With the most gorgeous panoramic views of vines and the Gulf St Vincent you will be feeling instantly relaxed on arrival and ready to kick back for an afternoon of grazing, acoustic tunes, wine tasting, lawn games and most importantly DONKEY pats! Yes, meet Pedro and Pinto! You can likely even score a carrot to feed them and the best news? Their donkey run has recently been extended so as they are now closer to the cellar door!

The beautiful knowledgeable staff will have you sorted in no time at all, and this is the perfect spot for families looking to enjoy a day out.

The wines are small batch and distinctive. Made with a whole lot of gentle love and nurturing by award winning winemaker Michael Sexton. They are vibrant and bright and celebrate the authentic naturally occurring characters of each variety and vintage.

The cellar door was undoubtedly designed with families in mind, offering a quality, creative and delicious kids’ lunch option that will keep little people happy. You can’t go wrong with crispy real chicken bites and hand cut fries, served with a cute fun sized chocolate on the side, plus these meals come with a juice box and the serving is big enough for bigger kids too.

Now, don’t expect the kids to sit around for too long – ours couldn’t keep away from the friendly donkey’s, they also danced and played games on the lawns, took Uno out to one of the picnic rugs, enjoyed spotting ducks and also bombed around with other kids for some winery lawn community fun.

When it comes to outdoor space, Main and Cherry Cellar Door truly shines. There’s plenty of room for kids to burn around and be kids, out of the way and with in sight, making it easy for parents to relax with a glass of wine while their little ones play safely. The picturesque grounds are ideal for a laid-back afternoon. Adding to the welcoming vibe, Main and Cherry also hosts a great line-up of acoustic musicians, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere perfect for a family outing. Check their for details.

It was only upon departure that we realized they also offer craft beers, so we did the right thing and took a four-pack home to enjoy later!

Main anFor the beer lovers, there is a fun little beer collab of Main and Cherry x Prancing Pony ales. Sold!

Whether you’re there to enjoy the food, music, a guided tasting or simply the great atmosphere, this winery has everything you need for a beautiful quality, memorable day out. Even the coffee was brilliant!

PS They do well presented gift vouchers and we can’t imagine many people not loving this! Buy one

Location: 60 Grants Gully Road, Chandlers Hill, 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, South Australia
Opening Times: Thursday to Mondays
Phone: 0474 015 349
Find them on  or 

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. The lawns are where its at on weekends for food, with a Gin Long Canteen pop up that will leave your tastebuds exploding! AND how about the new onsite Trilby’s Chocolate Door?

The hours for lunch on the lawns change a bit seasonally and the team from Gin Long Canteen will look after you well. Shaded lawns and picnic rugs in the warmer months and cosy tables in the winter pavillion when its cooler. The menu features favourite dishes from Gin Long’s flagship restaurant in North 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, 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 and check out Trilby’s! Your kids will have plenty of entertainment options at the winery. The highlight, we think, 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!

Location: 215 Douglas Gully Rd, McLaren Flat SA 5171
Cellar Door Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 4pm
Find them on or

We’ve visited plenty of family-friendly spots across South Australia, but O’Leary Walker genuinely stands out. The reasons could fill a whole post, but here are our top two.

First, the space. The lawn is huge, lush, and perfect for kids to run, kick a ball, or just go a little wild while you relax with a glass of wine. There are lawn games like Cornhole and giant Jenga, and the views across the rolling hills are so gorgeous you’ll find yourself lingering long after the kids are done playing. Bring a picnic rug, take a deep breath, and just enjoy the moment.

Second, the kids’ experience. The Children’s Tasting Platter ($10) is fun and thoughtful, with three Bickford’s cordials, cheese cubes, house-made grissini, an Adixions Chocolate Owl, and a little activity pack to keep little hands busy. Four-legged friends are also welcome, with the new Dog Tasting Platter from The Woofery offering locally made treats so everyone in the family can join in the fun.

And although the kid-friendly vibes are definitely vibing, adults aren’t left behind. From premium wine flights to the full table-service restaurant, there’s plenty to get excited about. We loved sipping the 2025 Watervale Riesling, pairing it with the lemongrass chicken and duck wontons or the katsu chicken finger sandwich, and ending the day with a glass of The Sleeper Shiraz while taking in the valley views.

The platters at O’Leary Walker are another highlight. Stacked with the best local cheeses, meats, fresh fruit, and house-made goodies, hand on heart, this is one of the best we’ve ever had. The local truffle honey… honestly, I wanted to bathe in it. And the house-made duck pâté? Absolutely next level. Every bite tastes like the Clare Valley itself – fresh, seasonal, and packed with flavour. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, sneaking bites between tastings, or grazing while the kids play, these platters are impossible to resist.

