Food Drink

The Cellar Door You Need To Visit This Autumn

From the fireplace, to the tasting plate and all of the delicious wine, this is one spot you have to visit as we enter the cooler months…

“It’s no secret – South Australians love wine (us included). And why wouldn’t we when we have access to some of the best wine in the world in our very own backyard (sort of)!

As the cooler months hit you may be inclined to stay inside and never leave the warmth of your house ever again, but then you wouldn’t get to experience some of the more amazing things that our state has to offer. Like its cellar doors!

Autumn has hit at this beautiful farm come winery...

Autumn has hit at this beautiful farm come vineyard…

You can thank us later, but we would like to introduce you to one winery and their cellar door that you should probably, definitely know about…

Farmer’s Leap, a family owned farm-turned vineyard, is in the beautiful Padthaway Wine Region, around three hours South East of Adelaide. This region really is a hidden gem in the S.A. wine scene – although it is around an hours drive from the ocean, the unique soil can be traced back to when the range was a coastal dune. The fact that it’s so flat between the Padthaway range and the coast means that there is a maritime climate – this, combined with a great, sustainable underground water source (Padthaway is actually the Potawurutj Aboriginal word for ‘good water’) creates consistent grape crops year after year and outstanding wine quality. So in layman’s terms that means the wine is amazing!

Farmer's Leap

Their story began in 1993 – when third generation farmers Scott Longbottom and Cheryl Merrett took a leap of faith, and planted vines on their land. They said themselves “Farmers are no strangers to risk, so when you know your land and what makes it tick, these risks often reap great rewards.” And trust us – the reward is in the wine!!

All of their wines have been lovingly named after their story, based on this one leap of faith – The ‘Farmer’s Leap.’ They have 7 varieties under 2 labels – Their top line Shiraz is ‘The Brave’ (fortune favours the brave) and they also currently have a very well-reviewed 2012 Shiraz and a delicious Chardonnay. The second label range is ‘Random Shot’ which hosts bottles of Cab Sav, Shiraz, Sav Blanc and a recently released Moscato.

Farmer's Leap

Considering that their Cellar Door is currently the only one in Padthaway, it is well worth the visit! Drive up the hill for coffee and cake in the morning, or some wine tastings and lunch. Better yet, take a picnic rug and indulge in a tasting plate on the lawns, or take in the view from the rustic timber deck. And what makes it so perfect as the cooler months set it? Well they have a fireplace, of course. The ideal spot to settle in with a big glass of Shiraz.

Farmer's Leap

Yes, there’s pizza!

And the best part? Padthaway is only half an hour from Naracoorte and around an hour from the Coonawarra wine region – so the wine tasting doesn’t have to stop – in fact it’s the perfect place to start if you’re on your way down!

Farmer's Leap

Let the wine tour commence!

The Farmer’s Leap Cellar Door is open from 10am – 4pm daily.

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