Breweries, Tap Houses & Beer Trail

Discover The Best Breweries in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast

South Australia's McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast is fast becoming a vibrant destination for craft beer lovers and brewers, home to some of the best breweries around – think Shifty Lizard, South Coast Brewing, Swell , Kick Back Brewing, Vale Taphouse and Brewing and more. 

Just a short car trip from Adelaide, there’s an ever-growing collection of award-winning breweries and taphouses offering an exciting alternative to the larger traditional breweries. 

From classic ales and crisp lagers to intriguing seasonal releases and experimental brews like Cherry Stout, Christmas Ale and refreshing Pango Sour, there’s something to delight every palate.

Plus, as you sample your way across the region, you'll also uncover a raft of diverse brews including IPAs, pilsners and porters, plus some more interesting varieties like saisons, wheat beers, ginger beer and ciders to sample and savour.

Planning your next beer tour? It’s time to venture down south.

And to make it super easy, here’s just a taste of some of the hotspots across McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Beer Trail.

More often than not the person that will serve you is the head brewer (or chief taste tester), so feel free to have a chat and find out more about the beer you’re drinking.

They’ll also often recommend other craft breweries across McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula that will be suited to your taste.

All you need to do now? Select your beer paddle, order some delicious food from a seasonal menu or enjoy a regional platter to share!

 

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!