Food and wine enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. With an array of award-winning restaurants, around 100 cellar doors, and kilometres of pristine coastline, the region delivers breathtaking scenery and exquisite culinary experiences at every turn. 

It’s also home to McLaren Vale – an internationally acclaimed destination and one of Australia’s most environmentally sustainable wine grape growing regions. We set out to explore the region’s treasures in the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan.

Much like the Fleurieu Peninsula, the all new E-Class promises an unforgettable experience. Thanks to the innovative new Routines function, the sedan seamlessly adapts to the driver’s preferences, enhancing the driving experience in small but intuitive ways. Whether for entertainment or comfort, you can personalise everything from the ambient temperature to the seat massage function. Plus, with the MBUX superscreen and Burmester® 4D surround sound system with Dolby® Atmos, the impressively high-tech interior takes every journey to the next level.

Leaving the Adelaide CBD behind and venturing into the rolling hills, there's a sense of anticipation in the air and excitement for the road ahead.

Time travel through Clarendon

First stop: Clarendon. A mere 45-minute drive from the city, the town is nestled in a picturesque gully beside the Onkaparinga River. Its stunning colonial architecture and 19th-century charm will make you feel as though you’ve journeyed back through time. Grab a coffee and a pastry from the Clarendon Bakery before embarking on the iconic heritage trail or meandering through the historic main street and village. 

Hours can be spent immersed in the treasures at Emprades vintage + design – a family-run establishment brimming with vintage finds, from furniture and decor to jewellery and art. 

Wine and dine in McLaren Flat

As you continue towards McLaren Flat, the landscape becomes increasingly dominated by vineyards, with rows of grapevines lining the roadside. 

The all new E-Class glides effortlessly along the winding roads, with the optionally available AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering absorbing any bumps and ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.

Along the way, be sure to make a stop at Yangarra Estate Vineyard in Kangarilla. A certified biodynamic and organic vineyard, Yangarra is known for producing wines from “the best grape varieties of the southern Rhone”. You won’t want to miss an opportunity to try their old bush vine Grenache or pay a visit to their cellar door – with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the idyllic vines, it’ll make for a memorable tasting experience.

For those who prefer beer, the Vale Restaurant and Bar has a state-of-the-art micro-brewing facility and offers a sophisticated, sensory dining experience – think award-winning beverages and seasonal local produce. If you’re eager to try a few of their quality craft beers, why not extend your stay and spend the night at one of the suites or luxury villas on the estate? 

Alternatively, book a night at CABN’s sustainable off-grid accommodation. While the exact locations of CABNs are kept secret, there are several situated in and around McLaren Flat. Their selection of cosy, secluded retreats range from minimalist to luxurious and are immersed in their natural landscape. Designed to instil a sense of calmness and relaxation, they’re the perfect way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. 

A sensory adventure in McLaren Vale

In the morning, the all new E-Class ensures a smooth start to the day. With the KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package, including a Digital Vehicle Key, the car can be unlocked and started simply by having a compatible Apple smartphone or watch in hand.

Head into the heart of the McLaren Vale region and treat yourself to a spot of breakfast at café Manna. The wholesome all-day breakfast menu is filled with locally sourced ingredients and delicious dishes like strawberry cheesecake oats, bacon and egg waffles and stuffed mushrooms.

After a hearty breakfast, head over to the d'Arenberg Cube – an unmissable McLaren Vale icon less than 10 minutes away by road. A five-story architectural marvel inspired by the complexities of winemaking, each level is designed to entice the senses – from the Alternate Realities Museum on the ground floor to the Salvador Dalí art exhibition on the second. Alongside, d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant has a seasonal menu with warming autumn dishes such as smoked quail and sage potato gnocchi. 

Throughout McLaren Vale, wineries and restaurants abound. The Chalk Hill Wines and Never Never Distilling Co collective offers a pleasant fusion of wine and gin experiences under one roof. At lunchtime, indulge in Italian street food from Cucina di Strada — an eatery catering to patrons of both venues. 

Of course, a stop at Menz on McLaren Vale's main street is practically a rite of passage. Their FruChocs – apricot or peach centres coated in delicious milk chocolate – are legendary.

Take a dip in Aldinga

Next up, Willunga. Though only a short 10-minute drive, the multi-contour front passenger and driver’s seats inside the all new E-Class make the journey all the more comfortable. 

On Saturday mornings, local producers showcase their harvests at the Willunga Farmers Market, inviting visitors to sample some of the freshest seasonal produce the region has to offer. A leisurely stroll along the main street also reveals an eclectic array of galleries, cafes and antique stores, each offering a unique glimpse into the local culture.

When you’re ready to head towards Aldinga, you’ll see the landscape shift once again, with tantalising glimpses of Aldinga Beach’s sparkling waters in the distance. Before reaching the coastline, you’ll pass by the bustling Temperance Precinct, where a myriad of small businesses – including Maxwell Grocery, Miss Gladys On Sea fashion boutique, and Fall from Grace wine bar – are abuzz with locals and tourists. 

Route 31 Coastal Drive is the ultimate seaside circuit, and the magnificent coastal vistas present the perfect opportunity to make use of the all new E-Class’ panoramic sliding sunroof. When a refreshing dip in the ocean beckons, you can hop between immaculate beaches such as Maslin, Silver Sands and Sellicks.

Before making your way home, be sure to pause for a moment at Blanche Point Lookout and savour panoramic views of the Fleurieu Peninsula one last time.