The verandah and outdoor spaces are perfect for taking your time. Watch the kids or dogs play, soak up the sweeping views, and enjoy another round of tasting or a platter if you’re peckish. The food here isn’t just good, it’s memorable, and it pairs beautifully with every wine you try.

By the time you leave, you’ll have experienced the best of the Clare Valley. Delicious wine, incredible food, and plenty of space for the kids (and dogs) to play. You’ll leave with happy hearts, full bellies, and probably a few bottles of wine for the road.

Location: 7093 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham (Clare Valley), SA 5452
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am – 4:00pm | Sun 11:00am – 4:00 pm daily
Find them on or

We made our way here on e-bikes from SA eBikes (highly recommend!, rolling straight into one of the best picnics we’ve ever experienced. Their picnics must be booked a couple of days in advance, but trust us, they are worth every second of planning. Think boho cushions scattered across the lawns, beautifully curated hampers packed with local produce, and panoramic views stretching over Firehawk Farm, the Willunga escarpment and out to the Gulf. Meanwhile, the kids were in their element, running across the huge lawns, playing lawn games and enjoying all the open space right in front of us.

Inside the Wonder Room (probably more geared to adult visits) you’ll find a gorgeous tasting space offering guided wine flights featuring Dandelion’s wines from McLaren Vale, Barossa and the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills.

Outdoors, families can spread out with plenty of room for prams, high-chairs available, baby-change facilities, and a relaxed vibe that makes bringing children feel completely ok. It’s one of those rare wineries where adults can unwind while the kids are genuinely happy too.

What truly elevates the experience is the warmth of the team and the thoughtfulness of the set-up. The picnic is perfect for families and groups, easy, delicious and downright beautiful. Pair that with picture-perfect views, approachable tastings and loads of kid-friendly space, and you’ve got a McLaren Vale winery we’ll be raving about for a long time. If you’re planning a family winery adventure, Dandelion Vineyards and The Wonder Room deserve a top spot on your list.

Location: 91 Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171
Opening Times: Every Day 10am – 6pm
Phone: 0459 802 413
Find them on Ìý´Ç°ùÌý

The kids darted between bites and playtime, climbing in and out of the charming little “boat� sandpit just a few steps away (OMG it was even clean, close and safe enough that we could keep an eye on them while actually enjoying our time at the table.)

For the older kids, the oversized Connect Four and Jenga sets became a full-blown championship event. Between laughter, mock cheering, and the occasional dramatic victory dance, it kept them happily entertained for ages. Meanwhile, our eyes feasted on the panoramic valley views that signature sweep of McLaren Vale that never gets old, while we sipped a chilled glass of rosé and the kids clinked mocktails with paper straws and big smiles. It’s that rare combination of atmosphere and freedom where everyone feels at ease.

What makes Beach Road Wines so fabulous for families is how effortlessly it all flows. The space invites kids to move, play, and explore without ever feeling like you’re intruding on other diners. The food is simple and delicious, the staff are welcoming, and the whole experience feels like a long, happy exhale. For parents chasing that perfect mix of great wine, good food and genuine kid-friendliness this spot is pure McLaren Vale magic.

We must give a nod to the warm chocolate brownie that stole our hearts, and the gelati cabinet that stole the remainder of the days calorie intake.

This place is a true 10/10 for families. So many wineries are not this.

You’ll find Beach Road Winery at
309 Seaview Road McLaren Vale
Phone:  08 8323 7344
For more information visit their website at

Follow them on
Like them on

For other places and things to do with kids in McLaren Vale check out this link

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.

Location: 205 Main Road Willunga, South Australia 5172
Opening Times: Friday to Monday 11am to 4.30pm
Phone: 08 8546 3476
Find them on  or 

Opened in December 2018, Kimbolton is a unique venue built from shipping containers, blending modern style with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Set right among the vines, it feels like you’re sipping wine and enjoying local cheeses in a friend’s backyard, but with panoramic views and a touch of sophistication. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, take in the scenery, and enjoy the best of Langhorne Creek.

The layout offers plenty of inviting spaces to kick back and enjoy your visit. There are two spacious grassy areas perfect for kids, stocked with lawn games that’ll keep them entertained for hours – challenge them to a friendly game and enjoy the fresh air together. Right out the front, you’ll find charming booths made from recycled pallets overlooking the vineyards, an outdoor deck, and a cosy back patio. The rooftop deck provides even more breathtaking views, complete with wine barrels, umbrellas, and plenty of spots to soak up the sun. Inside, the cellar door is just as lovely, offering panoramic views of the vineyards, making every corner of Kimbolton a perfect place to relax and enjoy.

