It’s a mile along McMurtrie Road from Hunt Road to Main Road, McLaren Vale, and within that short distance six good neighbours have joined on a single street to offer new self-drive and fully hosted tours in wine, food, beer and art. Behind-the-scenes experiences and tastings not generally available to the public are part of the new tours – that launched on 13 December – that include Sabella Vineyards, Red Poles, Wirra Wirra, Hugh Hamilton, Primo Estate and the McLaren Vale Beer Company.

“Even those who can run a mile in less than four minutes will want to spend an afternoon or an entire weekend along this special stretch of McLaren Vale,” Red Poles’ Ros Miller says. “The new guided day and self-drive tours add a complete new dimension to the experience, ensuring the McMurtrie Mile becomes a must see destination in one of Australia’s most accessible and well-known wine regions.” Ms Miller says the popular McMurtrie Mile passport card, which includes a free Spiegelau glass (conditions apply), is still available.

Along the McMurtrie Mile visitors can visit Primo Estate, the home of Joseph wine and olive oil and a family owned winery making a range of wines that reflect their Italian heritage while Hugh Hamilton’s cellar door is one of the most stunning in the region with an inspired glass rotunda on a ridge providing views of the hills and coast.

Wirra Wirra is also on the McMurtrie Mile, famed for its superb wines and picturesque setting while Sabella Vineyards is a boutique winery firmly focussed on quality.

Red Poles is a destination in its own right, awakening the senses with a fine mix of food, wine and art. With an art gallery, licensed cafe, art classes and even B&B accommodation, there’s a smorgasbord of experiences for everyone. The McLaren Vale Beer Company has also become part of the McMurtrie experience, Located in the historic Salopian Inn, this is a place to enjoy great beer, wine and food set within the quirky stone building dating from 1851. The McMurtrie family was one of the pioneer families of McLaren Vale. In 1879 they moved into the Salopian Inn where they lived for more than 60 years. Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism Marketing Manager Miranda Lang said as well as great food and wine, the beer and art experiences offered along the McMurtrie Mile made the experience unique. “These are six iconic brands in an iconic region in an iconic part of our State. It offers a feast for all of the senses - what’s not to love?” Self-drive tours cost $99 and fully hosted tours $195.