Experience the beauty of South Australia’s wine country on a leisurely bicycle tour of the McLaren Vale region. Pedal through Kuitpo Forest and stunning vineyards, stopping to sample wines from two or more local wineries. With transportation to and from Adelaide, experienced guides, lunch, and all equipment provided, discovering the highlights of Australia’s southern wine region couldn’t be simpler. Numbers are limited to nine people on this tour, ensuring you'll spend an intimate day with a small group of like-minded wine lovers.
Your day of cycling begins with transportation in a luxury vehicle from your Adelaide hotel to the renowned wine region of McLaren Vale, roughly 30 minutes south of the city. Known around the world for its complex Shiraz, McLaren Vale has 7,952 acres (3,218 hectares) of the grape under vine, which accounts for roughly half of the region's crush each year.
Once you're outfitted with a high-quality mountain bike and helmet, and given an introductory skills rundown, experienced guides lead you through Kuitpo Forest, where an abundance of radiata pine trees shade the path. After you emerge from the sun-dappled forest, continue your ride along sections of the Kidman Trail. Since the tour begins from the highest point in the area, you can take in breathtaking views of the vineyards while coasting down Willunga Hill.
Continue your leisurely ride through the wineries, where rows of vines blanket the landscape. Sample wines made from these vines with two complimentary tastings at local vineyards. Depending on your group's interests, additional stops can be made. If your tastes lean more toward hops, you can opt for a stop at a local microbrewery, and purchase a beer tasting instead. Find a new favorite varietal or vineyard? Pick up as many bottles as you would like (own expense), and a vehicle will transport them back to the hotel for you.
To sample more of the region’s offerings, enjoy a provided lunch that features a mix of produce from local farms. Continue the relaxed ride to your final location, which is selected by the group. Bike down country roads, or catch a ride in the accompanying vehicle if you’ve had your fill of cycling for the day. Your luxury 4WD will transport you and your purchases back to Adelaide, where you can crack open one of your new bottles and reminisce about the day you spent bicycling amidst the vines.
Great day with stops at unique cellar doors and a chance to get a good insight into the ethos behind the wine. Delicious lunch and an opportunity to get to know other people on the tour. Cycling not too advanced but varied and interesting .. little bit off road little bit on road with mostly downhill stretches. Thanks to Ian our guide, Paul and Caron
Review by: Deborah L, December 2017
Ian is running this family business as a Bike tour guide for one-day trips in McLaren Vale including everything I like: great views, sport, nature, good food, great wine and beer tasting opportunities, along with providing the right amount of information. Friendly, knowledgeable, kind, fun, Ian is one person who can create such great day. Done in a small group, this is pleasant and manageable, and the level of fitness required for the mountain bike ride is accessible to everyone - bike, gloves, mountain bikes provided. _br/_ It was a great day, with the right amount of fun, friendliness, sport, nature, and tasting. High recommendation to discover the surroundings of Adelaide or simply enjoy a day of fun if you live in there.
Review by: imlandsberger, September 2016
Excellent tour. Ian was a knowledgeable guide and intent on making sure everyone had a good day. Terrain was good and the visits organised and fun. Great group of people!
Review by: Karen Y, April 2016
I really enjoyed this tour. There are many wine tours but this one has a twist. If you are reasonably fit the mountain bike riding is great fun as it takes you through some woodland areas then onto roads and tracks which are mostly down hill with only one small up hill but this depends on which vineyards you visit. Better than being cooped up in a minibus.
Review by: clive r d, March 2016
Only my wife and I on this tour led by Lee. He was first class and looked after us very well. Good bikes and interesting day with good wineries visited. very satisfied_br/_ Clive and Ruth Davies
Review by: James L, February 2016
Awesome - I wish it was longer and we could have ridden more. Highly recommend!
Review by: John C, January 2016
This was a great day out. We enjoyed the riding which was just enough considering the warm weather. The 2 wineries chosen were excellent and we arrived home to find the wine we ordered waiting at our door. Great lunch, company and Ian was very flexible with fitting in with the needs and interests of the group. Highly recommend this tour.
Review by: Sabine O, June 2015
This tour was amazing!
Review by: jenallsopp, March 2015
What a great day! Collected from hotel by friendly, competent tour leader and driven into Hills via scenic route. Tested our quality bikes riding through the forest then onto McLaren Vale for sampling all the region has to offer. Lunch of shared platters was delicious too._br/_
There's no better way to visit this region!
Review by: Fiona S, December 2014
The absolute best way to see the country and taste the wine. Ian, our tour guide, was lovely, friendly and very obliging for our needs. The small group was very friendly and we all shared experiences etc. over a lovely drop of local wine. I would definitely recommend this tour. My husband and I are 50+ and we handled the ride , no problem.
Review by: Kristine H, September 2014
This is an absolute must do!!! The countryside scenery can not be experienced on foot or in a van, it just can't. The lovely smell of the flowers, the wind in your hair and the smile on your face as you travel on the bikes is second-to-none. I would do this tour, again and again. _br/_
Ian was our guide, he was professional, safe and fun to spend the day with!
Review by: WILLIAM H, August 2014
Very well run and the weather was great. We were the only two on the tour, so we got one on one treatment. The country side was magnificent and the lunch and wineries were great too.
Review by: DIAHANN C, November 2013
Best way so far to see the sights of Adelaide and enjoy the McLaren Valley wine country. Saw lots of Kangaroos because we went to places the cars can't get too.
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