Winter calls for cosy nights in and hearty food set among the picturesque landscapes that South Australia has to offer. Adelaide is a smaller city that’s in easy reach of its famous wineries, and stunning beaches – offering visitors and locals the best of both worlds.
If you’re planning a winter getaway for the last few weeks that’s left of the cooler season, check out these hot spots within an hour of Adelaide’s CBD.
1. Penfolds Magill Estate Vineyard
Penfolds is proudly South Australian and is renowned as one of the nations greatest wineries and wine labels, with one of its many vineyards located in Adelaide’s Eastern Suburb of Magill. Penfolds vineyards are stunningly set against the award-winning restaurant known as Penfolds Magill Estate, which is just 8 km from the city of Adelaide.
At Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant you’ll find exquisite contemporary food set in an architecturally designed space with a rotating seasonal menu by Head Chef Scott Huggins who was named Chef of the Year in The Advertiser Food Awards 2016. The cellar door possesses a rich history with its character exterior that contrasts the modern restaurant – a historic timeline that conveys Penfolds’ evolving yet timeless place in wine and food culture.
Where to stay:
Because Magill isn’t too far from the city centre, you’re spoilt for choice with hotel options and can conveniently stay in the heart of Adelaide that offers easy access to other suburbs or tourist attractions.
2. Hahndorf Hill Winery
Known as the little Germany of South Australia, Hahndorf is approximately half-an-hour’s drive outside of the Adelaide CBD. The heart of Hahndorf’s main strip is buzzing with life and is adorned with rustic European inspired boutiques, eateries and galleries that give it authentic German character – attracting locals and tourists year round.
Hahndorf Hill Winery is situated close to Hahndorf village, growing an exciting range of Austrian grape varieties as well as the Australian classics like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Shiraz.
If you’re looking to make a weekend of it, the Adelaide Hills is abundant with other wineries, gourmet restaurants, activities, gallery tours, and accommodation options nestled within the beautiful landscape.
Where to stay:
Hahndorf’s charm and unique character will have you wanting to stay for longer than just one day. Luckily there are a few accommodation options that will make it easy to travel to and from wineries, restaurants and local shops.
3. Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard
If views are what you’re after, the Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard is a must-see. Established in 1992, the Mount Lofty Vineyard is located in Lenswood, a sub region of the Adelaide Hills and just 40 minutes from the city.
The harvest dates are from mid-March to early May, depending on the type of wine variety, but the cellar door is open seven days a week, boasting a delicious menu showcasing quality produce. This year, the cellar door was awarded a chef hat, and has been consecutively voted as a five-star winery from 2013.
Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard employs a green and sustainable approach to its farming methods.
Where to stay:
Only 15 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, and approximately 20 minutes from Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard, sits Mount Lofty House, offering boutique and luxury accommodation with panoramic views of the Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills.
4. d’Arenberg Wines
d’Arenberg Wines is one of Adelaide’s most renowned wineries in McLaren Vale, just south of the Adelaide CBD, and approximately 40 minutes drive. It was established in 1912 and has a long history as being a popular destination among locals and tourists from all around the world.
Situated close to the gorgeous beach of Port Willunga and a number of other popular wineries like Coriole Vineyards, and Serafino Wines, d’Arenberg is one to add to the list. It comprises an on-site cellar door and contemporary restaurant serving up delicious dishes that showcase South Australia’s vast selection of seasonal produce. The d’Arenberg Cube (as pictured), is a newly built addition to the winery with five levels overlooking the hills of Willunga and the original 19th century homestead.
Where to stay:
5. Bremerton Wines
Just an hour outside of Adelaide, and a few kilometers from McLaren Vale sits Bremerton Wines and Bremerton Vineyards at Langhorne Creek. The winery is ideally situated on rich soil of the Bremer River flood plain and is known for its cooler climate, and warm summer days, perfect for the ripening of grapes to produce intense and robust flavours.
Bremerton has become one of the best-known brands from South Australia’s Langhorne Creek wine region and has been awarded the James Halliday 5 star rated winery for 11 years in a row – which ranks Bremerton in the top 5% of all Australian Wineries.
The restored 1866 stone barn is nestled among the vines at Langhorne Creek where visitors can sample a range of wines and indulge in a scrumptious food platter.
Where to stay:
You can find a variety of country-style accommodation and B&B options at Langhorne Creek, or nearby in Strathalbyn, providing guests with spectacular views of the picturesque vineyards and Australian native flora and fauna.
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