8 Awesome Craft Beer Breweries in McLaren Vale for a Post-Adventure Brew

Looking for a cool spot to sip on a crisp lager after a long day of adventures? These eight craft breweries in McLaren Vale are ready and waiting.

Beers? In McLaren Vale?

McLaren Vale, arguably South Australia’s best wine region, has become a hot spot for beer lovers in recent years. Many of the state’s best craft beer breweries are located there, with each offering a different take on the brewing process, resulting in some tasty froths to quench your thirst – especially after a long day in the surf or on the trails.

Right on the doorstep of the Fleurieu Peninsula, where you’ll find some of the closest surf breaks to Adelaide, McLaren Vale is a short drive from the city’s CBD and makes for a great weekend adventure. Especially when it’s rounded out with a few frothies at the unique craft breweries. Just be sure to have a designated driver so you get home safely!

Whether you’re a larger lout or a fan of IPAs, you’ll find something to tickle your tastebuds with these awesome craft beer breweries in McLaren Vale.

1. Vale Brewing

Location: McLaren Flat

One of the original craft breweries established in McLaren Vale, Vale Brewing is now found in pubs and bottleos throughout the state. Founded in 2008, Vale Brewing is an award-winning brand, crowned South Australia’s Champion Large Brewery at the 2020 Royal Adelaide Beer Awards.

The core range has expanded from a lager and ale to include an IPA, mid-coast ale, and hazy tropic ale, along with several limited and special releases, such as the Vale Red Lager and Vale Common Cali Steam beer.

Photo from Vale Brewing

Two main buildings make up Vale Brewing: the restaurant and bar sit atop a hill where you can dine on tantalising local produce while sipping on a Vale brew and enjoying the view, or the Vale Taphouse at the bottom of the hill where you can indulge in a tasting paddle or two.

Accommodation is also available for those who want to enjoy the full experience without worrying about who’s going to drive.

2. Swell Brewing Co.

Location: McLaren Vale

The idea of Swell Brewing Co. came to Dan Wright during a two-year surf and snowboard odyssey across the globe. Beginning life in the back shed of Dan and his wife Corrina’s vineyard, the brewery soon took off and now lives by the motto: ‘Best enjoyed cold, from a glass with your mates, after a day on the coast’.

Photo from Swell Brewing Co.

The modern taphouse is part of the brewery where you can taste Swell’s selection of brews while chowing down on some great pub grub designed to complement the many beers on offer. Brewery tours are run on Saturday and Sunday mornings (be sure to check times), enabling a behind-the-scenes look at how the brewing process works.

The core range consists of seven beers (my pick is the pale ale) while several limited releases are still up for grabs on their website, including the Summer Haze Juicy IPA, which will leave you feeling giddy with joy.

3. Penny Red Beer Co.

Location: McLaren Vale

Although only open four days a week, Penny Red Beer Co. is a great spot if you enjoy cold beer and friendly service. The vintage-style taphouse has a homely feel while the recently built deck means you can take your pint outside and breathe in that fresh country air.

Photo from Penny Red Beer Co.

Penny Red has a great selection of beers on tap and plenty of cold cans for those wanting takeaways. Always experimenting with new flavours, the latest creation is The Original Nuttah, a 5.5% brown nut ale that tastes as good as it sounds.

Live music happens every Sunday and although limited, the food options, such as chicken wings and pizzas, are the type of food that pairs well with beer.

4. Kick Back Brewing

Location: Aldinga

This family-owned brewery very much embraces the laidback ethos of those who live around Aldinga Beach. There’s a real community vibe when you step foot inside the wood panel taproom.

There are 16 taps featuring a wide array of brews, with highlights including the easy-to-drink Midcoaster Pale Ale and the hefty 7% Welcome Stranger IPA. The always-busy kitchen sources local ingredients from the Fleurieu Peninsula and serves up everything from burgers and hot chippies to dips and healthy bowls of goodness.

Photo from Kick Back Brewing

Kick Back also has a massive beer garden that’s dog and kid-friendly, making it a great place to spend an afternoon on a warm summer day.

5. Shifty Lizard Brewing Co.

Location: Willunga

Cruise down the main drag of Willunga and you’ll come across this awesome brewery inside an old butcher’s shop. Shifty Lizard Brewing Co. is all about fun, which is reflected in the interesting flavour choices and beer artwork.

IPAs are the name of the game, with the Bruce LeeZard West Coast IPA a must-try. Shifty Lizard also dabbles in gin and seltzers under the moniker Soul Bird Distilling, so you’ll find something for everyone’s taste buds.

Burgers, wings, and loaded fries top the menu, with several Lil’ Lizard Meals available to keep the kiddies happy.

Photo from Shifty Lizard Brewing Co.

6. Goodieson Brewery

Location: McLaren Vale

Since 2010, Goodieson Brewery has been crafting traditional and unique flavoured beers aimed at passionate lovers of the amber liquid. Owner and brewer Jeff Goodieson is proud of his diverse range of 16 beers – including a Lemon Pale Ale, Chocolate Stout, and Mango Neipa – that are all brewed onsite using natural ingredients without any preservatives or additives.

Photo from Goodieson Brewery

Food is not available for purchase, but Goodieson encourages visitors to bring a picnic and set up on the lawn outside while sampling the range of beers. The brewery is another dog and kid-friendly locale and booking is recommended if arriving with a large group, particularly on weekends.

7. Ekhidna Wines

Location: McLaren Vale

It might be best known for producing wine, but Ekhidna also brews five specialist beers: a wheat beer, IPA, dark ale, ginger beer, and the popular 50/50 (half wheat beer, half ginger beer). There’s also an apple cider for those who prefer something a little sweeter.

Grab a paddle and taste all five beers before narrowing it down to your favourite and settling in with a pint to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Photo from Ekhidna Wines

If you’re hungry, Ekhidna has a seasonal menu with delectable options. However, we recommend Chef Kane Livingston’s degustation of six shared courses that can also be paired with a selection of wines.

A great date spot to impress your partner.

8. South Coast Brewing & Chubby Unicorn Brewing

Location: Willunga

Located just a short drive from the heart of McLaren Vale are the small independent breweries South Coast Brewing and Chubby Unicorn Brewing.

Photo from South Coast Brewing Company

The two local breweries share the same space – a large and inviting taproom with a lush beer garden that features rotating food trucks.

South Coast’s flagship range is small but ticks off all the main types of beer, with each creation named after a nearby beach. Chubby Unicorn, on the other hand, has a much more varied selection that includes a White IPA and fruity Juicy Mango, along with a vodka and gin for fans of the harder stuff.

But the best part of South Coast Brewing & Chubby Unicorn is the newly installed mini-golf course that’s fun for the whole family. Just be warned, it’s not easy putting after a few pints so maybe start with the mini-golf before settling into your afternoon session.

Read more: 6 Queensland Country Pubs, Bars, & Distilleries with Adventures Nearby

FAQs Craft Beer Breweries McLaren Vale

Where is McLaren Vale?

McLaren Vale is located in the heart of Australia’s oldest wine region, just a short 45-minute drive from Adelaide city centre.

What is McLaren Vale famous for?

Tens of thousands of people visit McLaren Vale every year, with the majority eating and drinking their way through over 80 vineyards and cellar doors that populate the area. As well as wine, McLaren Vale is close to some incredible beaches and a host of amazing restaurants, making for a great weekend getaway.

What are the best Craft Breweries in McLaren Vale?

All of the breweries mentioned above are top-notch, but if forced to choose three of the best, it’s hard to go past Swell Brewing Co., Shifty Lizard Brewing Co., and Kick Back Brewing.