Getting There -- McLaren Vale is a 45-minute drive from Adelaide via the one-way Southern expressway. It changes direction according to peak hour, so in the morning it heads north to Adelaide, in the afternoons and early evening, south to McLaren Vale. If it's not going in the direction you want it to, you can take the Main South Road.

Adelaide Metro operates a public bus service from Adelaide and a public train service to Noarlunga (visit www.adelaidemetro.com.au for details). Premier Stateliner Coaches (tel. 08/8415 5555) runs daily services to McLaren Vale for A$8.70 adults or A$4.35 children; and to Victor Harbor, Port Elliot, and Goolwa, all of which cost A$20 for adults and A$10 for children.

Visitor Information -- Visitor information and bookings are available through the Victor Harbor Visitor Information Centre, The Causeway, Victor Harbor, SA 5211 (tel. 08/8552 5738), and the McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitor Centre, Main Road, McLaren Vale, SA 5171 (tel. 08/8323 9944). Both centers are open daily. See also www.southaustralia.com/FleurieuPeninsula.aspx.

When to Go

Sea & Vines -- Not your typical food and wine festival, which tend to be more refined sip-and-taste affairs, the annual Sea and Vines Festival in McLaren Vale is a rollicking celebration of food and wine that's more like a giant progressive party. Held over 2 days in June, it has become one of the biggest of its type in South Australia: It attracts upwards of 40,000 people each year to the more than 26 wineries in the valley that put up marquees, set out tables, bring in their favorite bands, and serve their wines matched up with local seafood cooked by local restaurants. To get the best out of the festival, get a copy of the program before you go and plan your day, because you'll need to book in advance. Tickets are available at www.mclarenvale.info.

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