
Maxwell Wines
Experience award-winning fine dining and unique wine tastings, including in ancient lime caves, in McLaren Vale.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a leisurely long lunch

Maxwell Wines
Best Time
Enjoy a leisurely long lunch

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience award-winning fine dining and unique wine tastings, including in ancient lime caves, in McLaren Vale.
"This was truly one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The food was incredible - I was completely blown away."

🎯 Book Your Table Early
Popular for degustation & events. Essential for a seamless dining experience!
🚗 Consider Wine Tours
Explore McLaren Vale with ease. Wine Diva Tours recommended!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Degustation Dining
Restaurant
A multi-course culinary masterpiece, each dish a work of art paired with exquisite wines.

Ancient Lime Caves
Cellar Door
Experience unique wine and chocolate pairings in breathtaking, century-old lime caves.

Award-Winning Wines
Cellar Door & Restaurant
Savor award-winning Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and unique meads crafted with passion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Culinary Journey
Embrace the McLaren Vale Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Table Early
Popular for degustation & events. Essential for a seamless dining experience!
🚗 Consider Wine Tours
Explore McLaren Vale with ease. Wine Diva Tours recommended!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! Savor the 4-hour experience for a truly memorable meal.
🍫 Unique Cave Pairings
Try the chocolate and wine tasting in the historic lime caves.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Table Early
Popular for degustation & events. Essential for a seamless dining experience!
🚗 Consider Wine Tours
Explore McLaren Vale with ease. Wine Diva Tours recommended!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! Savor the 4-hour experience for a truly memorable meal.
🍫 Unique Cave Pairings
Try the chocolate and wine tasting in the historic lime caves.
🥂 Celebrate Special Occasions
Perfect for birthdays and anniversaries. Staff make it memorable!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maxwell Wines offers an exceptional fine dining experience, consistently praised for its artistic and delicious degustation menus paired with outstanding wines. The attentive and personalized service, along with unique offerings like the lime cave tastings, makes it a highly recommended destination for special occasions. Some guests find the lengthy dining duration a bit tiring, suggesting a slightly shorter meal might be preferred.
"Amazing fine dining experience for my mum's birthday. Foods and wines were so delicious, staffs were so lovely❤️ we had a really good time, definitely will come back soon!"
karina stevani
"This was truly one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The food was incredible - I had high hopes but I was completely blown away by what the chefs had created. It was not just exceptional food, it was art. The staff were incredibly attentive, and no detail was missed by them - they even realised I was left handed after the first course and adjusted the cutlery for subsequent dishes! It is of course not your cheapest long lunch but I would save my money and go back again without a second thought - well worth it in every way! Thanks so much Bruno and the rest of the team - we absolutely loved it and will be back again!"
Caitlyn Simpson
"What a stunning place. We came specially for the food but what made the place for the people. The service, the knowledge of the Incredibles skill and craftsmanship that went into every dish and every glass. Thank you for making my birthday so memorable"
manisha amin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maxwell Wines is located in McLaren Vale, about an hour's drive south of Adelaide. You can drive yourself, hire a car, or book a wine tour. Many visitors opt for organized tours for a hassle-free experience, with services like Wine Diva Tours being a popular choice.
Yes, ample parking is typically available at Maxwell Wines for visitors arriving by car. It's advisable to check their website or call ahead if you have specific parking needs.
Public transport options to McLaren Vale are limited and can be time-consuming. Driving or booking a dedicated wine tour is generally recommended for convenience and flexibility.
Many visitors choose to join a guided wine tour, which often includes transport and visits to multiple wineries. This allows you to enjoy tastings without worrying about driving.
Yes, McLaren Vale and the surrounding Fleurieu Peninsula offer a range of accommodation, from boutique hotels and B&Bs to apartments like McLaren Vale Studio Apartments.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Booking is highly recommended, especially for their renowned degustation menus and for weekend dining. Popular times and special events fill up quickly.
Maxwell Wines typically operates for lunch and cellar door tastings from Friday to Sunday. It's best to check their official website for the most current opening hours and booking availability.
