Samuel's Gorge
Samuel's Gorge
Justin McNamee's singular cellar door — limited-production reds, an 1853 farmshed, and views to the ocean.
Languages
English
The Narrative
Samuel's Gorge is among McLaren Vale's most distinctive cellar doors — a boutique operation founded in 2003 by winemaker Justin McNamee on a property that overlooks the Onkaparinga River National Park to the north and the Gulf of St Vincent to the south. The cellar door is housed in the original 1853 farmshed, a stone building of genuine character that puts the history of the site in the room with the wines.
Justin's philosophy is one of patience and instinct: indigenous yeasts, slow fermentation, small batches, and minimal intervention. The resulting wines — Grenache, Tempranillo, Graciano, Mourvèdre, Shiraz — carry the texture and site specificity that comes only from this kind of careful, unhurried approach. These are not wines built for immediacy; they're built to reward the glass and the conversation.
The cellar door experience is personalised and deliberately intimate. A passionate team guides visitors through the current releases in a setting that balances spectacular views with the working reality of a small-batch producer. Bookings are recommended for all tasting sessions to ensure the attention to detail Samuel's Gorge is known for. Contact the team at cellardoor@gorge.com.au or on (08) 8323 8651.
With 532 reviews averaging 4.9 stars, Samuel's Gorge is one of the highest-rated cellar doors in the entire Vale — a reflection of the experience Justin and his team deliver consistently, regardless of group size.
McLaren Vale's red soils and Mediterranean climate make it one of Australia's finest terroirs for Grenache and Shiraz, and Samuel's Gorge works those varieties with the kind of depth that comes from two decades of commitment to the same patch of ground.
Ready to visit? Book your tasting through the Samuel's Gorge website or call (08) 8323 8651.
Enquire about this tour
Good to know
Frequently asked
- Do I need to book a tasting at Samuel's Gorge?
- Bookings are strongly recommended for all tasting sessions at Samuel's Gorge to ensure the personalised service the cellar door is known for. Contact the team at cellardoor@gorge.com.au or on (08) 8323 8651 to secure your preferred time.
- What wine styles does Samuel's Gorge specialise in?
- Samuel's Gorge focuses on limited-production red wines made from varieties well-suited to the McLaren Vale terroir: Grenache, Tempranillo, Graciano, Mourvèdre, and Shiraz. All wines are made using indigenous yeasts, slow fermentation, and minimal intervention — an approach that prioritises site character over stylistic polish.
- What is the setting like at the cellar door?
- The cellar door is housed in the original 1853 stone farmshed on the Samuel's Gorge property, with views north across the Onkaparinga River National Park and south toward the Gulf of St Vincent. It's a genuinely beautiful setting that reflects the history and landscape of this part of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Unclaimed listing
Is this your business? Claim this listing free and take control of your profile, packages and enquiries.