WHATS ON IN MCLAREN VALE AND FLEURIEU COAST

Need to know what’s on in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast in 2025 and beyond? Experience world‑class food and wine, a vibrant mix of arts and culture, and spectacular coastal and countryside landscapes.

Whether it’s summer, autumn, winter or spring, the region is bursting with national, state and local events all year round – from live music and festivals to workshops, markets and family‑friendly activities.

Here’s your quick guide to upcoming festivals and events in McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast.

Experience the internationally renowned food and wine, eclectic mix of arts and culture, as well as the spectacular nature and great outdoors.

Here’s your quick guide to the upcoming festivals and events.

When the weekend arrives, the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast region comes alive with markets selling everything from local produce and products to handmade gifts, jewellery, clothes, and much more.

If you happen to be in the region on a Saturday, you must visit the Willunga Farmers Market, with over 80 stalls showcasing the seasonal produce of the region. It is very popular with locals and visitors from near and far.

The market is also a great place for breakfast and coffee and for locals a chance to catch up while shopping for the week. Think fresh fruit and veg, bread and bakery items, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, drinks, artisan goodies and condiments…it’s all here and the farmers and producers are more than willing to chat about what they have on offer – providing a tip or two for your own veggie patch or sharing some of their favourite recipes.

But the Willunga Farmers Market is just one of many markets in the McLaren Vale an Fleurieu Coast. Keep an eye out for regular markets in the region too and discover the talented creatives who call the region home. Here’s a few of the locals favourites:

• Willunga Farmers Markets: Local produce, smallgoods, hot breakfast and lunch — Saturdays 8am-12.30pm
• Green Light Organic Market, Willunga: Local produce, handmade wears — Saturdays 9am-1.30pm.
• The Vale Market, McLaren Vale: Locally made wine and art, handmade gifts, entertainment and family friendly — Dates vary, visit City of Onkaparinga
• Twilight Markets, Christies Beach: Market stalls, kids amusements and food trucks — Fridays during summer 5-9pm, dates vary visit City of Onkaparinga

Other local favourites throughout the month include:

First weekend

• Wellbeing at Willunga Market – Saturday
• Christies Beach Original Open Market – Sunday

Second weekend

• Willunga Artisans & Handmade Market – Saturday
• Willunga Quarry Market – Saturday
• Moana Market – Sunday
• Once upon a Market (Seaford) – Sunday

Third weekend

• McLaren Flat Country Craft Market – Saturday
• Christies Beach Original Open Market – Sunday

For more information about all local markets, contact the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre.

Some of the best wines in Australia — and even the world — are right here in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast. With over 80 cellar doors nestled just 40 minutes from Adelaide, alongside 31 kilometres of some of South Australia's most pristine coastline, this is a must-visit destination for any wine lover, foodie or photography enthusiast.

Priding itself on being one of Australia's greenest wine regions, McLaren Vale has seen a remarkable emergence of certified organic and biodynamic wines, where an environmental conscience lives and breathes alongside sustainable practices. It's also one of the most geologically diverse wine regions in the world — you can literally taste the terroir in the glass.

And it's never been a more exciting time to visit. Stunning architecturally designed buildings are providing world-class food and wine experiences, while historic cellar doors play host to fourth and fifth generation wine families who share their stories of the region. Now is definitely the time to taste and explore.

Planning a group visit? 👉 Browse winery tours to find one that suits your style

At a Glance: Cellar Doors in McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast

• Number of cellar doors: 80+
• Location: McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast, 40 minutes south of Adelaide
• Flagship varieties: Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
• Wine style: One of Australia's most geologically diverse regions — distinct terroir-driven wines
• Sustainability: One of Australia's greenest wine regions — certified organic and biodynamic producers available
• Family-friendly options: Yes — several cellar doors welcome kids with outdoor spaces and activities
• Pet-friendly options: Yes — several cellar doors welcome dogs on a leash
• Food available: Yes — from casual platters to award-winning winery restaurants
• Bookings: Recommended for cellar door lunches and group visits

What Makes McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Cellar Doors Special?

McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast sits on one of the most diverse geological formations of any wine region on earth — over 40 different soil types sit beneath the vines, producing wines of remarkable complexity and character. Shiraz is the region's flagship variety, but the diversity of the land means cellar doors here offer everything from elegant Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon to crisp whites and innovative natural wines.

What sets the experience apart is the human element. Many of the cellar doors are owned and operated by the families who planted the original vines — in some cases four or five generations ago. Tasting with the winemaker, or hearing a family's story of the land, turns a wine tasting into something genuinely memorable.

👉 Looking for a winery lunch? See our winery restaurants guide
👉 Browse wineries with casual food and platters