Kimbolten truly elevates the family-friendly experience. They offer a fantastic package for two adults and two kids that keeps everyone engaged. The kids can pick between the Sweet Treats or Savoury Adventure Kids tasting flight. The Sweet Treats flight comes with three delicious flavoured milks paired with gourmet chocolates, a fluffy marshmallow, and a mini gingerbread person from local artisan Bean and Bikkie Co. Or, if they’re in the mood for something savoury, there’s a lovely selection of Bickford’s cordials served in stemless wine glasses, along with kid-friendly cheeses. Plus, each child gets a basket of goodies including bubbles, a Kimbolton activity booklet and a set of coloured pencils to keep them entertained while they wait.

Now, here’s the best part. While the kids are busy with their tastings, you can kick back and enjoy a fabulous wine and cheese flight at the same time. This experience features four Kimbolton wines, each perfectly paired with four local artisan cheeses. We really loved this experience, so much so we found ourselves wondering how we can become wine and cheese matchmakers ourselves (honestly, we’d love that gig!). Priced at just $80 for the whole family experience, it’s a brilliant way to include the kids in the tastings while allowing yourself a little adult indulgence.

If you’re a cheese lover like us, you won’t be able to get enough of the baked brie wrapped in prosciutto – it was simply divine! Our seven-year-old declared it the BEST cheese he’s ever had! Combine that with a platter of fresh, seasonal local produce, and you’re in for a real treat. The food is fresh, the wine is outstanding, and the staff? Absolute legends! Often family members of the winery owners, they bring a personal touch that makes the experience even more special. Plus, by visiting, you’re supporting the ‘’ initiative, started by Kimbolton’s very own director, Nicole Clark. This initiative collaborates with five other wineries in the Langhorne Creek region to raise funds for vital conservation efforts, particularly for threatened species like the cheetah. We love how closely they work with ZoosSA, and with more than 70% of species at Monarto Safari Park facing the risk of extinction, every bottle sold contributes to meaningful change in wildlife conservation.

So, whether you’re exploring nearby Macclesfield, Strath, Echunga, or Meadows, or just taking a quick detour off the Southern Freeway, make sure Kimbolton Vineyards is on your list. We think you’ll agree, Kimbolten is more than a winery; it’s a family-friendly destination that combines exceptional wine, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone and that’s definitely something we can raise a glass too!

Location: 29 Burleigh Street, Langhorne Creek
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 11am – 4pm
Phone: Phone: (08) 8537 3002
Find them on or

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 reasons we are such fans of The Vine Shed, is that is so much more than platters and pizzas like you find at most other wineries. The wood oven pizzas are certainly the star of the menu, with good reason (try the Potato Pizza- droooool!), however you will also find tapas, hot chips, salads, pastas and more. It’s a a proper restaurant menu with tons of options, so it’s perfect for a family meal or big group – there is something for everyone!

The kids menu has some classic kids favourites such as hot dogs, pizza, nuggets and pasta – all which were presented just as beautifully as the adult meals and munched down just as quick!

After ordering, we took our drinks down to the lawn area for the kids to burn some energy before their meals came out. They loved playing quiots, bean bag throw, totem tennis and giant jenga, before racing over to the cubby house and swings.

Once the food was served, lunch was an easy affair – our table was on the deck which is enclosed in winter with heaters and can be opened up in summer to enjoy the warmth and a breeze. The kids happily dug into their meals while occasionally taking a break to colour or draw with the activity books and pencils that are provided. Winning!

We adults went for arancini balls and a couple pizzas to share and were not disappointed – the local produce shines through and everything was fresh, hot and delicious. If you have time, we also highly recommend doing a wine tasting – the Gewurtztraminer was a favourite and a pleasant surprise in a region dominated by Shiraz!

After lunch it was back out to the lawn for more playing for the kids and relaxing for the adults. The kids were so thoroughly entertained, it was actually possible to have an adult conversation and proper catch up which is refreshing!

The Vine Shed in McLaren Vale is a family friendly winery that you could easily spend a few hours at enjoying the wonderful food, hospitality and entertainment – make sure it is on your list for your next lunch down south!

