Picturesque Cellar Door and surrounds
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Paxton Wines

4.8
·156 reviews·McLaren Vale, Australia

Discover biodynamic wines and a vibrant atmosphere at Paxton Wines, a McLaren Vale gem known for its sustainable practices and lively events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Live music & pizza events

CrowdMedium
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Picturesque Cellar Door and surrounds

Paxton Wines

Best Time

Weekends

Live music & pizza events

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover biodynamic wines and a vibrant atmosphere at Paxton Wines, a McLaren Vale gem known for its sustainable practices and lively events.

4.8
(156 reviews)

"A wholesome experience with clean, smooth wines and fantastic hospitality."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Taste the Almonds!

Don't miss the almonds alongside your wine tasting – they're a delightful surprise!

🎶 Check Event Schedule

Look out for live music, pizza days, and festivals for a vibrant atmosphere.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Biodynamic Wine Tasting

Biodynamic Wine Tasting

Experience the unique flavors of sustainably grown wines, praised for their clean and smooth taste.

Quandong Farm Shiraz

Quandong Farm Shiraz

A biodynamic beauty with depth, featuring notes of boysenberry, plum, and black cherry.

Landcross Farm Lawns

Landcross Farm Lawns

Relax on the sprawling lawns with a picnic, live music, and local brews. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Biodynamic Difference

Paxton Wines champions biodynamic viticulture, offering a unique tasting experience. Learn about their sustainable practices and taste wines with distinct character. It's a must-visit for wine enthusiasts seeking something special in McLaren Vale.

Events & Atmosphere

Paxton often hosts vibrant events like the Day Dance Festival and live music with pizza. Check their schedule for markets and gatherings. The relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere on the lawns is a major draw.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Live music & pizza events
Crowd
Medium
When
Event Days
Why
Festivals & markets
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter tasting experience
Crowd
Low

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

🎯 Taste the Almonds!

Don't miss the almonds alongside your wine tasting – they're a delightful surprise! Reddit

🎶 Check Event Schedule

Look out for live music, pizza days, and festivals for a vibrant atmosphere. Instagram+2

Zippy redcurrants, slippery, easy and succinct. It feels like light red weather to me. Paxton Wines #organicwine #discoverabetterworldofwine
organicwineaustralia
26 likes • 519 views
👋 Walk between @paxton.wines and @simonhackettwinery at any time after 11am at your own leisure. Sounds almost too good to be true!
daydancefestival
44 likes • 3.3K views

🧺 Bring a Picnic Blanket

Enjoy the lawns with a picnic, especially during weekend events. InstagramReddit

🍷 Biodynamic Focus

Learn about their organic and biodynamic approach to winemaking. InstagramReddit

Lots going on today at Paxton Wines. Machine picked Cabernet Sauvignon getting tipped into an open fermenter, hand-picking Landcross Grenache from McLaren Vale’s most ancient soils, pumpovers and punch downs…even got the vineyard manager Chris in on the action!
oenoash
55 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Taste the Almonds!

Don't miss the almonds alongside your wine tasting – they're a delightful surprise! Reddit

🎶 Check Event Schedule

Look out for live music, pizza days, and festivals for a vibrant atmosphere. Instagram+2

🧺 Bring a Picnic Blanket

Enjoy the lawns with a picnic, especially during weekend events. InstagramReddit

🍷 Biodynamic Focus

Learn about their organic and biodynamic approach to winemaking. InstagramReddit

🚗 Small Detour, Big Reward

It's a worthwhile detour from the main McLaren Vale route. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(156 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Paxton Wines is lauded for its exceptional biodynamic wines and warm, welcoming atmosphere, particularly on its expansive lawns. Visitors rave about the knowledgeable and friendly staff, the delicious food options during events, and the overall relaxed, family-friendly vibe. While not the largest or fanciest winery, its commitment to quality and unique winemaking makes it a highly recommended destination.

"We had such a beautiful afternoon at Paxton Wines, and Julie Anne topped off the experience. It felt like a really wholesome experience, with Julie Anne looking after us and educating us about the biodynamic wines. And to top it off, the wines tasted clean and smooth and more than worth the visit.

Oh, and you have to taste the almonds!"

gdenma2

"Not one of the biggest or fanciest wineries but surely some of the best wines.
David and Janet are fantastic hosts and the premium choice of wines (Quondong Farm, Jones Block, Cracker Barrell) are some of my favourites,
Well worth the (small) detour to visit."

Ian Hunt (Pizzadude555)

"We are from Sydney visiting friends in Adelaide and we chose this vineyard from the local magazine from the accomodation where we stayed. The venue was amazing set , view , atmosphere and the location.. we loved the style of the venue . Janet was wonderful and friendly. We loved the tasting experience. We bought Tempranillo and Shiraz. The wines were fantastic with different varieties. I liked the Mediterranean range & my partner loved the Premium range. They also do Sunday live music with pizza which would be amazing. This is one of our favourite places in McLaren Vale ."

