What to See, Sip & Explore Near Rare Earth Retreats

Staying at Rare Earth Retreats? You’re perfectly placed to soak up the best of McLaren Vale, from wine-sipping and wood-fired eats to yoga sessions and local art.

Here’s your curated edit of what to explore nearby.

Image via @rareearthretreats

Wine, Food & Local Favourites

Down the Rabbit Hole
Choose between relaxed lawn platters or a sit-down dining experience inside one of McLaren Vale’s most loved wine venues. @downtherabbitholewines

Image via  @downtherabbitholewines captured by @laurensflak 

Pizzateca
Authentic wood-fired pizza in a rustic, family-run setting. Casual, generous, and always buzzing. @pizza_teca

Never Never Distilling Co. & Chalk Hill Wines
A dreamy hilltop space where you can sip gin, taste wine, and graze on Cucina di Strada’s wood-fired menu — all in one place.
@neverneverdistillingco @chalkhillwines @cucinastrada

Dandelion Vineyards
Boutique wines, sweeping views, and some of the best tastings around. Bonus: you can see Rare Earth Retreats from the deck. @dandelionvineyards

Image via  @dandelionvineyards

Dawn Patrol Coffee
The go-to coffee shed for locals. Grab a tasting flight or a take-away between cellar doors. @dawnpatrolcoffee

Maxwell Wines
Come for the wines and degustation menu, stay for the onsite maze and immersive cellar door. @maxwellwines

Image supplied by Maxwell Wines

Angove McLaren Vale
Great food, great wine, and a breezy vibe. A relaxed all-rounder. @angovewine

Mollydooker Wines
A bold, vibrant cellar door with a playful twist — set among rolling vines. @mollydookerwines

Hugh Hamilton Wines
One of the region’s most character-rich tasting experiences. Great storytelling, better wine. @hughhamiltonwines

Image via  @hughhamiltonwines

Vigna Bottin Wines
A relaxed, welcoming cellar door known for its warmth and easy-drinking Italian-style wines. @vignabottinwines

d’Arenberg Cube
A local icon. You can’t come to McLaren Vale without seeing it at least once. @darenbergwine

Wellness, Walks & Local Gems

Private Yoga with Renee
Book a private session at Rare Earth Retreats with Renee, whose calming energy makes for the perfect mindful reset. @reneeyinlove

Image supplied by Renee

Hardy’s Scrub Walk
A gentle trail through native bushland. Peaceful, grounding, and great for early mornings.

Ellis Butchers
Cooking in? This is where you’ll want to source your meats — high quality, locally loved. @ellisbutchers

Fleurieu Arthouse
A beautiful space filled with local art, ceramics, and handmade pieces. A lovely creative stop between vineyards.
@fleurieuarthouse

Got a hidden gem in McLaren Vale that deserves to be in the next guide?

Let me know, I’m always on the lookout for new places to explore and share.