McLaren Vale: Hop-On Hop-Off Winery Tour from Adelaide

Summary

Flexible winery day trip through McLaren Vale North with easy bus circuit

You’ll taste local wines in McLaren Vale North at your own pace, hopping on and off a comfy bus between top wineries. Enjoy city or regional pickup, friendly guides who know their stuff, and plenty of time for cheese or lazy vineyard strolls. It’s relaxed, social, sometimes a bit messy—in a good way—and leaves you with stories you didn’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the bus at Stamford Plaza because I got distracted by a guy arguing with a magpie over his sandwich (classic Adelaide). But I made it, and soon we were rolling out of the city, windows open just enough to catch that first whiff of eucalyptus. The driver—Steve, who’s apparently tasted more Shiraz than I’ve had hot dinners—gave us the lowdown on how this hop-on hop-off thing works. You get to pick four wineries along the loop in McLaren Vale North, and honestly, choosing felt like picking teams for dodgeball. There’s always that one you’re not sure about but ends up being the highlight.

First stop was d’Arenberg. I thought I’d feel out of place in my sneakers, but nobody cared. The tasting room smelled like old barrels and fresh bread (they bake it there). A local named Mel poured us something peppery—I tried to describe it but just said “spicy?” She laughed and said that’s what everyone says on their first day trip to McLaren Vale from Adelaide. We wandered outside; the vines were all tangled in late autumn gold, and someone’s dog kept sneaking up for pats. The bus circuit runs every hour so there’s no rush unless you lose track of time chatting with strangers about which wine goes best with chips (answer: all of them).

By the third stop, my notes were basically doodles and grape stains. At Coriole, a couple from Sydney told me they do this tour every year just for the olives. It’s not all wine—there are platters stacked with cheese and bread that taste better when you eat them outside under those big gum trees. The sun kept ducking behind clouds and popping back out again; I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed watching light flicker across old stone walls while people argued gently about which vintage was best.

I almost forgot where we were supposed to meet the bus (don’t panic—they text you reminders). On the last ride back toward Adelaide, Steve played some 80s hits and everybody quietly compared favorite stops like it was a secret club. My shoes were dusty, my teeth slightly purple, and I still think about that one glass at Samuel’s Gorge when everything just slowed down for a minute—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — McLaren Vale North hop-on hop-off tour

• Depart from Stamford Plaza Hotel
• Travel to McLaren Vale North wineries
• Hop-on or off at selected wineries
• Sample wines at each winery
• Complete circuit in approximately one hour
• Repeat circuit up to four stops
• Return to Stamford Plaza Hotel

Top questions

How long does each circuit take on the McLaren Vale hop-on hop-off winery tour?

Each circuit takes about one hour to complete.

Where does the winery tour depart from in Adelaide?

The bus collects guests from Stamford Plaza Hotel in Adelaide CBD.

How many wineries can I visit during the day trip?

You can hop off at any 4 wineries along the selected route.

Is pickup included for this McLaren Vale winery tour?

Yes, pickup is included from either Adelaide CBD or within the region.

Are children allowed on this winery tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is public transport available nearby after the tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available near pickup points.

What is included in this hop-on hop-off winery experience?

The tour includes world-class wines and visits to top wineries via comfortable bus transfer.

Is lunch provided on this day trip to McLaren Vale?

No lunch is included; food is available for purchase at venues visited.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable bus transfers between wineries in McLaren Vale North, with flexible pickup from either central Adelaide or within the region itself. You’ll have access to world-class wines at each stop along the looped route—just choose your four favorites as you go—and enjoy plenty of time at each venue before heading back toward town in the evening.