McLaren Vale Distillery provides a distinctive setting—where world-class fortified wines as well as whisky and gin meet stunning backdrops and exceptional hospitality. Their commitment to excellence and innovation in wine tourism was rewarded with a Best Of Wine Tourism win in 2024. Unlike some other wineries or distilleries, they offer complete flexibility with catering, venue setup, and drinks and cocktail offerings, allowing couples to curate a celebration that reflects their personal style. Not your typical winery wedding.
From sunlit vineyards and natural bushland to expansive lawns and a charming space, the venue offers a variety of locations for ceremonies, receptions, and breathtaking wedding photography. Their drinks selection is equally impressive: guests can enjoy award-winning wines from Chalk Hill Winery made from the prestigious Harvey family vineyards – plus craft beers brewed by long-time collaborator and master brewer Jeff Goodieson, who also makes the wash which they distil into whisky, and handcrafted cocktails featuring their very own premium spirits.
Velvet Oakes, Marketing Manager, says, “McLaren Vale Distillery is a place of craftsmanship and connection. Our location in Blewitt Springs, a McLaren Vale subregion known for its rolling hills and ancient soils, provides an extraordinary setting where couples can celebrate among the vines and natural scrubland, with panoramic views that stretch toward the nearby national park. Weddings here feel effortless yet deeply personal, blending our love for hospitality and the warmth of the region.”
Autumn, winter, spring or summer: their space is designed to cater to weddings in all seasons. Striking copper stills sit proudly in the distillery shed, offering an atmospheric indoor space for a ceremony, dance floor, or seated dinner, seating up to 60 for a beautifully curated banquet. Outdoors, expansive lawns and a spacious deck can accommodate up to 150 guests for a standing reception.
Founded in 2014, McLaren Vale Distillery is a family-owned business deeply rooted in the region’s winemaking heritage. Founder Jock Harvey is a winemaker, vigneron, and distiller who has spent decades cultivating premium vineyard sites, crafting exceptional wines and spirits that reflect a true sense of place.
The business produces small-batch fortified wines that honour McLaren Vale’s long-standing tradition of producing world-class styles, as well as whisky, and gin inspired by the native botanicals and vibrant produce of the region. A visit is an immersive experience that captures the essence of South Australia’s winemaking and distilling craftsmanship.
McLaren Vale Distillery’s dedicated wedding coordinator Javi understands exactly what makes it a magical place to say “I do.” Originally from Chile – home to another Great Wine Capital – Javi moved to Australia in 2019 and instantly fell in love with the region’s community, relaxed lifestyle, stunning beaches, and incredible wine and food. She visited the distillery seeking a potential wedding venue for her own celebration—only to end up booking the venue and becoming the resident wedding coordinator! She now works closely with couples to bring their dream weddings to life, combining her deep love for the region with her expertise in event planning.
The most recent couple to tie the knot on site – Tess and Dylan – held a breathtaking event that perfectly embodied the magic of the venue. They met in Townsville, both sharing a love for travel, adventure and unspoiled wilderness which led them to live and work in some of Australia’s most beautiful remote and rural areas, Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land, Magnetic Island in Queensland, and South Australia’s own Flinders Ranges (another of the state’s 18 wine regions). Tess and Dylan settled on the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula to call home and raise their beautiful daughter, Florence. Tess, a former wedding coordinator at a local winery, had a deep appreciation for the care and detail that goes into planning a couple’s special day. A true creative, Tess even grew her own flower patch to craft her own bespoke bouquet for the occasion!
Tess and Dylan say, “When we discovered McLaren Vale Distillery, we knew straight away it was the venue for us. We didn’t want a typical winery wedding, but we loved the Fleurieu and McLaren Vale region. We love the vibe, the absolutely breathtaking views of the gully and Onkaparinga national park. We loved the fact that MVD showcases smaller producers. It was a real point of difference that we loved. So it was the perfect choice for us! Javiera and whole team have been an absolute dream to work with, they’ve been able to turn our ideas into a reality. And nothing has been too hard! It honestly was the most perfect day, everything we could have wanted and more.”
Their special day was perfectly documented by renowned Fleurieu-based photographer Ben Macmahon and Emily Gangell, with images that capture the effortless and natural charm of weddings at McLaren Vale Distillery.
For couples seeking a one-of-a-kind wedding destination that blends breathtaking scenery with exceptional wine, food and spirits, explore McLaren Vale Distillery as the place for you to say “I do”.
Photo credits: Ben Macmahon and Emily Gangell (Forever And A Day Images)