Adelaide Hills Wineries
Venture on a short drive just under an hour east of the city and you’ll find many of the best Adelaide wineries in the Adelaide Hills wine region. The cool climate and rolling hills of the Adelaide Hills region result in ideal grape-growing conditions. Plus, with over 50 different wine labels located in the area, it’s difficult to know where to start! Here are three of our favourites from the best Adelaide Hills wineries:
Shaw and Smith – Best known for Sauvignon Blanc
At Shaw and Smith, every wine is made onsite from beginning to end, from fermentation right through to bottling. While each bottle in the Shaw and Smith repertoire is delicious, the real hero is their Sauvignon Blanc. It’s aromatic, fresh, and lively with pink grapefruit characteristics and a mid-palate texture that will take your taste buds on a beautiful journey.
If a cheese and wine pairing sounds like the perfect combination, don’t miss a visit to the tasting room. For just $18 per person*, you can savour five of the winery’s best drops with a wine flight, accompanied by a delicious cheese platter. Winter wines are best sipped in style beside a crackling fireplace, and during the warmer months, the terrace overlooking Mount Lofty is the place to be.
Gentle Folk Wines - best known for pioneering the next generation of wine
In Basket Range, you can't go past Gentle Folk Wines. The owners and operators of the winery, Gareth and Rainbo Belton, were both marine scientists, specialising in marine plants. They combined their shared love for plant life and for great wine to bring Gentle Folk to life.
The Adelaide wine region is known for exceptional pinot noirs, and Gentle Folk deliver in spades. If you're looking for the boutique winery experience and you love cool climate wines, Gentle Folk, South Australia should definitely be on your list. The winery doesn't have a cellar door, but they do take visitors by appointment, and you can contact the Gentle Folk team on their website.
Bird in Hand – Best known for Chardonnay and the Gallery Restaurant
With the Nest Egg Chardonnay named Wine of the Year in 2015, it’s no wonder the masses are flocking to the Southern Hemisphere for a taste from Bird in Hand winery. If Chardonnay doesn’t tickle your fancy, though, don’t fret. This winery boasts much more than just an award-winning drop of white. Explore the grounds to uncover the outstanding service and unparalleled flavours of the Gallery.
The Gallery restaurant is sure to be one of the highlights of your visit, and your senses are in for a treat. Stop by for lunch in this Adelaide Hills winery. The space focuses on serving up exquisite food, music, design, and art – all to complement the wine offering. Dining here is a one-of-a-kind experience that promises a farm-to-table style offering, with seasonal dishes served in an intimate environment. Unmissable!
Barossa Valley Wineries
Travel just 60 minutes north of central Adelaide to freshen up your tasting techniques in one of the world’s greatest wine regions, the Barossa Valley. Grab a few friends and use the list below to form the foundation of your very own Barossa wine tour.
Penfolds Wines – Best Known for Penfolds Grange
The home of the most celebrated Australian red wine lies in the heart of the Barossa Valley. Penfolds have won several awards and accolades for their wine and they're well-loved around the world. Be sure to book a tour of the Penfolds winery for your chance to get up close and personal with this phenomenal Adelaide wine. Start by visiting the grand cottage, the original home of Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold before you duck underground to the birthplace of the legendary wine and the giant oak barrels it’s stored in.
The Magill Estate Winery, featuring endless rows of prospering grapes and a cellar door fit for royalty, will leave you speechless. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste a variety of the Penfolds range, including one vintage Grange. The Penfolds Grange has become a benchmark for all Australian red wines. Grange is made predominately from Shiraz (Syrah) and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's a prized possession among many Australians.
St. Hallett – Best Known for Old Block Shiraz
Whether you prefer to drink a glass among the sweeping views of the vineyards or visit the cellar door, expect an unforgettable and satisfying time at St. Hallett.
From very early on in St. Hallett's history, winemakers aspired to create honest reds that were full, rich, and robust. And that’s just what they did with the Old Block Shiraz. This spicy and flavoursome red will surprise and delight, with sophisticated blueberry notes while treating your sense of smell with aromas of lavender and cardamom. We'd warn you that this Barossa icon can set you back a pretty penny, but most people who taste the Old Block fall head over heels and can't resist a bottle to take home.
McLaren Vale Wineries
This unmissable township sits less than an hour south of Adelaide by car. Home to some the world’s oldest grapes and more than 60 cellar doors and vineyards, the McLaren Vale region isn’t afraid to show off. With divine varieties like Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon around every corner, it’s no wonder visitors and locals alike can’t get enough.
d’Arenberg - Best Known for Being Different
Looking for a winery a little off-kilter and a bit unique? You have come to the right place. d’Arenberg’s motto is ‘The Art of Being Different.’ This family-owned winery opened all the way back in 1912, meaning the Osborn family know a thing or two about creating excellent vino.
With giant bronze fingers poking out of the soil, unusual naming and labelling conventions and eccentric menu options, d’Arenberg certainly stands out from the crowd. Even the cellar door flaunts a 5-story glass, concrete and steel structure mimicking a Rubik’s Cube. If you’ve been on the hunt for the best wineries that are stylish with an air of tongue-in-cheek, this one is worth a peek and more.
After a busy day of exploring the South Australia wine regions, be sure to rest your head somewhere comfortable. Find the perfect Adelaide hotel, or perhaps stay right in the heart of Barossa Valley region to make the most of your adventure with Adelaide's wineries.
*Check the website for the most up to date pricing and information.
