Samuel's Gorge

It’s a very old-school style winery. To be honest, they don’t do much marketing, and I stumbled upon it by accident—but it absolutely amazed me. The tasting fee is only $10 per person, and you can choose four wines. The whites are fairly average, but interestingly, two of the reds have impressive depth and are perfect as everyday table wines. However, their Shiraz isn’t as outstanding as those from other wineries. The prices are great, and the scenery is stunning. Just note that there aren’t many tables available for guests!

I had a wonderful time visiting this charming vineyard — an absolute hidden gem nestled among rolling hills and nature. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by friendly and attentive staff who made us feel completely at home. Their warmth and passion for the place truly enhanced the experience. The atmosphere is rustic and cozy, with old-world charm. Inside, the vintage equipment and warm interiors create a unique, heritage feel — perfect for soaking in the moment with a glass of wine in hand. Outside, the view is absolutely stunning. We sat under a canopy of red leaves overlooking sun-drenched hills — the kind of peaceful view that makes you want to sit and chat for hours. This is the ideal spot to unwind with friends or family. Whether you're catching up over trivia, sharing stories, or just enjoying the silence and the scenery, this place encourages you to slow down and be present. The setting, both inside and out, is Instagram-worthy, and the calm vibe is a welcome escape from city life. It’s not just a wine-tasting stop — it’s a destination where you can really relax and enjoy quality time. Great wine, great company, and a beautiful view — what more could you ask for? Definitely a place I’ll return to, and one I highly recommend to anyone looking for a cozy, scenic, and welcoming vineyard experience.

A beautiful little spot. Went for a solo tasting today and was very well taken care of by all the wonderful women who clearly love their work 🥺 Views are gorgeous, feels homey and comfortable. Wine is also bloody delicious and unique. If you’re a red drinker who likes a slightly quieter and more intimate tasting, this place is for you ❤️‍🔥

I had the most incredible wine testing experience here. It was beyond anything I expected. Staff very friendly 🫶🏻 Thank you so much

Such nice relaxed service. The staff all know a lot about the wine and make you feel so welcome. The reds (and 1 white) are faultless and the scenery makes this a McLaren vale must see celar door. The Grenache is what I knew them for but they have so many varietals I hadn’t tasted on there own before and it made for a memorable afternoon. P.s. Make sure you eat before you go as there are no food options :)

We went to Samuel’s gorge winery for my friends birthday yesterday and we had the absolute best day! The winery itself is gorgeous, the wine taste amazing and the staff was without a doubt our highlight of the experience. Such amazing, caring people they made our experience there 10 times better ! Thank you so much 🌞

Fantastic spot — the wine is excellent, the views are stunning, and the staff share a great story that adds to the experience

Reddit told us this was the best winery in mclaren vale and we have to agree. The view was beautiful, the vibes were very laid back and the staff (especially Nina, Jon, Tahlia and Dan) were so lovely. If you’re in the area I would highly recommend.

Our favourite winery spot, their wines never disappoint, if you're in the area and wondering McLaren Vale, do yourself a favour and pop in for a glass and take some gorgeous bottles home. Highly recommend their Shiraz, Comet Tail, Mosaic of Dreams and/or Kaleidoscope Horizons.

Our favorite winery when visiting from America! I love the small, inviting feeling this cottage winery boasts. The best red wines I've tasted and I could use a bottle of Tempranillo ASAP! Also one of the best views in McLaren Vale. My only complaint is it's not available in the states, however, that makes for a much sweeter treat when we visit. This place will always hold a special place in our hearts.

A small family owned winery in McLaren Vale. We popped in on a wine tasting tour and sampled three of their fine wines; Mourvèdre, Grenache and Shiraz. All were quite nice and their tasting room ("cellar door" in Australian) was an old historic building once used for olive oil production. Definitely worth a quick stop if you are nearby. And, like the other wineries we visited during the day, they do not charge a tasting fee. Also, appointments are not required; just pop in during the tasting hours (10-5).

If you go to McLaren Vale and don't visit Samuel's Gorge you're a bloody idiot. Seriously. I'm not inclined to ever accuse anyone of idiocy but this may just be the exception. The experience you will have at Samuel's Gorge is different to cellar doors you have visited in the past. Stroll on in, grab a glass from the old olive oil press and then look around for someone holding a bottle of wine. Introduce yourself, shake hands even, and then start drinking wine. By the end of the tasting you'll have some new friends - of both the human and grape variety. It's warm, welcoming and casual. A must visit.

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.

Samuel's Gorge is a great winery to try if you want to see a small cottage winery that focuses on red wines. When we went to visit, they had sold out of many, and there were 3 red wines left. The scenery here is really gorgeous, though. A beautiful atmosphere.

We were recommended Samuel's Gorge by the McLaren Vale Information Centre. We were looking at boutique wineries and this was top of their list. Located over-looking the Onkaparinga Gorge, Samuel's is perfectly picturesque. Named Samuel's Gorge as it was once owned by Sir Samuel Way. Specialising in red wines as this is what the wine maker prefers to drink, they currently have a shiraz that was picked young so it's a bit lighter than you would normally expect. Perfect for drinking while sitting out under the veranda over looking the gorge. I will be back to try the others.

The Grenache, Shiraz or Tempranillo are all amazing. So relaxed, no bar to stand behind and be served, but more conversational in one big group. Justin the winemaker is there to chat you through all the wines, and his dog Pasco is there to provide you with all the pats! Loved the experience, wines were amazing! Check it out on your next visit to McLaren Vale.

Likewise Samuel's Gorge was recommended to me by someone working in one of McLaren Vale's other cellar doors. We were looking for somewhere different, that was a 'must-not-miss' of the region. Samuel's Gorge was their pick. Stepping inside it looks more like an old barn than a cellar door. Instead of a polished bar to taste upon, everything is very rustic. Each time we've been instantly greeted, handed some glasses, and instructed to wander. They'll find us. It's a great set up. You can pick a seat inside, grab a table outside, or even taste while looking over the great view of Onkaparinga Gorge. Don't think the lack of formal tasting areas makes this impersonal, they don't do a pick pour and then continue on. Each time you taste a new wine you're still told all about it, and you can ask any questions. Everything is very casual, so if you're thinking of adding a picnic spot anywhere along your winery touring make this your spot. If you've got kids coming along they can run around in the garden outside, and a quoits set they can play with. It's the type of cellar door experience everyone can enjoy, with the perfect balance of informative and casual.

Pleasant afternoon tasting of red wines on the veranda, complete with excellent views and a wine dog to boot. Our dogs enjoyed the company while we enjoyed the wine. It's difficult to find (past Chapel Hills) however well worth the effort. Their Grenache Mourvèdre is spectacular!

Go for the view, but the coffee was bitter and the wine a tad overpriced at $40 a bottle.

Very relaxed atmosphere overlooking the Onkaparinga Gorge with some spectacular views. The Grenache is one of the best of have tasted. Do not go here if u are in a big group but highly recommend if u have a small car load. Rustic building is what makes this place one on the must see list.

One of my favourite places in the world, with some of my favourite wines. I've visited four times and been through three mixed cases of shiraz, tempranillo and grenache. I even went here on my birthday as it was where I wanted to be. Tasting sizes are generous and you can sit out looking at the beautiful view, enjoying your glass. As others have said, this place was recommended by other cellar doors. Because winemakers love it.