Enjoy a personally guided wine flight in our Cellar Door
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Maxwell Wines

4.6
·476 reviews·McLaren Vale, Australia

Experience award-winning fine dining and unique wine tastings, including in ancient lime caves, in McLaren Vale.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday to Sunday afternoons

Enjoy a leisurely long lunch

CrowdMedium
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Enjoy a personally guided wine flight in our Cellar Door

Maxwell Wines

Best Time

Friday to Sunday afternoons

Enjoy a leisurely long lunch

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience award-winning fine dining and unique wine tastings, including in ancient lime caves, in McLaren Vale.

4.6
(476 reviews)

"This was truly one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The food was incredible - I was completely blown away."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Your Table Early

Popular for degustation & events. Essential for a seamless dining experience!

🚗 Consider Wine Tours

Explore McLaren Vale with ease. Wine Diva Tours recommended!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Degustation Dining

Degustation Dining

Restaurant

A multi-course culinary masterpiece, each dish a work of art paired with exquisite wines.

Ancient Lime Caves

Ancient Lime Caves

Cellar Door

Experience unique wine and chocolate pairings in breathtaking, century-old lime caves.

Award-Winning Wines

Award-Winning Wines

Cellar Door & Restaurant

Savor award-winning Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and unique meads crafted with passion.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Culinary Journey

Maxwell Wines is renowned for its exceptional fine dining and wine experiences. Booking ahead is essential, especially for their popular degustation menus and special events like chocolate pairings. Consider booking a wine tour to fully appreciate the McLaren Vale region.

Embrace the McLaren Vale Vibe

Maxwell Wines offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Dress code is smart casual, suitable for a long lunch or special occasion. Allow ample time to savor the multi-course meals and wine pairings; rushing detracts from the experience.

Best Times

When
Friday to Sunday afternoons
Why
Enjoy a leisurely long lunch
Crowd
Medium
When
Special event days
Why
Unique pairings and celebrations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

South Australians know about the world-famous wines of McLaren Vale and you have probably heard of the McLaren racing team, but did you know there was a link between the two? 7NEWS has discovered it is all because of a curious love story. #McLaren #7NEWS
@7newsadelaide
5.9K likes • 69.3K views

🎯 Book Your Table Early

Popular for degustation & events. Essential for a seamless dining experience! Instagram

🚗 Consider Wine Tours

Explore McLaren Vale with ease. Wine Diva Tours recommended! Instagram

Another exquisite long lunch at @maxwellwines with wonderful service and wonderful friends!! The pictures say it all… Grateful for such a memorable day. If you haven’t dined here yet, you’re crazy! 🙏🏻 #maxwellwines #mclarenvale #adelaidefoodie #adelaidefood #myadelaide #regionaldining #finedining #adelaidefinedining #exquisite #longlunch #foodie
jacquisfoodfetish
0 likes • 2K views
@maxwellwines hosted @adixions.com.au for an exclusive chocolate and wine pairing in their breathtaking century-old lime caves. 🍷 Comment ‘Article’ to discover more about Maxwell Wines and their winemaking legacy. #glamadelaide #adelaide #adelaidenews #southaustralia #seesouthaustralia #adelaidenews #maxwellwines #adixions #mclarenvale
glamadelaide
0 likes • 13.5K views

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Don't rush! Savor the 4-hour experience for a truly memorable meal. Reddit

🍫 Unique Cave Pairings

Try the chocolate and wine tasting in the historic lime caves. Instagram

Uncut version!!! 😂😂😂 let’s keep celebrating you our beautiful friend you are so loved ❤️❤️❤️ xxx Here’s to you @lesley_markyouroh #50andfabulous #creatingmemories #champagnelovers #maxwellwines #lunchwiththegirls
sharon_templeton
0 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Your Table Early

Popular for degustation & events. Essential for a seamless dining experience! Instagram

🚗 Consider Wine Tours

Explore McLaren Vale with ease. Wine Diva Tours recommended! Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Don't rush! Savor the 4-hour experience for a truly memorable meal. Reddit

🍫 Unique Cave Pairings

Try the chocolate and wine tasting in the historic lime caves. Instagram

🥂 Celebrate Special Occasions

Perfect for birthdays and anniversaries. Staff make it memorable! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(476 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Maxwell Wines offers an exceptional fine dining experience, consistently praised for its artistic and delicious degustation menus paired with outstanding wines. The attentive and personalized service, along with unique offerings like the lime cave tastings, makes it a highly recommended destination for special occasions. Some guests find the lengthy dining duration a bit tiring, suggesting a slightly shorter meal might be preferred.

