Family friendly winery, just before you roll into McLaren Vale? Yes Please!
Nestled in Willunga as the gateway to the McLaren Vale region, Ortus Wines’ cellar door is a beautiful, laid-back spot that parents and kids instantly adore. Set in a cleverly repurposed fett-block old machinery store, the interior blends industrial warehouse style with polished concrete floors and airy, art-deco light pendants. An oversized cosy fireplace in winter and in Spring, Summer and Autumn the real magic happens outside. There are expansive grassy lawns, shady spots beneath century-old gums, and outdoor deck seating, all ideal for spreading out a picnic rug and playing lawn games while you sip on a wine and relax.
What truly makes Ortus memorable for us is that it’s run by a mother-and-daughter duo, Julie and Paige Cooper, likely one of the only family pairings of its kind in the Australian wine scene. Their passion and dedication come through in every detail, from the warmth of their genuine hospitality to the craftsmanship behind their wines, all sourced from their own family vineyard. Gosh we felt authentically welcomed and even kids are embraced as part of the experience. It’s the kind of genuine family-run winery that we truly love to discover and support.
While the kids were happily distracted by the lawns and the gorgeous platter that we ordered (we had to wrestle a few bites back from them), the wines truly stole the show. We loved them all, but the Grenache, crafted from 100-year-old vines, was a standout. The tasting was anything but pretentious; it felt more like having a cheeky banter with an old friend than a formal occasion. Add in the fact that Ortus is dog-friendly, with regular live music and special events announced on their socials, and it’s clear this should be your very first stop when heading into McLaren Vale.
Ortus
Location: 205 Main Road Willunga, South Australia 5172
Opening Times: Friday to Monday 11am to 4.30pm
Phone: 08 8546 3476
Find them on Facebook or Instagram
You might also be interested in
-
Looking for family-friendly accommodation in McLaren Vale? Less than an hour from Adelaide, Vale 194 is a gated complex of five luxury holiday homes that tick all the boxes - stylish, spacious, and perfect for families or groups. Tucked just behind McLaren Vale’s Main Street, these beautifully designed villas feel private and peaceful, but you're still right in the heart of it all. Cafés, wineries, playgrounds and walking trails are just a short stroll away. Each villa has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, so there’s plenty of space for a girls weekend away, a family stay or maybe even extend the invite to the grandparents to join (because babysitters are pretty handy when staying in a wine region, just saying). The design is modern but welcoming, with polished concrete downstairs and warm timber floors upstairs. Yep, stairs, so if you have toddlers this one probably isn't super geared up for the really little kids if we are honest. Our three kids, aged 6, 7 and 10 years spread out and made themselves right at home within five minutes of arriving. We have to mention the beds because, honestly they were some of the most comfortable we’ve ever slept in. The…
-
Nestled along Adelaide’s picturesque southern coastline, the Witton Bluff Base Trail is now fully open, offering families an inviting and accessible coastal adventure between Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga. What Makes It Family-Friendly? Safe and inclusive access: A smooth, sealed pathway, 3 metres wide, designed for shared use by walkers, prams, wheelchairs, and cyclists. Gentle terrain, easy pace: The entire 1.1 km trail takes about 30–45 minutes one way, ideal for families managing strollers or little legs. Perfectly poised for multi-generational outings: Whether pushing toddlers or strolling with grandparents, this trail is crafted for everyone to enjoy. Scenic and Safe Breathtaking coastal views: Dramatic limestone cliffs, serene ocean panoramas, and gentle sea breezes make every step a sight to enjoy. Climate-ready infrastructure: The bluff’s reinforced seawall—built with over 20,000 tonnes of rock—helps protect the trail and nearby coast from erosion and rising seas. Evening charm with safety: Solar-powered lights illuminate the path after dark, adding both ambiance and practical visibility. A Rich Cultural Journey Artfully meaningful: Along the trail, you'll encounter Tjilbruke Dreaming Track Message Sticks, created by Kaurna Elder Karl Winda Telfer. These artworks acknowledge the sacred songline of the local Kaurna people. Ideal for Families: Perfect Day Trip…
-
We love a family friendly winery and they don't come much better than Vine Shed, in McLaren Vale on the wonderful Fleurieu Peninsula. If you haven't been here yet, clear the diary and book in for lunch, wine tasting or some live music with the whole family at this stunner of a cellar door! The Vine Shed is so much more than a cellar door however - it is a full blown family friendly restaurant, wedding venue and live music venue with something for everyone. The venue itself is a mix of modern and rustic - it's a huge, stunning building set on Conte Estate, with a vast dining space inside, along with a Mezzanine. Outside you'll find a bridge over a small rocky waterfall, leading out to a large lawn area for kids to run around, complete with a cubby, swings and outdoor games - heaven! Oh and did we mention there are also a few ponds with fish, ducks and elusive frogs (we couldn't see them, but we could certainly hear them!). Just bear in mind that the ponds aren't fenced, so keep a close eye on little ones. Let's get onto the menu - one of the…
