Here's what’s open in McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast today. A great way to support local. 

The Willunga Farmers Market has been a favourite meeting place for locals and visitors every Saturday morning. There’s a huge buzz of activity, as this vibrant market entices shoppers near and far with the promise of fresh, local produce from some of the region’s best farmers and artisan producers.

Just ask internationally renowned Celebrity Chef – Ainsely Harriott who spent time here as a guest stall at the market as part of the SBS series ‘Ainsley’s Market Menu’. Sharing his knowledge and passion for food, Ainsley shared his cooking creations with market goers – think Chargrilled jerk pork on watermelon & coconut , strawberry mash-up with elderflower cream crunch and Willunga ice cider shots with plum confetti . Ainsley didn’t have all of the fun, you can make them too!

The market is trying something new and is temporarily located at Willunga High School.

There are over 80 producers at the weekly market, so you can taste some of the region’s best…all in one morning. Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, artisan bread, herbs and leafy greens, wines, ciders, olives and olive oil, plants, dairy, cheeses, coffee, take away (pizza, crepes etc), farm produce, organic produce, smallgoods, cakes and pastries, nuts…the list goes on. 

Best in the land

Long considered one of the major architects of the region’s thriving food culture, the Willunga Farmers Market was the first farmers market established in South Australia, and is regarded as one of the best in the country – but don’t take our word for it – recently crowned the National 2019 delicious Harvey Norman Produce Awards winner for the Outstanding Farmers Market. It’s the perfect spot to sample and savour the flavours from the local food bowl.

The community spirit is alive and thriving as passionate stallholders are only too happy to talk to you about what they have for sale. Look out too for buskers and street entertainers, and if you visit the Willunga Farmers Market stall, you can become a guest member for the day and experience the local price!

The Willunga Farmers Market is also a ‘go-to’ for local chefs as well, who often wander the markets looking for fresh seasonal Fleurieu ingredients that have been pulled from the ground that morning to pop on today’s lunch and dinner menus.

Grab a coffee and a toastie as you wander, then fill your basket with fresh Fleurieu produce.

Shop like a local

Visiting the region and need to stock up? Live like the locals do and take home some goodies for your accommodation pantry and cook up a storm.

Visit our blog for more inspiration