"Amazing fine dining experience for my mum's birthday. Foods and wines were so delicious, staffs were so lovely❤️ we had a really good time, definitely will come back soon!"

karina stevani

"This was truly one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The food was incredible - I had high hopes but I was completely blown away by what the chefs had created. It was not just exceptional food, it was art. The staff were incredibly attentive, and no detail was missed by them - they even realised I was left handed after the first course and adjusted the cutlery for subsequent dishes! It is of course not your cheapest long lunch but I would save my money and go back again without a second thought - well worth it in every way! Thanks so much Bruno and the rest of the team - we absolutely loved it and will be back again!"

Caitlyn Simpson

"What a stunning place. We came specially for the food but what made the place for the people. The service, the knowledge of the Incredibles skill and craftsmanship that went into every dish and every glass. Thank you for making my birthday so memorable"

manisha amin

What People Like

Exceptional food artistry
Attentive, personalized service
Unique lime cave experiences

What People Dislike

Long dining duration

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Maxwell Wines is located in McLaren Vale, about an hour's drive south of Adelaide. You can drive yourself, hire a car, or book a wine tour. Many visitors opt for organized tours for a hassle-free experience, with services like Wine Diva Tours being a popular choice. Instagram

Yes, ample parking is typically available at Maxwell Wines for visitors arriving by car. It's advisable to check their website or call ahead if you have specific parking needs.

Public transport options to McLaren Vale are limited and can be time-consuming. Driving or booking a dedicated wine tour is generally recommended for convenience and flexibility.

Many visitors choose to join a guided wine tour, which often includes transport and visits to multiple wineries. This allows you to enjoy tastings without worrying about driving. Instagram

Yes, McLaren Vale and the surrounding Fleurieu Peninsula offer a range of accommodation, from boutique hotels and B&Bs to apartments like McLaren Vale Studio Apartments. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Absolutely! Booking is highly recommended, especially for their renowned degustation menus and for weekend dining. Popular times and special events fill up quickly. Instagram

Maxwell Wines typically operates for lunch and cellar door tastings from Friday to Sunday. It's best to check their official website for the most current opening hours and booking availability.

The degustation menu is a premium dining experience. While prices can vary, it's considered a worthwhile investment for the quality of food and wine pairings. Expect it to be a significant part of your budget for a special occasion. Reddit

Yes, Maxwell Wines offers cellar door tastings, including unique experiences like wine and chocolate pairings in their lime caves. RAA members can receive a complimentary premium wine tasting. Instagram+1

RAA members can enjoy a complimentary premium wine tasting in the cellar door when dining at Maxwell Restaurant from Friday to Sunday by selecting the RAA Special. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Maxwell Wines is celebrated for its fine dining, offering exquisite degustation menus that are described as culinary art. Dishes are meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, focusing on sensational flavors. InstagramReddit

While specific menu details can change, fine dining establishments like Maxwell Wines are often accommodating of dietary requirements. It's best to inform them of any dietary needs when making your reservation.

The wine pairings are a highlight, expertly matched to complement each course of the degustation menu. They are described as incredible value and ensure you are well-hydrated throughout the meal. InstagramReddit

The full degustation experience can be quite lengthy, with some guests noting it can last around four hours. While enjoyable, some suggest a slightly shorter duration might be preferable for some. Reddit

The food is considered exceptional, described as art with a cacophony of flavors working in sync. The incredible skill and craftsmanship that go into every dish are consistently praised. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the vineyard, the elegant restaurant setting, and the beautifully plated dishes. The historic lime caves also offer a unique and atmospheric backdrop for photos. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally permitted in the lime caves, especially during special events like the chocolate and wine pairings. The unique ambiance makes for memorable photos. Instagram

Maxwell Wines is a popular wedding venue, offering picturesque vineyard views and charming architecture, making it an ideal location for wedding photography. Instagram

The restaurant offers a sophisticated ambiance with ambient lighting. Natural light is abundant during daytime visits, especially in the vineyard areas. The lime caves have a more dramatic, atmospheric lighting. Instagram