The Vine Shed
207 Sand Road, McLaren Vale 5171
To book
or follow them on or to keep up to date with their live music schedule on weekends

Picnic spots don’t get much better than this and it’s all available for you to order onsite. Build your own perfect platter, tailored precisely to your families taste buds. Take a look at the and choose from a range of artisan cheeses, cured meats, pâtés and condiments. We loved the obvious focus on supporting local South Australian brands and enjoyed our platter immensely. For the kids, the specially crafted kids snack pack is a total winner. For just 10 bucks they’ll get a Le Snack, Sultanas, fruit bar, lollypop and a juice. It’s almost like a mini showbag, although I must admit, it didn’t stop our kids from stealing our food once they where done.

Please note: BYO picnics / food NOT permitted and while on the topic of things not to bring, on this occasion please leave your doggo’s at home due to the orphan kangaroo and other abundant wildlife.

Our favourite part of Whistler Wines is without a doubt, the stunning location. Wide open spaces, grassy goodness, and gorgeous gum trees – it’s the perfect playground for little adventurers. They definitely know how to keep kids happy! Swing set? Check! Nature play? Double check! Friendly dog named Buddy, yes, you’ll meet him too! There’s even a kids scavenger hunt and bonus….a cricket pitch with bat and wickets! I wonder how many stray balls Buddy scores himself every weekend?

Wander over to the enclosure across the dirt track and say hello to some of the very special residents at Whistler – the kangaroos! Nurtured back to health as part of a fauna rescue program, this is just another reason this place has our hearts! There’s also a beautiful little set of walks around the winery that take up to half an hour each. Perfect for adults in a group to tag team and take the kids off on a little side adventure! (Please respect the rules and stay well out of the vines.)

There are large lawn tables and chairs to set up at and plenty of stools (and heaters) on the deck. Worth noting the toilets are accessible from both outdoors and indoors. We loved that there is a clean quality change table available and room to move around – even take your pram in. This venue also has a couple of highchairs available, we chose to just throw out a picnic rug.

As for the actual wine…..for just $10 you can enjoy a guided tasting selction of five beautiful Whistler wines in the cellar door (make sure you try the 2022 Divergent – S.M.G, it’s a good drop, and extremely affordable! This fee is then waived if you decide to take a bottle home, and let’s face it you probably will! The indoor space is not huge but there are 4 tasting tables that can accomodate groups of up to 6 guests on a first come, first served basis. The cellar door is exclusively for adults, however the large windows and deck area allow you to keep an eye on the kids outdoors. Why not take friends and take turns, or simply enjoy a bottle of wine and your platter outdoors like we did on this visit.

So, pack up the car, round up the fam and make you way out to Whistler Wines in the Barossa Valley. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, we love this place.

Location: 241 Seppeltsfield Road, Stone Well, SA, 5352
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 5:00 pm daily
Find them on or

Located out at Lyndoch, under an hour from the CBD, this stunning estate offers a family friendly vibe that we find really hard to come across, in what are usually adult centric venues. Our intrepid foodies, a couple of ten year olds (with an opinion on every thing), loved the lawn games (in what was a predominantly fenced area which we loved for younger kids) and the staff catered for us wonderfully with a sheltered outdoor table.

Its also worth noting, this winery is directly adjacent the new Barossa Park complex, and Kies are putting on some excellent family friendly events across the Gather Round weekend. Tickets are just $10, there is car parking on site for hundreds of visitors and even if you don’t have tickets to a game, you can come here, soak up the buzz and watch it all unfold on big screens amongst the vines. More HERE

Catching up with friends, shooting the breeze under a verandah that over looks gorgeous vines was made super easy while the kids kicked a footy around, climbed trees and enjoyed their own special kids packs for lunch. with the back drop of the barossa valley and nearby Barossa Park. We were excited to see the tip of the goal posts at the new multi million dollar Barossa Park, just across the road, from our table – imagine how electric the atmosphere will be here for Gather Round 2025?

So we have covered the speccy views but the food at the Monkey Nut Cafe was second to none. We shared a large local produce platter, ate burgers and salt and pepper squid that was honestly to die for. The kids milkshakes were an absolute standout here. Well played indeed!

The cellar door is beautiful and the staff here are beyond passionate about the family history, the wines and delivering a customer service experience like we have never received. It oozed friendly enthusiasm and I can’t believe how much our kids actually enjoyed our winery tour and the wounderful thought provoking questions they came up with.

The adjoining tea shop makes a beautiful point of difference and you simply cannot leave without a visit to pick up something fabulous.

All that can be left to say is book in a lunch and enjoy your drive through the beautiful Barossa Valley. It will be a day to remember!

Location: 1303 Barossa Valley Way, Lyndoch (adjacent the new Barossa Park Sport Complex)
Opening Hours: Check their site for current opening times
Phone: 08 8524 4110 Email: cellardoor@kieswines.com.au
Find them on  or