Ahh McLaren Vale – you are breathtaking! Surrounded by rolling hills dotted with vineyards (lots and lots of vineyards) it’s no wonder wine tasting tops the list on most McLaren Vale itineraries. But with kids in tow, is it possible? It’s not just possible, pick the right one (like Woodstock here, top of our list) and it can be so much fun for everyone in the family.

Woodstock is a beautiful family owned estate in McLaren Vale and it ticks more boxes than most wineries to be honest. It’s the first winery we think of in McLaren Vale – probably because we have been coming here since we were kids ourselves.

The wines are great, yes, but this place goes beyond the normal cellar door to include some child-friendly surprises as well, and recently there have been some beautiful upgrades. The cellar door has moved into a much larger space (previously The Coterie) and now provides ample room to sit in comfortable lounges or in small groups at high tables for seated guided tastings. The outlook to the garden in every direction is exquisite. This does mean the food offering has significantly changed at Woodstock. In The Stocks Tasting Room, you can simply do guided, seated tastings, and also enjoy a light snack such as a cheese platter.

For winter, you can book to eat on Sundays 11am-4pm. The team from Gin Long Canteen are back with a cosy winter twist. Instead of outdoor dining on the lawns, they have set up a Winter Pavilion. It’s a spacious tent marquee that’s warm, inviting, and sheltered from the rain and cooler weather and the kids are going to love it just as much as you will. The menu features favourite dishes from Gin Long’s flagship restaurant in North Adelaide, along with some exciting new additions. Designed for sharing and perfect alongside a glass of Woodstock wine. It’s casual and delicious.

Now the grounds are nothing short of expansive and spectacular. Shady grassed areas and dozens of tucked-away spots, all perfect for whiling away a few hours. The kids loved running around the lawn playing hide-and-seek behind the trees and the playground has been moved and it’s just perfect. Outdoor games, a gorgeous big water tank mural and flourishing kitchen garden reward families who explore the grounds (with a glass of wine in hand, of course). 

While you enjoy a sip of their delicious Grenache (or maybe if you are a sweet tooth go for the Sticky Fingers Haighs Chocolate collaboration), your kids will have plenty of entertainment options at the winery. However, the highlight of your visit should be the Woodstock Wildlife Sanctuary. If just for that, it is worth a trip. Book it to ensure your place, start with this and then move to the cellar door. Nestled on approximately 3 hectares of natural vegetation, the sanctuary houses a group of rescued Western Grey Kangaroos, some wallabies and a couple of friendly emu’s named Maverick and lets say Goose (it was definitely from Top Gun, it’s got to be Goose right?)

For a small fee that remains at $5 for all ages, you can hand feed and pat the kangaroos. The animals are very used to people. Leave your strollers and prams at the gate, and know that kids under 18yo do need to be accompanied by a paying adult. The tranquil surroundings are scattered with soaring eucalyptus trees, and if you look up, you may even spot a koala – a treat we have been lucky enough to witness. It’s all pretty amazing!

After the kangaroo feeding settle in for a delightful wine tasting while watching the kids have a blast on the playground. Seated tastings are available every day from 11am to 4pm for a fee of $15, which includes a sampling of six wines.

We can’t wait to return in Spring and enjoy the new upgraded outdoor areas.

Woodstock also have some brilliant annual events worth keeping an eye on – we particularly love their annual Family Fun Day (June long weekend) and no doubt they have something in store for Father’s Day in a few weeks time.

Woodstock Wine Estate is bursting with pride, a love of the land, and an immense joy of sharing it with others. Be prepared to fall in love with it just as we do time after time.

Our tip: Book a kangaroo feeding session followed by a tasting. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early so you don’t hold the group up. Then, let the kids loose on the playground and lawns while you enjoy a wine tasting or simply a bottle of wine and cheese platter under a shady tree!

Woodstock Wine Estate
Location: 215 Douglas Gully Rd, McLaren Flat SA 5171
Cellar Door Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 4pm
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