pantry whatever fancies you; from different cheeses, charcuterie and pates to olives, crackers and more. Then head out onto their lawn or picnic tables and enjoy a casual lunch.
Some of our favourite places for this are: DogRidge, with their picnic tables under gum trees and alongside a creek line (you can also truly bring your own food)
Kay Brothers, offering some of the most amazing views with your choice of deck chairs or lawn.
Coriole Wines and their Arbour Bar (open weekends only)
Dowie Doole, for once a shipping container conversion that actually looks inviting and beautiful deck to enjoy your platter
Karawatha Cottages Picnic Basket
For a truly rustic option, head into the local shops or stock up on the Willunga Farmers Market to create your own basket
We not only have a picnic basket and blanket available for you, but are also happy to share with you our list of our favourite picnic spots.
From easy accessible ones by car, to those that will require a little walk to a beautiful look-out over the Vale.
