1. Shottesbrooke Vineyards The day opens at Shottesbrooke, a family-owned winery tucked into the quieter McLaren Flat end of the valley. Founded in 1984 by winemaker Nick Holmes, it has stayed small, hands-on and proudly independent for four decades, and its Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet regularly pick up show medals without the fuss of a big-name cellar door. Your hosted tasting here is relaxed and unhurried, with a generous pour and a chat about how McLaren Vale's sea breezes and ancient soils shape what's in your glass. A gentle, genuine start before the bigger names.

From there it's a short drive to one of McLaren Vale's true icons. Wirra Wirra was first planted in 1894, fell into ruin, and was famously rebuilt stone by stone in 1969 by the eccentric and much-loved Greg Trott. The ironstone cellar door, the giant Angelus bell and the trebuchet on the lawn all carry his sense of fun, and the wines carry his seriousness, most of all Church Block, the red blend that has been on Australian tables for over fifty years, and the Angelus Cabernet. A James Halliday five-star winery, and a tasting you'll remember.

After two tastings we stop in the township of McLaren Vale for 45 minutes. Your pick of a locally made pie, pasty or sweet treat from The Cottage Bakery on the main street is included in the tour price, an easy way to keep you fed between wineries. Eat in, or take it with you and stroll the main street, browse the shops and cafés, and stretch your legs before the afternoon.

A few doors down, and strictly for the sweet tooths, is the Menz FruChocs Shop. FruChocs are a South Australian institution, chocolate-coated apricot and peach bites that locals grew up on, and this is the home of them. Fifteen minutes is all you need to browse the shelves, try a sample and pick up a bag or two for the road. No admission, no pressure, just a very Adelaide bit of nostalgia in the middle of wine country.

On the way home we pass d'Arenberg, home of the famous five-storey Cube rising out of the vines like a puzzle left in a paddock. We don't go inside on this tour, but on request the driver will pull over for a quick photo stop so you can capture one of the most recognisable buildings in Australian wine before we head back to Adelaide.

Final Stop: A True Aussie Pub in the City We finish the day the way South Australians do — at a classic city pub. Your first drink is on us (Benders shouts the round), so settle in, kick back and toast the day's wine, views and good company. Feel like staying on? Grab a pub meal for dinner at your own leisure — hearty schnitzels, parmis and a proper Aussie welcome. It's the perfect low-key end before you head back to your accommodation.