The Good – Don’t let d’Arenberg’s delightful colour and flare fool you (kinda hard to ignore that giant cube!), theirs are wines well worth trying. d’Arenberg touts itself as one of “Australia’s First Families of Wine” and celebrates “The Art of Being Different” and all of this comes through in their delectable drops. The tasting list is extensive, so rely on the expertise of staff to direct your journey. Our favourite and a must try – the 2014 Sagrantino Cinsault.

We mention the wine first, but any conversation about d’Arenberg must mention the cube.  It is McLaren Vale’s answer to Hobart’s MONA.  A crazy and awesome multi-sensory museum experience.  The restaurant and tasting room at the top of the cube are incredibly fabulous.

The Bad – With the fame of the cube and the insane onslaught of tourists it has brought, d’Arenberg’s once hospitable tasting experience has turned into a cattle call.  You’ll be served by overbusy staff floating in a pit between hoardes of visitors.  They mostly can’t even remember what they poored you last.  And while we still find d’Arenberg’s drops interesting and engaging, we can’t see how the fame and incredible business of the cube won’t eventually overtake any focus on winemaking.