The degustation menu is a premium dining experience. While prices can vary, it's considered a worthwhile investment for the quality of food and wine pairings. Expect it to be a significant part of your budget for a special occasion.
Yes, Maxwell Wines offers cellar door tastings, including unique experiences like wine and chocolate pairings in their lime caves. RAA members can receive a complimentary premium wine tasting.
RAA members can enjoy a complimentary premium wine tasting in the cellar door when dining at Maxwell Restaurant from Friday to Sunday by selecting the RAA Special.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Maxwell Wines is celebrated for its fine dining, offering exquisite degustation menus that are described as culinary art. Dishes are meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, focusing on sensational flavors.
While specific menu details can change, fine dining establishments like Maxwell Wines are often accommodating of dietary requirements. It's best to inform them of any dietary needs when making your reservation.
The wine pairings are a highlight, expertly matched to complement each course of the degustation menu. They are described as incredible value and ensure you are well-hydrated throughout the meal.
The full degustation experience can be quite lengthy, with some guests noting it can last around four hours. While enjoyable, some suggest a slightly shorter duration might be preferable for some.
The food is considered exceptional, described as art with a cacophony of flavors working in sync. The incredible skill and craftsmanship that go into every dish are consistently praised.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the vineyard, the elegant restaurant setting, and the beautifully plated dishes. The historic lime caves also offer a unique and atmospheric backdrop for photos.
Yes, photography is generally permitted in the lime caves, especially during special events like the chocolate and wine pairings. The unique ambiance makes for memorable photos.
Maxwell Wines is a popular wedding venue, offering picturesque vineyard views and charming architecture, making it an ideal location for wedding photography.
The restaurant offers a sophisticated ambiance with ambient lighting. Natural light is abundant during daytime visits, especially in the vineyard areas. The lime caves have a more dramatic, atmospheric lighting.
While a smartphone can capture great memories, a professional camera will allow you to better capture the intricate details of the food and the unique atmosphere of the lime caves.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🥂 Couples & Special Occasions
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Maxwell Wines Experience: More Than Just Wine
Beyond the plate, the wine offerings are equally impressive. Maxwell Wines produces a range of acclaimed wines, including their Maxwell Silver Hammer Shiraz and Maxwell Lime Cave Cabernet Sauvignon. A unique highlight is their mead selection, including Maxwell Honey Mead and Maxwell Spiced Mead, offering a distinct taste of tradition and innovation. The cellar door experience is elevated by unique offerings, such as the chocolate and wine pairing held within their breathtaking, century-old lime caves. This immersive approach makes a visit to Maxwell Wines a memorable occasion, perfect for celebrations or simply indulging in the best of South Australian produce and wine.
For those seeking a deeper connection with the region, Maxwell Wines also offers opportunities like the 'Vineyard Voyage,' an all-day escape that combines cellar door visits with broader regional exploration. The winery's history and its connection to the McLaren Vale region, even hinting at links to the McLaren racing team, add an intriguing layer to the visitor experience. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious foodie, Maxwell Wines promises an unforgettable journey through taste, tradition, and stunning surroundings.
Exploring the Unique Lime Caves
Visitors can partake in exclusive chocolate and wine pairings within these cool, subterranean chambers. This experience offers a fascinating contrast between the rich, complex flavors of Maxwell Wines' selections and artisanal chocolates. The natural acoustics and dim lighting of the caves create a memorable and almost mystical ambiance, making it a highlight for many guests. It's a testament to Maxwell Wines' commitment to offering innovative and engaging ways to appreciate their produce, setting them apart from more conventional winery visits.
Maxwell Wines as a Wedding Venue
The combination of stunning natural scenery, award-winning wines, and exceptional culinary offerings makes it an ideal choice for a memorable wedding reception. Couples can leverage the estate's charm for wedding photography, capturing beautiful moments amidst the vines or within the winery's sophisticated spaces. The dedicated team at Maxwell Wines works to ensure a seamless and magical experience for wedding celebrations, from intimate gatherings to larger events.

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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit