Many South Australians know d’Arenberg for its famous wines, and plenty have stepped inside the larger-than-life d’Arenberg Cube. It’s one of SA’s most unique and delicious attractions, but there’s still a world of surprises inside that you may not have discovered yet.
d’Arenberg’s McLaren Vale home brings wine, art, gin, fashion, and food together under one Rubik’s Cube-esque structure. Spread across five levels, the d’Arenberg Cube delivers something new with every corridor and every turn, and level three is at the heart of the action. Here are five must-try experiences at the ever evolving d’Arenberg Cube.
Here, Sensorial Circus offers a collection of experiences that bring creativity and curiosity to life. First, it’s an eclectic cafe that merges all kinds of colourful furniture, gilded objects, and audacious art, yet remains fresh, modern, and bright. It’s an Instagram-worthy space that feels as refined as it is daring. Loaded jaffles, flavourful salads, and delicately crafted focaccias make up the menu alongside a delicious array of pickled, marinated, and smoked snacks and sides. As you soak in unbelievable views from the lofty level three windows, you’ll be delighted not just by the food and the surrounds, but by the attention to detail in service. The cafe is open 10:30am to 3:30pm daily.
Now on show in the space is the artistic world of d’Arenberg’s Chief Winemaker Chester Osborn, with his fanciful fashion label, ‘Beakus Twisterus‘. His latest collection features embroidered and print-detail shirts alongside a bold range of silk bow ties. Each piece reflects the unconventional, energetic approach to the winery experience for which d’Arenberg is known best.
Level three is also home to Settlers Spirits, known for their rare dry and pink gins that nod to distilling tradition while producing distinctly brighter, crisper and more defined palate profiles. Stone bars and heavy rustic wooden details delineate this space, where two gin tasting flights are available daily from 10:30am to 3:30pm. You can add an upgrade to your d’Arenberg Cube entry for $20 to include a tasting at Settlers Spirits.
The d’Arenberg Cube also offers a Settlers Spirits gin blending class inviting you to step into the role of distiller for the day. Guided by an expert host, you’ll get to explore the botanicals and flavour profiles that define artisan gin. You’ll experiment with different combinations to create your own recipe, then bottle your favourite blend in a 200ml keepsake to take home. The 1.5-hour session is designed for up to 10 people, with classes running daily from 10:30am, bookings essential.
If you’re after an even more in-depth discovery, the d’Arenberg Distilled experience is the way to go. This four and a half-hour immersive journey explores d’Arenberg’s wine, food, art and gin, and kicks off at the top floor of the d’Arenberg Cube. Here, enjoy ‘The Dead Arm Distinction’, a curated self-guided tasting that explores current and back-vintage releases of d’Arenberg’s flagship wines. Then, descend a level for a relaxed two-course lunch, featuring shared dishes, paired with your choice of wine and a hand-picked gin flight. The experience continues with a tour of the unbelievable exhibition space featuring Salvador Dalí sculptures and artworks, and finishes at the venue’s Alternate Realities Museum. The experience runs daily from 11am and is capped at just six guests.
So whether you’ve never experienced the weird, wonderful, refined, and delicious notes of the d’Arenberg Cube, or you already know your way around, level three is the place to be right now. With delightful dishes, bright spirits, views to die for, and art and fashion all around, this is your sign to head to McLaren Vale.
The d’Arenberg Cube
Where: 58 Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale
When: 10:30am to 3:30pm, seven days
For more information, click here.
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