Twenty minutes from the CBD, this leafy landscape is known for its biodiverse landscape, creating a cool-climate wine region with everything going for it. There’s a strong sense of community, with gorgeous towns and farmers’ markets to explore; the German settlement of Hahndorf is particularly popular, especially on weekends when it heaves with visitors hungry for bratwurst and beer. The heavenly produce translates to heavenly dining too; everything from the fancy to Italian-inspired to great pub food done right.

Cellar Door Highlights

Ashton Hills Vineyard
126 Tregarthen Road, Ashton
As cute as a button, this corrugated iron-clad cellar door is known for outstanding pinot noir and riesling.

Barristers Block
141 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Woodside
Ponies, geese, deer and a labrador greet visitors at this pretty Woodside spot where there’s even a sandpit to keep the kids entertained.

CRFT Wines
45 Rangeview Drive, Carey Gully
A small, unpretentious and utterly charming tasting room with backyard shed vibes. A glass of their grüner veltliner in the terrace bar is bliss.

Hahndorf Hill
38 Pain Road, Hahndorf
A warm, inviting boutique cellar door and vineyard near the historic German-heritage village of Hahndorf. Try a ChocoVino experience, pairing chocolate and wine.

K1 Wines By Geoff Hardy
159 Tynan Road, Kuitpo
What a view! From the moment the car rolls down the tree and vine-lined drive, it feels like you’re in the Swiss Alps, with a tasting space overlooking a lake with fancy treehouse vibes.

Mordrelle Wines
River Road, Hahndorf
Martin Moran makes some of the best sparkling wine in the country and cooks a mean barbecue from this family-run appointment only tasting space and winery.

Murdoch Hill
260 Mappinga Road, Oakbank
Expect to be served by the family members who make the good stuff. The chardonnay is exemplary in this modern cellar door overlooking farmland and towering gum trees.

Nepenthe Wines
93 Jones Road, Balhannah
Driven by sustainability, this newly renovated winery has a VIP tasting room, dining space and vistas just begging for photos. Their Sundays On The Hill events add to the fun.

Sidewood Estate
6 River Road, Hahndorf
Just 25 minutes away from the CBD, Sundays are particularly fun here thanks to their free Sunday Sessions, with live music. It’s kid-friendly, too.

Tapanappa
15 Spring Gully Road, Piccadilly
One for wine history nerds: the winery’s driveway passes the famous Tiers Vineyard, planted in 1979 by industry pioneer Brian Croser in a beautiful spot.

Tilbrook Estate
1856 Lobethal Road, Lobethal
James and Annabelle Tilbrook are eco-warriors of wine and their net zero carbon cellar door is a beacon of positivity after the 2019 bushfire ripped through their property.

Watkins Wine
59 Grants Gully Road, Chandlers Hill
This hilltop winery is run by a dynamic trio of lovely siblings who love what they do. You can feel it in the rustic surrounds, the fun food and the laid-back events they host. (Thursday night trivia is a hoot.)

Getting There

A TrailHopper bus is the simplest, most cost-effective way to get to the Hills. It collects guests from the city’s Stamford Plaza Hotel, or you can catch the bus in Hahndorf (trailhopper.com.au). Taxis/Uber can be difficult to find in the Hills, so plan ahead. Other tours are available.

Discover more about regions only a stone’s throw from Adelaide’s CBD in our guides to McLaren Vale and Barossa. This article is a part of our Adelaide Summer Festival Guide. Find the print edition at select stockists across the CBD and Adelaide Airport now.