Unique Sleeps: Karawatha Cottages, McLaren Vale

Perfectly manicured rows of vines, rolling hillsides, wood burning fireplaces, fresh produce, and of course, bottles of wine at the ready. No, this is not one of McLaren Vale’s high end wineries. Or a cellar door. This is the Karawatha Cottages.

Karawatha’s three standalone cottages are raising the bar for South Australian wine region cottage accommodation. Sure, there’s a few standout super luxe properties around town, but if you’re after something with all the mod cons, an eye for detail and a fit out that’s the perfect mix of country chic and cutting edge design, this is it. Even better, you won’t break the bank. Instead, you’ll wake up to the songbirds, and a hamper of breakfast goodies. Fresh eggs, bacon, a hearty loaf of bread, muesli, milk, jam – there’s all the makings of a hearty pre-wine tour breakfast. Cook up a feast and head out to your private terrace, to well and truly start the day the right way.

Karawatha Cottages is just a five minute drive from McLaren Flat, the small township in McLaren Vale. You’ll find a few standout coffee shops, restaurants, old school bakeries and shops, but even better, you don’t even need to go into town to start your McLaren Vale adventures. Right next door to Karawatha is Geddes Wine, a family-run cellar door that is still a bit of a local’s secret, with a beautiful cellar door and some excellent, extremely well priced wines. Across the road, there’s Beresford, with a cellar door that takes minimal, modern décor to the next level. There’s even a pop up beer tasting bar for Vale Ale looking out over manicured grounds.

Once you’ve picked up a few bottles of red, and some beer and cider too, hop in the car to gather more supplies at the Willunga Farmers Markets. Every Saturday Willunga comes to life with dozens of local producers selling their wares fresh from the farm. Vegetables of every shape and colour, cakes, brownies, freshly baked bread, local meat, home made ricotta, olive oils and honey ­– you’ll walk away with a picnic basket full of goodies to take back to the Cottages.

A communal BBQ and dining area is a great spot to feast on your spoils. The hosts have thought of just about everything, with each cottage equipped with oil, salt, pepper, plenty of platters, cutlery and lots of wine glasses! Put a few logs on the fire and linger over a glass of good South Australian red. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.