We’re blessed with some of the finest wineries in the world here in South Australia, and Winter would have been a whole lot colder and longer without their help. There are better ways to enjoy their products than curled up on the couch under a blanket, though. As the warmer months (finally) approach, here’s out guide to some of the finest cellar doors to visit.
Adelaide Hills
Artwine – 72 Bird in Hand Road, Woodside
There’s no better way to celebrate the end of winter than with bubbles, and the Hills’ first estate grown prosecco at Artwine is divine. Add to that the picnic rugs and bocce sets that they provide, and you’ve got the perfect Spring day out.
Bird In Hand – Bird in Hand Rd & Pfeiffer Rd, Woodside
It’s lucky they’ve got room to spread out at Bird In Hand, because they’ll need to fit a whole orchestra when Missy Higgins comes for two concerts in December (the first one’s already sold out, so get in quick). Pop in any other time to check out the fabulous new menus that Carlos Astudillo has been working on since coming over from Penfold’s Magill Estate Kitchen.
S u n d a Y 👌🏼🌿🍷🍾 #wineryvisit #adelhills pic @nikkilynch_
A photo posted by Bird In Hand Winery (@birdinhandwine) on Sep 24, 2016 at 6:46pm PDT
Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard – 166 Harris Rd, Lenswood
The panoramic views at this sustainable cellar door are absolutely stunning, and the seasonal menu that utilises the finest local produce will keep you coming back year round.
Between The Vines – 452 Longwood Rd, Longwood
This charming, family-run vineyard has an intimate feel and it’s the perfect place to take the kids with giant jenga, boules and chess all available. Or you could go for a walk and say hi to Polly and Katie, the two resident donkeys, and you’ll soon ask yourself why more wineries don’t have donkeys.
Sidewood – 15 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun
If you need a place to take that one friend who doesn’t like wine, Sidewood’s basket pressed ciders provide a refreshing palate cleanser while the floating golf green on the lake will provide a story for years to come if you hit a hole in one.
Longview – 154 Pound Rd, Macclesfield
The range of accommodations here let up to ten indulgent travelers live in the lap of luxury, while the famous Sunday tapas lunch is the best way to ease into the next day we can imagine.
A photo posted by Pick of the Adelaide Hills (@longviewvineyard) on Oct 7, 2016 at 9:44pm PDT
Paracombe – 294B Paracombe Rd, Paracombe
If Paracombe is good enough for Qantas’s business class, it’s good enough for us and their exclusive new vintages will be available when they host their Open Cellar Door Weekend on October 15 and 16.
Barossa
Henschke – 1428 Keyneton Rd, Keyneton
Six generations of love and care have gone into Henschke Wines and their Hill of Grace is universally recognised as Australia’s finest single vineyard drop. Or if you’re saving that one for a special occasion, you can always sample their other award-winning organic wines at the charming stone cellar door.
Gibson – Willows Rd, Light Pass
Let the kids loose on the large lawns or watch them play petanque and hopscotch while you relax under the verandah and enjoy the bold flavours of Gibson’s wines.
Izway Wines – 923 Seppeltsfield Rd, Greenock
Completely off the grid, the Izway Cellar Door is a family affair. This recently opened cellar door hand press their wines, barrelling them on site and naming their delicious varieties after family and close acquaintances. The wines are unique and their cellar door an absolute design haven!
A photo posted by Izway Wines (@izway_wines) on Oct 1, 2016 at 4:35pm PDT
Poonawatta – 1227 Eden Valley Rd, Eden Valley
Poonawatta homestead offers exclusive tastings by appointment. From lone travellers to larger groups, they specially open the Poonawatta home for those interested in trying some of the most delicious chilled Riesling the Eden Valley has to offer. This is a small vineyards that open their rare wines only for authentic and genuine boutique wine experiences.
Kies Family Wines – LOT 2 Barossa Valley Way, Lyndoch
The Monkey Nut Cafe is a great accompaniment to the Kies Family Wines Cellar Door, serving platters and light snacks to compliment the diverse range of wines on offer. The cafe is nestled amongst the Kies vineyard and boasts some of the most incredible views of the Lyndoch Ranges. Their frozen Muscat has become famous as locals have been going around injecting it into strawberries and dipped in chocolates!
McLaren Vale
Wirra Wirra – McMurtrie Rd, McLaren Vale
The new onsite cafe has a range of platters, quick bites and even a Church Blend coffee but it’s the tours that really set Wirra Wirra apart. Listen to the history of the place, learn more about the wines with museum tastings or even catapult a watermelon into an adjoining paddock – that’s one for the bucket list!
Gemtree – 167 Elliott Rd, McLaren Flat
With their certified organic and biodynamic wines available, it would almost be unhealthy not to have a drink here, especially when you can also pick up some freshly grown produce from the onsite market garden.
D’Arenberg – Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale
While you wait for the epic new Rubik’s Cube wine centre to be finished, why not sample some of the 40+ wines on offer at this Vale icon. It’s one of the largest tasting selections around, and their chardonnay will go perfectly with the famous crab and lobster ravioli from d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant.
Oliver’s Taranga – 246 Seaview Road, McLaren Vale
With some of the most friendly and knowledgeable staff around, it’s always a good time to visit but the Flamboyant Party is so popular that they’ve already announced a date for October next year. If you can’t wait that long for the elegant three course meal and matched wines, then get in quick for Sunday 16 October before all the tickets are gone.
Lost Buoy Wines – Bowering Hill Road, Port Willunga
When you’ve had enough of rolling vineyards, check out this spectacular clifftop location. Only fifty metres from the ocean, it’s the perfect place ot watch a magical sunset while finding a new favourite small batch wine.
Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill Rd & Chaffeys Rd, McLaren Vale
If you’re looking for a place to stay the night during the Summer holidays, look no further than the luxurious retreat at Chapel Hill. It’s a good thing they’ve got accommodation, because with the cooking classes, art gallery and a range of tasting experiences, you won’t want to leave.
A photo posted by Chapel Hill Winery (@chapelhillwine) on Oct 4, 2016 at 7:52pm PDT
Coriole – Chaffeys Rd, McLaren Vale
With sweeping views across their vineyards, lawns, and interconnected classic cottages housing their cellar door, this is where you need to stop, grab a wood oven pizza and invest a good afternoon of leisure.
Maximus Wines & Settler’s Spirits – 197 Foggo Rd, McLaren Vale
The McLaren Vale Distilling Company are still relatively new hands of the Adelaide Gin scene, started just over 12 months ago by Rowland and Shelley Short. But the couple also happen to own and operate Maximus Wines, which was the catalyst for the most unique element of their Settlers Gin range – the gin is actually made from grapes. It’s a must visit location.
South East
Farmer’s Leap – 41 Hodgson Road, South Australia, Padthaway
If you’re headed down to the Limestone Coast but still need to get your fix of wine then this is your one stop shop. Set on a beautiful old farm, it’s the only cellar door in Padthaway and their range of wines now includes a delightful moscato.
A photo posted by Farmers Leap Wines (@farmersleapwines) on Oct 6, 2016 at 3:40am PDT
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