McLaren Vale Visitors Centre

The variety of produce of the Fleurieu Peninsula is remarkable - roses, olives, almonds and wine. The landscape isn't bad either and that's what has inspired the design of the McLaren Vale Visitors Centre. Architects Philips-Pilkington designed the rammed earth frontage to represent the Willunga escarpment while the interior is open like a winery. But the main drop available here is the information. This isn't purely a guide to wineries, although there is plenty of help here particularly with the wine tasting service. It's a guide to the Fleurieu Peninsula - accommodation, bookings, maps and brochures. But it's more than a pamphlet rack. The centre is designed to give visitors a feel for the region before they experience it. Thus the garden of lavender and roses plus six hectares of shiraz grapevines and new orchards of pistachios, olives and avocados. It's a condensation of the entire peninsula. "It's been fairly clear for a few years now that the areas are very special with lots of attractions that are very unique in Australia." The grapes do more that give a feel. The first crush is this year and sales of the Fleurieu Shiraz will eventually pay for the cost of operating the Visitor Centre.

The strength of the Fleurieu Community is obvious. The vines were planted by local growers and politicians, the stone came from Jeff Hardy's old winery as did the car park fence posts and the desk is operated by volunteers. The community has moved in too. The McLaren Vale Winemakers Association have their office here, the Tower Craft Gallery is stocked by regional artists and Fleurieu produce is for sale. 50-thousand people came through the doors in the first 12 months. It's designed for both interstate and international tourists and South Australians on a day trip. The McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Visitors Centre is open 7 days a week 10am to 5pm. It's on the Main Road into McLaren Vale from South Road and is well signposted. It's free. For more information you can phone 8323 9944 or email info@postcards-sa.com.au