Mema S.
Yelp
There are many wineries on offer to sup from in the bacchanalian region of McLaren Vale and when doing impromptu tours with visiting internationals am invariably asked by staff of whatever winery I'm at "where to next?" If I then respond "I don't know" I am invariably asked, sometimes in hushed tonnes because they're not supposed to suggest competitors "have you been to Samuel's Gorge yet?"
This is because Samuel's Gorge wine is wine for winemakers. This boutique winery is the baby of down-to-(fertile)-earth winemaker Justin McNamee and his gang of grape grapplers. They are so focused on cultivating the perfect wine that on my last visit I was informed that all staff do not wear colognes or even deodorant so as not to be distracted from achieving the perfect nose. This winery is not about money, it's about wine, and you have to buy Samuel's Gorge wine at the cellar door or online, and the release is extremely limited, so get in quick. Many covet their bottles of Samuel's Gorge wines and I've had friends from overseas insist on returning there of all the wineries in the region.
Set atop a hill in beautiful wine country, the winery have releases annually, usually around ANZAC day. Winery tours, a band, tasting tents, and nibbles are provided on these special days. Release days are always extremely pleasant and equally as popular so bookings are essential. I'd also advise getting there early to stake out your patch of grass and really have an opportunity to taste the wines properly.
Tastings on any day are always nice here though. On a colder day warm yourself by the stove or the barrel room, or warm up with wine along with friendly, easy going and knowledgeable staff.
Nowadays when asked by a winery "where to next?" I answer "Samuel's Gorge" to approving nods.