Vale Fly & Drive

Start the day with a spectacular helicopter transfer from the Vineyard Retreat to Yangarra Estate, which includes 30 minutes of scenic flying over McLaren Vale vineyards and coast.

The Yangarra philosophy centres on producing wines solely from their single vineyard estate, where bush vine grenache is their keystone variety. With a 100 point score by James Suckling and recently voted as one of the World’s Top 100 Wine Estates, one of only 3 in Australia, Yangarra is at the top of its game. Experience one of the region’s most hallowed wineries with an intimate tour of their barrel hall and winery, before a tasting of Yangarra & Hickinbotham wines in their private tasting lounge.

Enjoy a lunch of seasonal produce and wine at the Salopian Inn, one of Australia’s top 100 restaurants, housed in a beautiful stone building and set in the heart of the vineyards.

In the afternoon, visit Bekkers Wine, owned by Toby & Emmanuelle Bekkers, to see world class wines with finesse and texture located in the heart of the vale. With a singular focus on syrah and grenache, learn the secrets behind this prestigious label in a stunning tasting overlooking their beautiful property.

Late afternoon we’ll drive down a wild Fleurieu Peninsula beach on route to the region’s most famous pub, the Victory Hotel. Established by publican and wine judge, Doug Govan, some thirty years ago, the Victory Hotel is a haven for visiting winemakers as Doug has one of the best local and international wine collections in the state. We’ll explore Doug’s wine collection, which includes Australia’s largest collection of Wendouree Wines, plus a visit into the “ante-chamber” to see Doug’s collection of rare magnums.