For Beresford Estate Head Winemaker Natalie Cleghorn, the best way to experience McLaren Vale is through the places that capture the region’s character, from vineyard views and family-run cellar doors to the coffee stop that fuels harvest mornings and the pizza worth planning an afternoon around.

After decades making wine across Australia, Natalie knows McLaren Vale intimately, and her picks are a love letter to the people, producers and flavours that make this corner of South Australia so special. Think long lunches overlooking the vines, iconic multi-generational wineries, exceptional local produce and a glass of Grenache enjoyed exactly where it was grown.

For this edition of The Local List, Natalie shares the spots she’d recommend to anyone looking to eat, drink and discover the very best of this South Australian region.

Beresford Estate

Beresford is just stunning, the beautiful vineyards gowing the grapes that go to our wonderful wines. Nothing better than sipping on an elegant, yummy wine whilst looking at the very blocks that wine has come from.

The accommodation is spectacular and if you’re lucky you may spot a couple having their first photos as a married pair at Beresford House, in the vineyards or gardens.
Later in the afternoon you can watch the sun set whilst having a delicious meal at The Vale restaurant that overlooks Blewitt Springs with the coast in the distance.

Bec Hardy Wines

Bec is the 6th generation and first female vigneron from the renowned Hardy family, one of Australia’s oldest wine families. Her wines are stunning and the cellar door is a great visit for all of the family.

Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards

Another 6th generation winemaking family who have been champions of McLaren Vale for 185 years and more recently champions of alternative varieties such as Fiano. Sit in the beautiful cellar door, trying new varieties or much loved ones, with a platter of local produce on a sunny day, nothing better.

Sam I am Cafe

Whilst not a cellar door, any winemaker will tell you that winemakers run on coffee and this is never more important than harvest time. My coffee spot of choice is Sam I am Cafe for a strong, well made double espresso and if I have time, a quick brunch between vineyard visits.

Pizzatecha

Family run Southern Italian style, wood fired pizza, need I say more? Wine and pizza go hand in hand, especially Grenache, which McLaren Vale does fantastically, my favourite, Salsiccia – Mwha!