McLaren Vale Vineyard Escape

OVERVIEW

Explore the McLaren Vale wine region with a local that is passionate about the area’s natural wonders and foodie culture. Your guide will be Ben Neville, who will show you how to live like a local for the day. The adventure will begin in earnest at the gorgeous Onkaparinga River National Park, where you will pause at The Punchbowl viewpoint that overlooks a deep gorge. Ben will describe the Aboriginal people that once lived there while you listen to the sounds of a didgeridoo, an Aboriginal wind instrument. Another elevated view awaits you at Maslin Beach, which is sheltered by cliffs. The focus will turn to food at Papershell Farm, where you will sample freshly picked almonds from the orchard and local wines while enjoying another musical performance. A multi-course outdoor lunch will follow at Ben’s homestead, the Butter Factory, where his partner Imogen is the chef. Expect to be dazzled.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through the fertile McLaren Vale wine region with long-time local Ben Neville.
• Pause at incredibly scenic overlooks at a national park and at a remote beach.
• Hear commentary about the Aboriginal people that first inhabited the area.
• Enjoy a tasting of almonds and local wines at a small, family-owned farm.
• Savor a multi-course meal at Ben’s homestead, where his partner is the acclaimed chef.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.