Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale
Just beyond Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula unfolds as a winter escape shaped by good food, great wine and time well spent. Over two days, wander through farmers markets, settle in for vineyard lunches and step into festival experiences that bring the region’s seasonal flavours to life. From horse-drawn tours and cellar door tastings to long-table dinners and scenic drives home, this itinerary invites you to slow down, follow your appetite and discover the simple pleasures waiting along the way.
Leave Adelaide in the morning and ease into the Fleurieu Peninsula at your own pace. If you’re travelling on a Saturday, start with a wander through Willunga Farmers Market — South Australia’s first farmers market — where fresh produce, local flavours and a lively atmosphere set the tone for the weekend. Alternatively, stop by the Yankalilla Craft & Produce Market for something handmade or homegrown.
From here, continue to d’Arenberg, where a visit to the iconic Cube offers a playful way to dive into the region’s wine story before settling in at d’Arry’s Verandah. Choose between the signature menu or a winter ‘little lunch’, designed for slow enjoyment overlooking the vines.
In the afternoon, step into something a little different with a horse-drawn wine tour, rolling through the countryside at an unhurried pace as the landscape opens up around you.
As evening approaches, follow your appetite with one of the region’s winter festival events. From Glenbarr Homestead’s Big Pan Gathering to a six-course dessert degustation at Anvers Wines, or a fireside dining experience with Lloyd Brothers or Shifty Lizard Brewing Co, each offers a distinct taste of the season.
After an evening of seasonal flavours and festival experiences, retreat to a cosy stay nearby. Guests at Vale 194 and Big4 Port Willunga Tourist Park can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount throughout the Fleurieu Food Festival while Echo Holiday Parks Normanville offers $99 cabins — the perfect excuse to extend your escape.
Ease into the day with a slow morning before stepping back into the festival atmosphere. Many Sunday events begin late morning, making it easy to take your time before heading out.
If you’d prefer to start earlier, drop into Dapper Chap Distillery for a relaxed tasting before continuing on to a long lunch or afternoon event.
Across the Peninsula, the day unfolds through shared tables, regional flavours and a warm, welcoming energy that carries through winter.
Make your way back to Adelaide via the scenic route, stopping at lookouts, cellar doors or coastal viewpoints along the way — the kind of unplanned moments that often become the highlight of the trip.
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Standing on Kaurna Country, the South Australian Tourism Commission recognises the uniquely diverse Aboriginal communities across the state.
We value the knowledge Aboriginal people hold of Country and culture and are committed to growing genuine relationships with Traditional Custodians.
We will continue our journey of reconciliation and support Aboriginal tourism operators and communities to tell their own stories and share their culture with the world.
Kaurna Yartangka yuwanthi, South Australian Tourism Commisionriu tampinthi wiwurra Yaitya Miyurna kuma parnaku Pirkurna Kanthipartu‑arra.
Ngadiu yurikaityanthi, Yaitya Miyurnaku ngutu yartaku kuma Tapa‑Purruna. Ngadlu nilputa tika‑apirringutha Yaitya. Yarta‑Mathanyarna‑ityangka.
Ngadluku tapa nguyanguya murititya ngadlu muinmurningutha. Ngadlu karrpatha Yaitya Miyurna Mikarri‑apipinarna kuma Pirkurna, parnakunta pirrkurna kuma parnaku Tapa‑Purruna yungkurringutha, marngu‑ityangka.
