This January, abandon the city for SummerVines, where the vibe is chilled and the wine is rather good.

SummerVines returns for its second year of relaxed celebrations around McLaren Vale’s brilliant and diverse wines and food.

Grab your friends and explore the region’s wineries, up your wine knowledge in a chat with a local winemaker, or just chill out among the vines with a platter and glass of vino.

The 10-day festival kicks off on Friday, 19 January 2024.

With plenty on to have you returning for more, this is just a teaser of what awaits.

GOLDEN HOUR AT YANGARRA ESTATE VINEYARD

5pm–7pm on Friday, 19 January

Yangarra came in at #2 on the Halliday Wine Companion’s inaugural Top 100 Wineries of 2023, making them a force to be reckoned with at any time. But Golden Hour on Friday is when it’s really happening.

They’ll be putting their spin on a classic bicicletta cocktail and pouring a selection of favourite wines. Grab a glass and settle in on the balcony of the award-winning cellar door to watch the sun bathe the vineyards in golden light.

On Saturday and Sunday, expect the daytime festivities to spill over onto the lawns. Or head upstairs for wine tastings and small plates of food.

More info.

SUMMER LOVING AT BEACH ROAD WINES

6pm–11pm on Saturday, 27 January

With a whiff of salt in the air, sun streaming down and a chilled Fiano or Greco in hand, you could be somewhere on the Mediterranean coast. Or just in your new happy place in McLaren Vale.

Take the Beach Road for a super chilled evening out among the vines, where you’ll find Italian wine varietals paired with a delicious selection of pizzas, including vego and vegan.

They’re proof you don’t need an Italian summer to be living your best life.

Learn more.

BREAKFAST BUBBLES AND BAGELS AT BATTLE OF BOSWORTH (WITH BOCCE)

10am–1pm on Sunday, 21 January

No need to wait until midday to pop the cork here! Early risers will be rewarded with a glass of organic bubbles and a delicious breakfast bagel. Both guaranteed to put some pep in one’s step for a game or two of bocce to follow.

Battle of Bosworth’s new outdoor area, The Stables, will be open – offering a lovely ambience with its original cobbled floor. Or relax in the cellar door garden and pretend you’re not the bocce genius that you really are.

Bookings here.

SUMMERVINES LOBSTER & WINE AT ANGOVE

12pm­–5pm on Friday, 26 January

The lush surrounds of Angove’s organic Warboys Vineyard are the setting for this long weekend indulgence.

Slightly decadent and super flavoursome, chef Georgie Rogers’ lobster rolls are to die for, with SA lobster served in a soft brioche bun.

Wash it down or, better yet, sip and enjoy with a glass of award-winning 2016 Lost Farm Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay.

More info.

TASTE OF THE COAST AT MAXWELL WINES

11am–4pm, every day

McLaren Vale has developed a great reputation for its Italian varietals over the last 20 years, and Maxwell Wines is no exception.

For SummerVines, they’re serving up a tasting of five new vintage wines, the varietals all originally hailing from the shores of the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula.

The wines will be accompanied by three delicious snacks showcasing coastal produce. Expect something special from these too – Maxwell’s restaurant is helmed by Fabian Lehmann, who forged his career in the Michelin-starred restaurants of Europe.

Bookings here.