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McLaren Vale has welcomed a brand new cellar door, but it’s not trying to compete with the region’s sprawling wine destinations.
In fact, owners Alexia and Damon Roberts have deliberately kept things small.
The family-owned wine producer has opened its first permanent cellar door on Settlement Road in McLaren Flat, creating an intimate space centred around owner-led tastings, lesser-known wine varieties, local produce and relaxed afternoons overlooking the surrounding landscape.
“It’s a purpose-built small space. It’s small by intention because we want our customers to come and instantly feel connected with us and our brand and our ethos,” Alexia said.
“The owner-led tastings [are] an opportunity for consumers to come and hear the stories firsthand from the people behind not only the grape growing, but also the winemaking.”
Opening their own permanent home gives the couple a place to share their story, celebrate the diversity of McLaren Vale and draw on decades of viticultural and winemaking experience.
Opening on October 1, just in time for spring and summer, the new cellar door has been designed as somewhere visitors can kick back rather than simply work their way through a tasting list. Guests can opt for seated, guided tasting flights, while those after something more casual can order a glass and find a spot outside.
Alexia and Damon were closely involved in designing the space, working with an architect to bring their ideas to life. Natural stone, timber and earthy tones feature throughout, tying the cellar door back to Larnook’s sleek branding and the surrounding McLaren Vale landscape.
“We think it all ties in really nicely together.”
Alongside regional favourites including Shiraz and Grenache, Larnook also produces Picpoul and Grenache Gris, two alternative white varieties for McLaren vale that Alexia said often spark curiosity from visitors.
“They’re both really interesting styles, really well suited to the Mediterranean climate of McLaren Vale … they are a point of difference and something unique.”
The food offering follows the same local, relaxed approach, with visitors able to create their own grazing platter from a hand-picked selection of produce. Options include Port Lincoln sardines, anchovies, Kalamata olives, local almonds, McLaren Vale pâté and Adelaide Hills brie.
The opening marks the next step for Alexia and Damon after launching the brand in 2022 and building its following over the past four years.
“It’s very exciting. It means a lot for us and our brand.”
“We’ve had the most incredible journey over the past four years where we’ve really been able to connect with our customers … for us, it’s just super exciting to be launching into that next chapter.”
Larnook Cellar Door
Where: Settlement Road, McLaren Flat
When: Thursday–Sunday, 11am–5pm, Monday–Wednesday by appointment
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