Peeta Gorman

What People Like

Biodynamic wines
Friendly staff
Relaxed atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be busy on event days

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Paxton Wines is located in McLaren Vale, about an hour's drive south of Adelaide. You can drive your own car, or consider ride-sharing services. Many visitors find it a worthwhile detour from the main McLaren Vale tourist route. Reddit

Yes, there is ample parking available at Paxton Wines, making it easy to access for visitors arriving by car. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, many McLaren Vale wine tours would likely include Paxton Wines due to its reputation. It's best to check with specific tour operators. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Booking is generally recommended, especially for weekend visits or if you're part of a larger group, to ensure availability. Reddit

Paxton Wines cellar door is typically open on weekends for tastings and events, often from 11 am. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most current hours. Instagram+1

While there might not be a general entry fee for the grounds, wine tastings will incur a cost. Event days may also have specific ticket prices. Instagram

Information on specific ticket packages isn't readily available, but keep an eye out for event-specific promotions or group booking options. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Paxton Wines offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, particularly on its sprawling Landcross Farm lawns. It's known for being family-friendly and a great spot for picnics. InstagramReddit

While not explicitly stated, many wineries in McLaren Vale are dog-friendly. It's best to contact Paxton Wines directly to confirm their pet policy. Instagram

Paxton Wines frequently hosts events like the Day Dance Festival, live music sessions, markets, and community gatherings. Instagram+3

Yes, Paxton Wines is considered family-friendly, with ample space on the lawns for children to play and often featuring family-oriented events. Instagram

Paxton Wines is distinguished by its commitment to organic and biodynamic winemaking, offering a unique tasting experience and a relaxed, welcoming environment. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Paxton Wines often serves wood-fired pizzas and other food options, especially during events and on weekends. DoughBalls is a regular vendor. Instagram+1

While food is available for purchase, bringing a picnic blanket suggests that picnicking is encouraged, especially on the lawns during events. InstagramReddit

You can expect wood-fired pizzas, and potentially other market-style food offerings during events. Instagram+1

Pizza options can often be customized, and it's worth inquiring about specific dietary needs when ordering. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The sprawling vineyards, the stone building, the deck overlooking the almonds, and the expansive lawns offer beautiful backdrops for photos. Reddit

Absolutely! Events with live music and people enjoying themselves create a lively and photogenic atmosphere. Instagram+1

Golden hour, just before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting over the vineyards. However, daytime shots are also vibrant, especially during events. Instagram

Drone usage policies vary by location. It's recommended to contact Paxton Wines directly to inquire about their drone photography regulations. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Paxton Wines is a fantastic choice for families. The sprawling lawns provide ample space for children to run around and play, especially during weekend events. Instagram+1 Many visitors highlight the family-friendly atmosphere, making it a relaxed environment for parents to enjoy wine while the kids have fun. Instagram

Look out for events that specifically cater to families, often featuring live music and food vendors like pizza. Instagram+1 Bringing a picnic blanket is a great idea to maximize comfort on the lawn. Instagram The overall vibe is casual and welcoming, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.

🍷 Wine Connoisseurs

For those who appreciate quality and unique winemaking, Paxton Wines offers a compelling experience. Their dedication to biodynamic and organic viticulture sets them apart, producing wines with distinct character and depth. InstagramReddit Explore their premium range, including the highly-regarded Quandong Farm Shiraz and Jones Block Shiraz, which are often cited as favorites. InstagramReddit

The knowledgeable staff, like Janet, are passionate about sharing insights into their winemaking process, enhancing the tasting experience. Reddit The clean and smooth taste of their wines is frequently praised, making it a must-visit for discerning palates seeking something beyond the ordinary.

🎶 Event Enthusiasts

If you love a good atmosphere, timing your visit to coincide with an event at Paxton Wines is key. They regularly host vibrant gatherings like the Day Dance Festival, live music sessions, and weekend markets. Instagram+2 These events transform the winery into a lively hub with music, food trucks (like DoughBalls for pizza), and a buzzing crowd. Instagram+1

These are perfect opportunities to enjoy the McLaren Vale sunshine, relax on the lawns with a picnic, and soak in the festive spirit. Instagram Keep an eye on their social media for announcements to catch these special occasions.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Biodynamic Winemaking at Paxton

Paxton Wines is a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture in McLaren Vale. This holistic approach goes beyond organic farming, focusing on the vineyard as a living ecosystem. They utilize natural preparations, composts, and lunar cycles to enhance soil health and vine vitality. This commitment results in wines that are not only sustainable but also possess a distinct depth and character that reflects the unique terroir of their vineyards. Visitors can learn about these practices during tastings and tours, gaining a deeper appreciation for the wines.

Key wines like the Quandong Farm Shiraz and Jones Block Shiraz are celebrated examples of their biodynamic philosophy. These wines are often described as having a clean, smooth taste, with complex flavor profiles. The organic wine Australia movement is gaining traction, and Paxton is at the forefront, offering a truly authentic taste of the region. InstagramReddit

The passion for sustainable winemaking is evident in every bottle. The vineyard manager, Chris, is even seen getting hands-on during harvest, showcasing the dedication involved. Instagram This dedication translates into a superior wine experience for those who appreciate quality and environmental consciousness. Instagram

Events and Atmosphere: More Than Just Wine

Paxton Wines is more than just a cellar door; it's a vibrant hub for events and community gatherings. The Landcross Farm lawns are a popular spot for visitors to relax, picnic, and enjoy live music and local brews. Instagram Events like the Day Dance Festival transform the winery into a lively celebration, drawing crowds eager to enjoy music and wine in a beautiful setting. Instagram+1

These events often feature wood-fired pizzas and other delicious food options, making it a complete day out for families and friends. Instagram The atmosphere is consistently described as welcoming, friendly, and family-oriented, with staff like Janet and Karen providing warm hospitality. Reddit+1 It's a place where you can truly unwind and soak in the McLaren Vale lifestyle. Instagram

Planning Your Visit Around Events



To make the most of your visit, it's highly recommended to check Paxton Wines' schedule for upcoming events. Whether it's a market day, live music, or a special festival, these occasions offer a unique and energetic experience. Instagram+2 Even on regular days, the relaxed vibe and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect spot for a leisurely tasting. Reddit

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