Grape Pickers Cottages

Stay overnight in McLaren Vale in a historic home where the grape pickers used to be housed.

John and Ann Baker first opened their doors in 2017 after major renovations. After viewing the cottages, they knew they wanted to preserve their historic integrity so set out to highlight the 19th century bones of the building and warm rustic finishes to give guests a true country weekend away with all of the modern features that they enjoy at home.

The Tatachilla Winery and it’s associated stables were established in 1887 over a square mile in the Tatachilla distract of McLaren Vale. Next to the stables was an existing cottage whose inhabitants became caterers to the itinerant workers who came to pick the grapes. Up to twenty-five men could be accommodated in bunk-house conditions and a chaff or straw mattress was provided for their bedding. The men were also supplied with meals including a 'good' breakfast, a packed lunch of sandwiches and a piece of block cake or rock bun, and an evening meal at the picker's house.

McLaren Vale is home to some of Australia’s finest wineries and is noted for the internationally acclaimed Shiraz that is grown in the valley an on the surrounding hillsides. Many wineries have added 5-star dining to their offerings and the famous beaches of South Australia are within very easy reach of the cottages, for example, Maslin beach is a 3-minute drive down the road. What with walking trails, waterfalls and wildlife parks you need never be lost for ‘something to do’ and the cottages, with their wood-burning stoves, are a great place to relax.