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ADELAIDE: With a smorgasbord of food and wine, picture-postcard scenery and a generous serve of history and culture, South Australia is perfect for indulging in a little hedonism. Basing yourself in Adelaide, take your pick from hundreds of cellar doors, restaurants and gourmet experiences within an hour’s drive of the city. That’s a lot of sipping and spitting!

Adelaide Hills

The Hills are alive with the sound of … Sav Blanc and Pinot. Thirty minutes from Adelaide, the Hills are especially picturesque in autumn. Yet each season has its own appeal: winter for snuggling up in front of a fire with a glass of Pinot, spring for beautiful blooms, and summer for indulging in the racy Sauvignon Blanc that excels here. Popular cellar doors include Bridgewater Mill and Shaw + Smith.

Linger over lunch at The Lane cellar door, or book into The Gatehouse at Glen Ewin Estate for a meal and estate-made Fig Gin. Don’t miss the ChocoVino experience at Hahndorf Hill Winery, where fine chocolates are matched with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and other varietals. The combinations work – truly.

Barossa Valley

South Australia produces more wine than any other state and it boasts some of the world’s oldest vineyards. The Barossa has Shiraz vines dating back to the 1840s and it’s no coincidence that some of the country’s most iconic wines hail from here, including the legendary Penfolds Grange.  

History is palpable in the charming villages and vineyards. Seppeltsfield is the only winery in the world where everyone can find a wine from their birth year, the first barrel of tawny port having been laid down in 1878. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, tour the Centenary Cellar and enjoy the thrill of tasting liquid gold from the year you were born. Dine on contemporary food at Seppeltsfield’s Fino restaurant, either in the fireside dining room, on the veranda or on the garden terrace.

Order a picnic basket from Jacobs Creek and enjoy it in the grounds, or book into The Atrium at Hentley Farm for a tasting menu of dishes made from locally grown ingredients. Other lovely places to eat include 1918 Bistro & Grill and The Louise’s two venues: Appellation for inspired, regional dining, and three 75 bar + kitchen for comfort food and delicious cocktails.

McLaren Vale

The Fleurieu Peninsula is a patchwork of vineyards and olive trees surrounded by rolling hills and some of the State’s finest beaches. At its heart is McLaren Vale, where Shiraz, Grenache and Chardonnay thrive in the Mediterranean climate.

Follow the food trail to buy farm-fresh produce or choose from some of the many cafés and restaurants featuring local ingredients. Some of the cellar doors, such as Woodstock, Wirra Wirra and Coriole, do a great job of highlighting local produce.

D’Arenberg is more than just a cellar door, it’s a total experience, with a choice of two dining venues, the ever-popular d’Arry’s Verandah and Eat @ Polly’s. The latter is in the quirky and colourful Cube, looking out over the vines.

Celebrate la dolce vita at the very stylish Primo Estate, home to fine Joseph wine and olive oil, with a beautiful woodfired oven for occasional pizza tastings.

A Place to Call Home

When it’s time to put your feet up, head to the Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury in the Adelaide CBD. This home away from home is one of South Australia’s most historically significant buildings with a lovely courtyard and beautifully preserved historic features.

Insider Tip: The heated pool in the underground tunnels (make sure you take a tour) beneath the hotel is a beauty. A workout here is just what’s needed before heading out for another day of indulgence! 

** Peace of mind when you stay with us: Introducing Clean Touch. Note some activities listed may be subject to Covid restrictions. **