Set within the heart of McLaren Vale, The Cook’s Cottage has been lovingly restored to provide couples a delightful cottage stay in an 1857 building that comes with the charm of the past but the luxuries of the present. Just 40 minutes from Adelaide, we welcome many guests who are looking for a weekend away where they can simply unwind in a heritage listed cottage, or explore the area's many noteworthy wineries and attractions. Our flexible one or two night options attracts many guests who are road tripping between McLaren Vale, Barossa, Adelaide Hills, or Kangaroo Island as part of a one or two week itinerary. Ensuring your have a wonderful experience, we provide a bottle of local wine, cheese, fruit and eggs and bacon during your stay* (we do our best to cater to dietary needs). This is as well as tea and Nespresso Coffee available to you in the fully functional kitchen boasting a range of cooking facilities including microwave and full size oven, small fridge, and quality drinkware for your home away from home stay. Adjacent to The Cook’s Cottage is the Picker’s Cottage - so if you’re travelling with another couple, and want to stay close by but in your own space, look no further. We also welcome your beloved dog (please advise this upon enquiry). THE SPACE Relax with a local wine on the private deck overlooking the vineyards or settle in front of one of the wood burning fires. The Cook’s Cottage has a king size bed, new bathroom with bathtub, air conditioning, fireplace, dining table and sitting room. You are welcome to wander around the property and help yourself to our orchid, which may be dripping with a plethora of fruit depending on the time of year.

John and Ann Baker first opened their doors in 2017 after major renovations. After viewing the cottages, they knew they wanted to preserve their historic integrity so set out to highlight the 19th century bones of the building and warm rustic finishes to give guests a true country weekend away with all of the modern features that they enjoy at home. The Tatachilla Winery and it’s associated stables were established in 1887 over a square mile in the Tatachilla distract of McLaren Vale. Next to the stables was an existing cottage whose inhabitants became caterers to the itinerant workers who came to pick the grapes. Up to twenty-five men could be accommodated in bunk-house conditions and a chaff or straw mattress was provided for their bedding. The men were also supplied with meals including a 'good' breakfast, a packed lunch of sandwiches and a piece of block cake or rock bun, and an evening meal at the picker's house.

With 94 cellar doors it is hard to choose... But there are our current go-tos… We have two great wineries on California Rd: Dowie Doole - 1.2 km Inkwell - 1.9 km Lloyd Brothers Winery - 5.9 km, have just released a new range of wines. Their Picpoul and Prosecco is great for a balmy afternoon and their Nouveau reminds us of France and Beaujolais Nouveau. Battle of Bosworth - 8.9 km, sitting on a fault line and much of the old farm and buildings were split in two during the earthquake in 1954, making it a historic and interesting place to visit as a great place to taste some of our favourite wines. Hugh Hamilton - 5 km, the black sheep range is a favourite of ours. The non alcoholic Shiraz cordial on arrival is a real refresher and sets the tone for the tasting. Primo - 4.7 km, pay for the prestige tasting which comes with the famous Andy Clappis bread, Joseph’s olive oil and cheese, which enhances the tasting experience. The Bodega Wine Bar - 2.9 km, not a cellar door but an international wine and tapas bar, the Bodega wine Bar is a bit more sophisticated but very relaxed, open until late, and yes they have local wines as well! Hazel grove wines - 4.9 km, is a new cellar door and worth a visit, especially if you want a quick truffle pizza. Want a private tasting, then try Brash Higgins or Cradle of Hills. Other wineries and tourist hot spots include within 15 kms: The Cube Chapel Hill Wirra Wirra Solomon’s Gorge Coriole Kaye Brothers Dog Ridge Molly Dooka Maslin Beach Willunga