South Australia is home to some of the world’s best wine regions – and they’re all just a short drive from Adelaide. Whether you're heading to the Barossa Valley (about 75 minutes north), McLaren Vale (around 45 minutes south), or the Adelaide Hills (just 30 minutes east), you'll find award-winning wines, friendly cellar doors, and beautiful countryside at every turn.

With more than 18 wine regions and over 340 cellar doors across the state—200 of them within an hour’s drive of the city—the choices for wine tasting near Adelaide CBD can feel overwhelming. So before you set off on your wine experience in Adelaide, here’s a simple guide to help you plan a smooth and unforgettable day.

1. Book Ahead & Check Opening Times

Most wineries now ask you to book your tasting sessions in advance, especially on weekends. Keep in mind that wineries usually open around 11 AM, with very few opening earlier—so plan accordingly.

Our general rule? No more than four wineries in a full day. Any more than that, and the day can feel rushed—even if you're feeling the FOMO. Whether you're planning a private wine tour in the Barossa Valley, a wine tour through McLaren Vale South Australia, or a half-day wine tour from Adelaide, it’s best to keep your schedule relaxed.

Booking ahead ensures a smoother, more enjoyable wine tasting tour from Adelaide—and helps you make the most of every stop.

2. Plan Your Meals – Don’t Rely on the Wineries

Not all wineries serve food. Some have stunning restaurants or grazing platters, but many offer no food at all, and even those that do often stop serving lunch by mid-afternoon.

Whether you're on a Barossa Valley wine tasting tour, a private wine tasting tour in Adelaide Hills, or exploring the best wine tasting in McLaren Vale, make sure to pre-plan your meals. Many luxury wine experiences include a lunch stop—make it a highlight of your day.

3. Transport Can Be Tricky

Getting around South Australia’s wine regions requires planning. Here's why:

There’s no Uber or rideshare in the regional areas
Taxis are available, but cannot be pre-booked and are extremely limited
Driving yourself means someone has to stay sober—not ideal for a full wine tasting tour in Adelaide

Whether you're heading off on a Barossa Valley wine tour from Adelaide, an Adelaide Hills wine tour, or one of the many McLaren Vale wine tasting tours, reliable transport is key to a stress-free day.

4. Be Ready for Tasting Fees & Shipping Costs

Many wineries charge a small tasting fee (usually $10–$20). Some waive it if you purchase wine, but not all. If you're planning a private wine tour in the Barossa Valley or a luxury wine experience, this is usually included.

Buying wine in bulk? Many wineries offer freight shipping—a great option if you're on a Barossa Valley wine tour, Adelaide Hills wine tour, or a McLaren Vale wine experience, and can't carry everything home. Ask at the cellar door, or let your tour provider handle it.

5. It Can Be Hard to Choose—Do Your Homework

With hundreds of cellar doors, figuring out where to go can be tricky. To make the most of your time, do a little research:

Barossa Valley wine tasting is known for bold Shiraz, history, and famous names
McLaren Vale wine tasting tours offer coastal views, contemporary cellar doors, and biodynamic wines
Adelaide Hills wine tours highlight cool-climate varietals, small producers, and forested hills

Want something extra special? Ask about a winery helicopter tour or even a wine making experience in Adelaide for a hands-on day.

Planning a private wine tour or wine tasting tour from Adelaide? Stick to one region per day, and choose 3–4 wineries max to avoid overload.

The Easy Solution: Book a Wine Tour with Door to Door Concierge

Want a relaxing, stress-free way to explore South Australia’s best wineries? Door to Door Concierge offers fully tailored private wine tours from Adelaide, covering everything from start to finish.

They’ll pick you up from your accommodation in the city and take you to your chosen region—whether it’s a Barossa Valley wine tour, a McLaren Vale wine tasting tour, or an Adelaide Hills wine experience.

Everything is included—luxury transport, pre-booked tastings, a delicious lunch, and can even help with wine shipping at the end of your trip.

So whether you're seeking the best wine tours in Adelaide, a unique private wine tasting tour, or a full-day escape into the vines, they’ve got it covered.