With the weather improving on a daily basis, what could be better than relaxing and enjoying a glass of McLaren Vales finest? Well that would be “enjoying a glass on the deck” of a cellar door.
One such cellar door is Kay Brothers.
Established in 1890, Kay Brothers is the oldest winery in McLaren Vale still in founding family hands.
It is a traditional winery with a rich history and just over 20ha of priceless old vines. Our particular favourite the is Block 6 Shiraz, made from 120+-year-old vines.
The cellar door is situated on a hill (only a quick 7 min drive from Bellevue B&B), and as such enjoys uninterrupted views across the vineyards to the Mount Lofty Ranges.
This is; without a doubt one, of the best views in the McLaren Vale wine Region. Enjoy a tasting flight, or just a glass of wine with a local platter of food, and take in a piece of McLaren Vale history.
They recognised the power of a view many years ago however it is the newest feature of their cellar door which gives guests (us!) somewhere to sit and sip, if that’s not to your fancy there is always the wonderful grassed picnic area, it is a wonderful spot to enjoy a picnic or a delicious wine. If you need a little shelter you can always take a seat on the verandah.
Kay Brothers is a must on your visit to the region.
Dowie Doole Cellar Door
Welcome to the sustainable world of the Dowie Doole shipping container cellar door. It is off-grid (mostly) generating its own electricity (obs), collects its own rainwater and deals with its own waste. It’s even built on a part of the vineyard that was previously degraded; a rubbish pile. In case you are wondering why they are not fully off-grid – it is because they have a charging station for cars(!)
The shipping containers that make up the cellar door are connected in a way that allows for movement and creates all sorts of clever angles and views (++++).
You have 360-degree views of the vineyards from the cellar door, so you’ll see the terroir of the wines you are tasting, and you will have your host explain the nuances of that wine and the reason you get the taste you do.
They also offer cool stuff, like drinking a glass of Rock Paddock Shiraz while sitting on the rocks from that vineyard, and down the track there will be trails and picnic areas within the estate.
This is a space for (paid) tastings, casual glasses of wine, picnics, wine flights and lazy afternoons on the deck.
SC Pannell
S.C. Pannell cellar doors has 180 degree views of the beautiful undulating McLaren Vale and its vineyards from its very large and expansive deck. Seriously this would take the award (if there was one) for the largest deck in the area!
The Pannell name is highly regarded in the McLaren Vale region. Steve produces wines to suit the food we grow, cook and eat, by pioneering new varieties, styles, and blends that better fit our Australian lifestyle.
Their cellar door should attract anyone who enjoys smaller Italian wine varieties like nebbiolo, nero d’avola and fiano.
Let the friendly staff guide you through the multi-award winning portfolio (including best McLaren Vale Wine 2016 and Gourmet Traveller Wine 2015 Australian Winemaker of the Year). Linger on the deck taking in the spectacular views across the Vale ands out to the Gulf St Vincent.
Gemtree
This place is a stunner and they keep working to make improvements every year!
Gemtree is a family-owned winery dedicated to growing better. The winemaking process together with an environmentally conscious farming system produces wines which are powerful, concentrated, and express the true characteristics the region.
What better spot to enjoy the “Gemtree Tasting Experience” than on deck of their sustainable cellar door? Enjoy the sweeping views of the vineyards towards their Wetlands Ecotrail – a haven for frogs, birds and animals, planted with over 50,000 natives over 10 hectares and equipped with public BBQ facilities for picnics or bespoke ecotours.
Check out their regional platters featuring a selection of only the finest local and organic produce.
They also serve organic and fair-trade tea, coffee, soft drinks and sweets.
Gemtree is a mere 11 min drive from Bellevue B&B.
Bec Hardy Wines (“Pertaringa”)
On Hunt Road (just 7min drive from Bellevue ) have recently finished renovating their cellar door.
Rest assured that this refurbishment has created a stunning venue to enjoy with family and friends over a cheeky glass (or two!) of wine. There are now a number of different seating areas; including, you guessed it, The DECK!
The cellar door offers now offer three new and (delicious) sit-down tasting flights, which features a wide range of wines to choose from and taste through at your own pace.
What better place to enjoy these tasting flights than on the Pertaringa Deck with offers a beautiful natural setting amongst the gum trees with magnificent views and outdoor picnic facilities.
Beach Road Wines
Just a four-minute drive from Bellevue B&B, Beach Road Wines sits on the northern rise of the valley affording it spectacular views over McLaren Vale, the Willunga plains and the Fleurieu coast line surrounding them.
These views were something that was carefully considered in the build of their iconic deck space.
With its relaxed atmosphere it is the perfect place to enjoy lunch or enjoy as glass or two of their wines. This deck has been expanded over the years and now offers that wonderful feature, SPACE!
The restaurant has a wood oven which inspires a menu with a focus on pizza and super-fresh seasonal produce.
Currently they have a great set menu and can cater for vegans and gluten free, Dairy Free, Paleo and Low Sugar..! These guys have you covered.
As for everywhere bookings are highly recommended for this sterling location!
Angove
Angove is a family-run institution producing premium Shiraz and Grenache varietals the cellar door.
Luckily for you it is just 1.3km from Bellevue B&B along Chalk Hill Road, so leave your car at ours.
The back of the cellar door is made up of HUGE glass doors and windows that all open out onto the decking area, making it the perfect spot to sit and soak in the views in both cooler and warmer months. I love how the view takes in the vineyards and leads up the hill with the wonderful gum trees. Keep you ears and eyes out for the glorious back cockatoo!
Angove’s offers a raft of wine tasting in a state-of-the-art tasting facility where iconic, rare, single vineyard, organic and alternative variety wines are served from Enomatic wine serving cabinets: “and what, pray tell is an Enomatic cabinet?” Well, we are glad you asked (we had too on your behalf); This little stunning cabinet means each wine is preserved (and poured) in perfect condition and at perfect temperature. So go ahead, ENJOY>
Food is available with an all day Grazing Platter the pick of the selection.
Remember to enjoy these views it is best to book you accommodation at Bellevue B&B…click here::