Are you looking for a cellar door in McLaren Vale with a difference?
by Brooke Hendry
Wanting to visit a cellar door that is actually family friendly? Well then, don’t be late and hop right in to Down the Rabbit Hole Wines – McLaren Vale’s newest winery that is simply picture perfect. This sure is a cellar door with a magical touch and a vibe like no other that we’ve visited.
Down the Rabbit Hole Wines is a contemporary, creative, and fresh wine label that has been lovingly brought to us by Elise Cook and Dom Palumbo.
Walter Clappis is the award-winning head wine-maker and is known for his traditional wine making methods. Local produce is used for their platters, and local McLaren Vale grapes used for their delicious wines.
The aim of the delightful Down the Rabbit Hole winery is to inspire imagination with an attitude of adventure.
As you walk down the stone driveway, you can see a cute little wooden coffee hut (yes, they sell coffee too!), past this an open lawn area complete with a fire-pit and a cane bucket chair swinging blissfully in the breeze. And, of course, your eyes can’t help but wander to the powder blue double-decker bus situated at the rear of the yard.
We were warmly greeted at the coffee hut. The ambience is refreshing and it felt like we were being kindly welcomed into someone’s home.
We were shown around the areas while being told more about this enchanting cellar door. Then we were led to the double-decker bus (named Lennon) which has been expertly transformed into the cutest ‘Tasting Room’ we’d ever been in. Lennon features tables, chairs, comfy love seats, cosy nooks, and delicious wines.
Another touch of magic for the Fleurieu Peninsula
The upstairs area of the bus is an open topper, so expect this to be a fabulous rooftop bar in the summer time. On colder days they have a removable clear cover to keep you snug and dry.
Here, you get to sample the range of 5 very fresh and very easy-to-drink Down the Rabbit Hole wines – Chardonnay, Rosé, Shiraz, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese Cabernet. Each taste is as delicious as the next, and it was hard to choose a favourite
While you’re sipping away, you’re told about the stories of the wine and the adventures of the makers that got them to this point.
Grazing options are available
Lennon the bus can get slightly crowded. So if you do have kids with you we’d suggest taking them inside for a look around and then heading over to the other tasting room just across the way.
This second tasting area is equally as charming and has plenty of places to sit inside, or sit outside on the deck and watch your kids play in the yard, while you get to taste your wines.
Down the Rabbit Hole cellar door also offers gluten-free and organic grazing platters, with vegan options. You’ll be completely satisfied, whether you’re peckish or hungry.
Alternatively, pack your own picnic, roll out a rug, and relax on their lawns.
A McLaren Vale Winery that’s family friendly – it’s not always all about the adults
Just behind the second tasting area, they’ve built a cute little play area with swings and a sand-pit for the kids.
You’ll also find chickens clucking lazily around the grounds.
Add Down the Rabbit Hole Winery to your list
This is one family friendly winery in McLaren Vale that we highly recommend you visit, and in the words of the Dodo from Alice in Wonderland:
“The best way to explain it is to do it”.
Find out more about Down the Rabbit Hole Wines Cellar Door
Things to consider
- There is a $10 tasting fee charged per person. However, this is taken off the value if you purchase any of their wines – which, let’s face it, you will!
- The bus can become a little crowded and we’d recommend tasting in the other area if you have kids with you.
- They don’t take bookings, only walk-ins.
- No large tour buses
- No hens/bucks parties
- Groups are welcome
- Families are welcome
Coffee and food options nearby
Coffee and grazing platters are available on site.
Location:
233 Binney Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171
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What: Down the Rabbit Hole Winery
When: Click here for opening times and days
Where: 233 Binney Rd, McLaren Vale
Who: Families, friends, couples – All ages
All photos by Brooke Hendry for Play & Go Adelaide
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
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