While a smartphone can capture great memories, a professional camera will allow you to better capture the intricate details of the food and the unique atmosphere of the lime caves. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Maxwell Wines is primarily geared towards adult fine dining and wine appreciation, families can still enjoy a visit, especially during daytime hours. The vineyard setting can be visually interesting for children, and the open spaces might offer some room to explore (with supervision). It's advisable to call ahead to inquire about any specific family-friendly policies or if they can accommodate younger guests during lunch services. Consider focusing on the cellar door experience which might be more flexible than a full degustation meal. Instagram

🥂 Couples & Special Occasions

Maxwell Wines is an ideal destination for couples looking for a romantic and sophisticated experience. The degustation menu with wine pairings offers an intimate and indulgent culinary journey, perfect for anniversaries or special celebrations. InstagramReddit The attentive service, where staff notice details like handedness, adds a personal touch that elevates the experience. Reddit For an even more unique romantic outing, consider the wine and chocolate pairing in the lime caves. Instagram

🍷 Wine Enthusiasts

For serious wine lovers, Maxwell Wines offers a chance to explore their award-winning Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals, including the highly regarded Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz. TikTok The cellar door tastings provide an opportunity to sample a range of their portfolio, including unique meads. Instagram Engaging with the knowledgeable staff can offer deeper insights into their winemaking philosophy and the terroir of McLaren Vale. Don't miss the chance to try their Maxwell Liqueur Mead for a different taste experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Maxwell Wines Experience: More Than Just Wine

Maxwell Wines is celebrated not just for its exceptional wines, but for a holistic experience that engages all the senses. Their fine dining restaurant has garnered significant acclaim, including being named one of the Top 10 South Australian Food Venues by Gourmet Traveller. Instagram Visitors consistently rave about the degustation menus, describing them as culinary art with perfectly balanced flavors and sensational presentation. InstagramReddit The attentive staff, particularly individuals like Bruno, are frequently mentioned for their exceptional service, ensuring no detail is missed, even adjusting cutlery for left-handed diners. Reddit

Beyond the plate, the wine offerings are equally impressive. Maxwell Wines produces a range of acclaimed wines, including their Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz and Maxwell Lime Cave Cabernet Sauvignon. TikTok A unique highlight is their mead selection, including Maxwell Honey Mead and Maxwell Spiced Mead, offering a distinct taste of tradition and innovation. Instagram The cellar door experience is elevated by unique offerings, such as the chocolate and wine pairing held within their breathtaking, century-old lime caves. Instagram This immersive approach makes a visit to Maxwell Wines a memorable occasion, perfect for celebrations or simply indulging in the best of South Australian produce and wine. Instagram+1

For those seeking a deeper connection with the region, Maxwell Wines also offers opportunities like the 'Vineyard Voyage,' an all-day escape that combines cellar door visits with broader regional exploration. Instagram The winery's history and its connection to the McLaren Vale region, even hinting at links to the McLaren racing team, add an intriguing layer to the visitor experience. TikTok Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious foodie, Maxwell Wines promises an unforgettable journey through taste, tradition, and stunning surroundings.

Exploring the Unique Lime Caves

One of the most distinctive features of Maxwell Wines is its ancient lime caves. These natural formations provide a truly unique and atmospheric setting for wine experiences. Instagram The caves are not just a geological wonder but have been transformed into an intimate space for special wine and food pairings.

Visitors can partake in exclusive chocolate and wine pairings within these cool, subterranean chambers. Instagram This experience offers a fascinating contrast between the rich, complex flavors of Maxwell Wines' selections and artisanal chocolates. The natural acoustics and dim lighting of the caves create a memorable and almost mystical ambiance, making it a highlight for many guests. Instagram It's a testament to Maxwell Wines' commitment to offering innovative and engaging ways to appreciate their produce, setting them apart from more conventional winery visits.

Maxwell Wines as a Wedding Venue

Maxwell Wines is a sought-after location for weddings, offering a picturesque backdrop for couples to celebrate their special day. The estate boasts beautiful vineyard vistas and elegant facilities that cater to a range of wedding styles. Instagram

The combination of stunning natural scenery, award-winning wines, and exceptional culinary offerings makes it an ideal choice for a memorable wedding reception. Couples can leverage the estate's charm for wedding photography, capturing beautiful moments amidst the vines or within the winery's sophisticated spaces. Instagram The dedicated team at Maxwell Wines works to ensure a seamless and magical experience for wedding celebrations, from intimate gatherings to larger events.

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