Family-owned wine producer Larnook has opened a new cellar door in McLaren Vale, creating an intimate wine tourism destination built around authenticity, connection and a genuine sense of place.
Set amongst the landscape of McLaren Vale and surrounded by native vegetation, the cellar door offers sweeping views.
For owners Alexia and Damon Roberts, the new cellar door – located on Settlement Road at McLaren Flat – is more than a destination to taste wine.
It represents an opportunity to connect directly with consumers at a time when authentic relationships and meaningful experiences matter more than ever.
“We see the challenges facing our industry, but we also see a real opportunity,” says Alexia.
“People want to know where their food and wine comes from.
“They want to meet the people behind it, hear the stories and understand what makes a place special.
“Our cellar door gives us the opportunity to do exactly that.
“We want people to come here, slow down, look across McLaren Vale, taste the wines and understand a little more about our brand and ethos.”
The investment comes as Australian wine producers continue to adapt to changing consumer behaviour and a rapidly evolving global wine market.
For Larnook, developing a direct relationship with consumers is an important part of building a sustainable future for the brand.
It is also an investment in wine tourism and the continued recognition of McLaren Vale as a must-visit destination.
The cellar door has been designed to complement rather than compete with its surroundings.
Natural stone, timber, warm interiors and expansive views create a relaxed but premium environment, while the surrounding native landscape remains an important part of the experience.
For winemaker and co-owner Alexia Roberts, the new home provides an opportunity to tell the Larnook story in the place where it belongs.
“Larnook has always been about making wines that reflect where they come from,” she said.
“Opening our own cellar door gives us the opportunity to share those wines in context.”
Larnook is focused on wine styles that showcase the diversity and soul of the region, including alternate varieties Picpoul, Grenache Gris and Tempranillo as well as the regional heroes, Shiraz and Grenache.
The wines are made in a modern, contemporary style to suit the Australian lifestyle.
Since launching in September 2022, Larnook has received significant industry recognition, including trophies for Best New and Emerging White Wine, Best Small Producer and the Chairperson’s trophy at the McLaren Vale Wine Show.
But the new cellar door is about more than accolades.
For co-owner Damon Roberts, it is about creating a place people want to return to.
“Larnook aims to become a must-visit destination for visitors looking for a smaller, more personal alternative to the traditional cellar door experience,” he said.
“The new cellar door showcases McLaren Vale beyond the wine itself, celebrating the region’s natural environment, food and tourism experiences.
“We’re not trying to be the biggest cellar door in McLaren Vale.
“We want Larnook to be one of those places people discover, remember and tell their friends about.
“If someone leaves here feeling like they’ve genuinely experienced a little piece of McLaren Vale – the landscape, the wines and the people behind them — then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”
Larnook’s ethos is to celebrate the diversity and soul of McLaren Vale, producing award winning wines with a modern approach.
Their Blewitt Springs property is surrounded by native vegetation, which encourages biodiversity and natural habitats, contributing to vine health in their sustainably certified vineyard.
Each label is illustrated to reflect the native flora that surrounds them.
The cellar door is open Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm, and Monday to Wednesday by appointment.
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