Breweries, Tap Houses & Beer Trail

McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast is fast becoming the place to be for craft brewers,– think Shifty Lizard, South Coast Brewing, Swell , Kick Back Brewing, Vale Taphouse and Brewing and more. There is an ever-growing collection of breweries offering an exciting alternative to the larger traditional breweries. 

Award-winning brews, together with thirst quenching experimental brews like Cherry Stout, Christmas Ale and Pango Sour all sit side by side as you taste your way across the region.  There’s a diverse range of ales, IPAs, lagers, pilsners and stouts to sample, plus some more interesting varieties like saisons, wheat beers, porters, ginger beer, and ciders.

Quite often the person serving you is the head brewer (or chief taste tester), so make sure you have a chat and find out about the beer you are drinking. They will also recommend other craft breweries across the Fleurieu Peninsula too.

So to make things easier for you, here’s a a taste of some of the hotspots across McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Beer Trail, all you need to do now is select your beer paddle, order casual food from a locally-sourced seasonal menu or a regional platter to share.

Cheers to tasting your way across the brewery trail.

Vale Brewing, Beresford, McLaren Flat 

One of the first breweries to come out of McLaren Vale, Vale Ale, is now popular throughout the state. They boast a variety of beers in their range, from their flagship ale and lager to their summer favourite Mid Coast Bright Ale and their IPA. Experience a structured tasting at their new home at Vale Taphouse, set amongst the spectacular vineyards of McLaren Flat and home to ever-popular Vale Brewing, is an exciting state-of-the-art micro-brewing facility, visitor centre and restaurant all wrapped up in one.

Goodieson Brewery, McLaren Vale 

With a beautiful family-friendly location, it’s no surprise Goodieson is a McLaren Vale favourite with locals and visitors alike. Classics like their Pale Ale and Pilsner are ever-popular, but the brewery also specialises in seasonal exclusive releases and brews featuring local ingredients. Keep your eye out for their special creations the likes of Cherry Stout, Christmas Ale and Chocolate Stout.

Penny Red Beer Co, The Range (McLaren Vale)

Their beers are all brewed & served onsite. The character filled brewery & taphouse is located on a beautiful vineyard in The Range, just minutes drive from McLaren Vale. The location offers incredible views across the vines, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a beer & take in the surroundings with family & friends.

Swell Taphouse, McLaren Vale 

The latest taphouse to call the region home, allowing visitors to view production, taste their ales and sit back, relax and sample some local fare from their casual food menu. Try their Golden Ale and Cloudy Apple Cider while you’re here.

Ekhidna Wines, McLaren Vale 

A well-regarded winery and restaurant, Ekhidna is also home to a collection of delicious brews, handcrafted locally by co-owner and winemaker/brewer Matt Rechner. Their ginger beer is a local hit, but they also brew a wheat beer, IPA, dark ale and a 50/50 which is a combination of wheat and ginger. For cider fans, their apple cider is a favourite at the cellar door. Enjoy a tasting or sit in the beautiful grounds with a glass.

South Coast Brewing Co., Willunga 

Housed in a rustic, cosy shed space in Willunga, South Coast Brewing is a nod to the traditional craft brewery experience. Chips are served in baskets alongside your favourite brew, if you choose, or you can sit by the fire in the courtyard and sample a few pints on the couch. All brews are named after local beaches, including the Maslins Red Ale, Porties Pale and Southern Session Ale, to name a few.

Shifty Lizard Brewing Co., Willunga 

The regularly-changing beer selection at Shifty Lizard keeps things just as interesting as their quirky illustrated labels and buzzing Willunga Taphouse. Brewed in small batches on-site, their beers range from the classic Pale Ale and IPA which are always available. More unique short-releases like the Apprentice Ale allow the apprentice of the time to brew their own unique blend, the Pango Sour (passionfruit, mango) or the dark pink Hibiscus Neipa.

Kick Back Kick Back Brewing, Aldinga

Kickback Brewery in Aldinga complete with a Brewery, Taproom and Beer Garden. The craft beers are brewed on site and delicious comfort food for lunch and dinner is also available. A must do!