Wineries
Dandelion Vineyards was founded with a unique mission: to seek out and celebrate McLaren Vale's most characterful old vine sites. Each wine tells the story of a specific "lionheart" vineyard, honouring the courage and vision of the early vignerons who planted these now-precious heritage sites.
d'Arenberg stands as McLaren Vale's most iconic winery, with over 110 years of unbroken family tradition. Founded by Joseph Osborn in 1912, the property was originally named 'Bundarra' until 1953. The winery has been passed down through four generations, with current winemaker Chester Osborn taking control in 1984 at age 22.
Curtis Family Vineyards represents one of McLaren Vale's most authentic family wine stories, demonstrating how ancient European winemaking heritage can be successfully transplanted and evolved in Australian soil.
What makes Curtis Family Vineyards truly special is their ability to honour their remarkable heritage while creating wines that are distinctly Australian and thoroughly modern. Their approach combines the patience, respect for tradition, and commitment to quality that comes from centuries of family winemaking with the innovation, precision, and market awareness required for success in today's competitive wine industry.
For visitors to McLaren Vale seeking an authentic family wine experience that combines fascinating history with exceptional wines, Curtis Family Vineyards offers an unparalleled experience.
Coriole Vineyards represents one of McLaren Vale's most significant stories of preservation, innovation, and family dedication. The property's history stretches back to 1860 when the original farmhouses were constructed, followed by the planting of vineyards in 1919. When Hugh and Molly Lloyd purchased the property in 1967, they acquired not just land, but a piece of McLaren Vale's viticultural heritage that they would carefully nurture and expand.
Clarendon Hills was established in 1990 by Roman Bratasiuk, a Ukrainian immigrant with an extraordinary vision that would revolutionise Australian winemaking. Trained as a biochemist rather than a traditional winemaker, Roman taught himself the art of wine production and embarked on a journey that introduced the single-vineyard concept to Australian wine, forever changing the landscape of the industry.
Chapel Hill Winery stands as one of McLaren Vale's most historically significant properties, built around a heritage-listed ironstone chapel constructed in 1865. This Gothic Revival chapel served as both the local church and parish schoolhouse for the Seaview district until 1965, when it fell into disuse. The chapel's story reflects the broader settlement history of McLaren Vale and the important role of community institutions in early colonial life.
