date of visit: Saturday 20 August 2016

Following our successful visit to Tilbrook Estate, I’ve been keeping an eye out for more group buying deals to wineries. That probably puts me right up there when it comes to be tight-fisted but we’ve found that they are a great way to get us out of the house for a morning, as well as being a good way to check out some new cellar doors.

Our deal for McLaren Vale’s Maximus Wines included the usual wine offerings as well as a gourmet pie lunch. We’d met some people a little while back who had said good things about their experience at Maximus so we were looking forward to it. Also – PIE!

I’d made the mistake of not double-checking what food was available for Master 5. Even though we usually travel with food for him, extra options are always good. It turned out that gourmet pie was available which he decided he didn’t want. Only to turn around 10 minutes later and decide he did want it after all. That was a relief! We’re lucky he eats a lot and he’s not a picky eater – though Maximus Wines’ Shelley did say that if they have notice they can rustle up a cheese toastie for smaller guests.

While waiting for our pies, we tasted through the wines with our favourites ranging from the Grenache Tempranillo Rosé, the very savoury Mourvèdre, a juicy Graciano and the Cabernet Sauvignon. This is definitely red wine territory – when we were there there was just the one white at the cellar door, a Pinot Gris.

Then it was pie time! I had chicken and white wine, Andy had beef and red wine. You can see I tucked in very enthusiastically before realising I should have taken a photo … ooops!

The pies were lovely, and thanks to our deal, came with a glass of wine so we were able to enjoy an almost leisurely lunch while all three of us munched away. The cellar door has floor to ceiling windows so you can look out at McLaren Vale while you eat. It would be perfect in miserable weather!

After lunch we picked out a few wines and also bought a bottle of gin, as Maximus is also home to Settlers Spirits. If you’re so inclined you can do a spirits tasting while you’re there and they have just released the G and Tea Breakfast Gin, for something different.

Another successful day out and Maximus is a stop I’d recommend for anyone who loves their reds.

Maximus Wines (& Settlers Spirits)
197 Foggo Road
McLaren Vale
phone: 8323 8777