Book a Tasting in McLaren Vale | Smidge Wines
McLaren Vale cellar door: taste with the winemaker
Open Sundays, usually 11 am–4 pm. Walk-ins welcome. Bookings recommended.
Step inside a working McLaren Vale winery and discover the wines with the person who makes them.
At Smidge, winemaker Matt Wenk shares the stories behind each bottle, from the vineyard and vintage to what happens in the winery. Small groups, good conversation and wines worth taking home.
$30 per person | Redeemable on eligible purchases | Allow around 60 minutes
Planning lunch in McLaren Vale? Visit us first, then continue your afternoon elsewhere in the region.
A tasting inside a working winery
This is a chance to meet the winemaker, taste a curated flight of Smidge wines and see where they come to life.
Ask questions, compare styles and hear what shaped each wine. Whether you are choosing something for dinner, building a cellar or simply exploring McLaren Vale, Matt will help you find the wines that suit you.
Tasting: $30 per person
Duration: Around 60 minutes
Includes: A guided flight of Smidge wines
Redeemable: Purchase three or more bottles per person, or spend $120 or more per person
S-Select members: Complimentary tasting for two
Upcoming opening dates
We host tastings on selected dates. Places are limited and bookings are essential.
Sunday 6 September 2026
11:00 am–4:00 pm
Cellar door open 11 am–4 pm. Taste with the winemaker beside our working McLaren Vale winery.
Sunday 13 September 2026
11:00 am–4:00 pm
Cellar door open 11 am–4 pm. Taste with the winemaker beside our working McLaren Vale winery.
Sunday 20 September 2026
11:00 am–4:00 pm
Cellar door open 11 am–4 pm. Taste with the winemaker beside our working McLaren Vale winery.
Sunday 27 September 2026
1:00 pm–4:00 pm
Cellar door open 1 pm–4 pm. Taste with the winemaker beside our working McLaren Vale winery.
Sunday 4 October 2026
11:00 am–4:00 pm
Cellar door open 11 am–4 pm. Taste with the winemaker beside our working McLaren Vale winery.
Sunday 11 October 2026
11:00 am–4:00 pm
Cellar door open 11 am–4 pm. Taste with the winemaker beside our working McLaren Vale winery.
Please scroll down to the booking calendar at the bottom of this page to view availability and reserve your place.
What guests say
“A hidden gem with heart.”
“Our VIP tour had a fantastic experience hosted by winemaker Matt Wenk and his wife Trish. Their knowledge, warmth, and passion for wine really shined through. The wines were absolutely top quality, each with character and depth. A must visit.”
— Ben Marsh, Local Guide
“Thanks for always being our highlight when in McLaren Vale. Matt’s stories and quality of wine are simply amazing.”
— David Johnson, Local Guide
“Incredible atmosphere. Trish and Matt are both extremely knowledgeable and their hospitality and wines are both second to none.”
— Steve Arnold, Local Guide
A good first stop before Sunday lunch
Already planning lunch or a day out in McLaren Vale? Start with a tasting at Smidge.
Allow around an hour to meet Matt, discover the wines and choose a bottle or two before heading to your lunch booking or continuing through the region.
We do not have a restaurant. What we do have is a working winery, the winemaker and a chance to get closer to the wines.
Find our McLaren Vale cellar door
Smidge Wines
60 Pethick Road
Whites Valley SA 5172
McLaren Vale wine region
Open: Sundays; check the opening dates above for current hours.
Bookings: Recommended. Walk-ins welcome when space is available.
Dogs: Welcome outdoors on a lead.
Groups: Small-group tastings; places are limited.
Get directions to Smidge Wines
Private group tastings
Visiting with friends, family or a small wine tour? Private tastings are available by appointment, including outside our regular Sunday opening hours.
Minimum: Four guests
Notice: At least 72 hours
Availability: By arrangement
Please contact us to discuss your preferred date and group size.
Questions about visiting Smidge
Do I need to book?
Bookings are recommended because our tastings are small. Walk-ins are welcome when space is available.
When is the Smidge cellar door open?
We open on Sundays, usually from 11 am to 4 pm. Check the upcoming opening dates above, as hours can occasionally vary.
How much does a tasting cost?
Tastings are $30 per person. The fee is fully redeemable when you purchase three or more bottles per person, or spend $120 or more per person.
How long should I allow?
Allow around 60 minutes. A tasting fits comfortably before a McLaren Vale lunch booking.
Will I meet the winemaker?
Tastings centre on the wines, the working winery and the stories behind them, with winemaker Matt Wenk.
Do you serve lunch?
No. Smidge is a working winery and cellar door. Many guests visit us before lunch elsewhere in McLaren Vale.
Do S-Select members receive complimentary tastings?
Yes. S-Select members receive complimentary tasting for two.
Can I arrange a private group tasting?
Yes. Private tastings for groups of four or more are available by request, subject to availability and at least 72 hours’ notice.
Book your Sunday tasting
Meet the winemaker. Taste the wines. See where they are made.
Choose your preferred date and time using the calendar below.
$30 per person, redeemable on eligible purchases. Walk-ins welcome when space is available.
For private group tastings or visits outside our Sunday opening hours, please contact us.