Chapel Hill Winery is a renowned winery located in the heart of McLaren Vale, a region known for its diverse and high-quality wine production in South Australia. It was established in 1972 by Adelaide Professor Thomas Nelson, who purchased the historic ironstone Chapel that gave the winery its name, and the surrounding land from the Uniting Church. Nelson converted the old Chapel into a winery, and added additional spaces to the site to create offices and a tasting room. The winery’s growth into a world-renowned producer was led by pioneering female winemaker Pam Dunsford. The Sellick, Gerrard, and Schmidheiny families have also been involved in the ownership and management of Chapel Hill. In September 2019, the winery was acquired by the Endeavour Group and is now part of their Paragon Wine Estates premium wine portfolio.
The Chapel Hill Winery vineyards are spread across 120 acres in the McLaren Vale region, where the Mediterranean climate and well-draining soil provide the ideal conditions for growing a variety of grape varieties. The winery grows a range of red and white grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Semillon.
One of the winery’s most famous wines is the Chapel Hill The Parson Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a full-bodied red wine with a complex flavor profile. The wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the winery’s vineyards, and it has won numerous awards at international wine competitions. Other popular wines from Chapel Hill Winery include the Chapel Hill The McHenry Shiraz, a full-bodied red wine with aromas of blackberry and spice, and the Chapel Hill The Vicar Chardonnay, a crisp and fruity white wine.
In the winemaking process, the grapes are carefully selected and hand-picked at the peak of ripeness. They are then fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in oak barrels to enhance their flavor and complexity. The winemakers at Chapel Hill Winery are committed to using traditional winemaking techniques and innovative technology to produce high-quality wines that reflect the unique character of the McLaren Vale region.
In addition to producing world-class wines, Chapel Hill Winery is also dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The winery has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and protect the local ecosystem, including using solar power, recycling water, and participating in conservation programs.
Today, Chapel Hill Winery is a leading producer of premium wines in the McLaren Vale region, and its wines are enjoyed by wine lovers around the world. With its dedication to quality and sustainability, Chapel Hill Winery is a name that is synonymous with excellence in the world of wine.
John Sharpe
5 months agoVisited Chapel Hill Winery on Sunday morning and had an exceptional experience. The staff were welcoming and knowledgeable, guiding us through their impressive selection of wines. The highlight was undoubtedly their 2021 Small Batch Zinfandel—a delicate wine with notes of cherry, cranberry, plum, rhubarb, and musky spice. The winery's commitment to sustainable farming practices adds to its charm. The picturesque setting and quality wines make it a must-visit destination
Maya M.S.
a month agoWhat an incredible afternoon at this magical place The wine tasting was gold star with our curator Bruce . He's one of a kind beautiful soul and he made our day exceptional. The cheese was mouth watering and a must with the tasting . We tasted a bunch of wine and gone home with some incredible reds and a tomato relish to die for . Please continue doing what you are doing .. Giving people a people experience . Exceptional wine ..and a feeling they visited their family on a Friday afternoon...leaving them with a full belly and a smile and warm hug feeling..
Lyndsay Myers
4 months agoExperienced an Icon's Tastings. The House Block Shiraz was the fave. Road block was a close second. Had such a wonderful time and will definitely return again. A must see and do in Mclaren Vale
G!4D4
in the last weekAfter two disappointing stops earlier in the day, Chapel Hill completely turned our experience around and reminded us what true hospitality feels like. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and professionalism by Christine, who went above and beyond to make our group feel comfortable. She provided us with a private, cozy room, an excellent selection of wines, and even arranged cheese platters on the spot, which were not originally part of our booking. The service was genuine and thoughtful, and Christine’s knowledge and passion for the wines made the tasting truly memorable. Our entire group agreed that Chapel Hill was the highlight of the day. Thank you, Chapel Hill, for turning what could have been a disappointing day into something very special. Highly recommended to anyone visiting McLaren Vale!
Kendall Joy
8 months agoI am beyond in love with this venue! My husband and I were fortunate enough to get married last month at this beautiful place. It was absolutely perfect! Massive shout out to Hope for everything, she went above and beyond for us with the lead up to the wedding and on the day. Was so glad we had her along for the ride with us! All staff on the day were amazing, could not fault any of them and the food was to die for. Couldn't recommend this place more, everyone fell in love with it (and the wine) can't wait to come back for more future family weddings x