Life is an adventure, especially when you’re in South Australia during festival season. From vineyards and cellar doors, to quaint restaurants in the great outdoors, this hub of food, wine and good times welcomes guests with open arms. Katie Spain explores the newest additions to three world-class wine regions, all less than an hour from Adelaide CBD

Adelaide Hills

Location, location, location. This leafy, cool-climate wine region is just 20 minutes from the city. It’s a place of natural beauty and biodiversity, which means fresh produce and lots of it. For a quick snack, hit the bakeries, distilleries and pubs with a view (The Scenic Hotel, The Crafers Hotel, The Uraidla Hotel and Stanley Bridge Tavern are all top notch), or settle in for a tasting and meal at a character-packed cellar door or restaurant.

Cellar Doors

Hills Collide
1097 Greenhill Road, Summertown
When The Summertown Aristologist closed its doors, fans of the little Hills’ haunt grieved. Fortunately, great people took over the space which is now home to Hills Collide, founded by winemaker Mitchell Fitzpatrick and bar owner Shane Ettridge. Expect close encounters with exciting grape varieties like gewürztraminer, grüner veltliner, dolcetto, barbera and nebbiolo, plus imaginative spritzes, wild rabbit toasties and Danish-inspired open sandwiches.

Mt Bera Mt Bera
198c Torrens Valley Road, Gumeracha
This family-run, organic and biodynamic wine brand has a fresh new cellar door, and renovated restaurant (plus underground dining space) to celebrate after an impressive restoration effort following the 2015 Sampson Flat bushfire. The snacks and meals from Columbian head chef Manuel Prieto are a nod to his homeland and it’s all served with a view over the Torrens Valley and towering Mount Bera. Expect to see cows, too.

Vinteloper
589 Cudlee Creek Road, Lobethal
This cellar door pulls at the heart strings. Family-owned and operated, Vinteloper exemplifies strength in the face of adversity. Their beautiful new home is located in the lovingly reimagined ruins of a 1920s farmhouse tragically destroyed in the 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfire. It’s an architectural marvel (thanks to Detail Studio); a calm, welcoming place in which to taste seasonal shared plates, snacks and grazing boards. The wines are exceptional.

The Wine Room
15 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun
Nestled next to Ondeen restaurant is a small but beautiful tasting room dedicated to four small batch and boutique wine brands. Neither Artis, Jericho, Silver Lining or Turon Wines have their own cellar door so this is a lovely place to experience their handiwork during an intimate tasting led by charismatic wine room manager Agnes Wyszomirska.

Eat & Sip

Ernest Delicatessen
48–50 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
Arguably the best sangas in South Australia. Dine in or grab and go if you’re in a hurry. The team also serves up pasta nights and a breakfast plate you’ll dream about for days. 

LVN Restaurant
150 Pfeiffer Road, Woodside
Bird In Hand cellar door has always been a stunning spot but the addition of LVN Restaurant elevates the offering. Executive chef Jacob Davey (ex Restaurant Botanic) uses the bounty from the on-site garden and emphasises native Australian ingredients. You’re literally eating the garden and surrounds. 

Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard
166 Harris Road, Lenswood
Fittingly, newly appointed UK-born head chef Matt Rodgers has raised this cellar door restaurant to . . . lofty heights. The view from 550 metres above sea level is special, especially from the restaurant and cellar door deck.

Ondeen
15 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun
Chef Kane Pollard helms this new restaurant on a much-loved 1850s property and homestead. The focus on local produce and no-waste is unwavering. Ingredients are handled with a minimalistic approach; either served fresh or cooked briefly over charcoal. The crème caramel is unforgettable. Great for long lunches too.

Thelma
176 Piccadilly Road, Piccadilly
Welcome to the epitome of wholesome. Farm-to-plate snacks and shared plates are king at this little bistro. Much of the produce comes from a nearby biodynamic market garden; it’s deftly handled by chef Tom Campbell. The natural wine list curated by co-owner Olivia Moore (who also owns LOC Bottle Bar) is spot on.

Getting There:
A TrailHopper bus is the simplest, most cost-effective way to get to the Hills. Guests are collected from the Stamford Plaza Hotel, or catch the bus in Hahndorf (trailhopper.com.au). Taxis/Uber can be difficult to find here, so plan ahead. Other tours are available.

McLaren Vale 

A sea view is part of the Fleurieu Peninsula’s charm, especially during warmer months when the clear blue sea and pristine beaches beg to be explored. Just 40 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is a creative, progressive place, heaving with cellar doors, restaurants and natural wonders.

Cellar Doors 

Aphelion Wine Co
67 Kays Road, McLaren Vale
This lovely little family-run winery calls a glorious hilltop home. Pouring grenache and Mediterranean varietals, winemaker Robb Mack has won many an award for his creations. Book a standard tasting, go for the private deck, or try the Back Of The Ute tasting led by the winemaker himself where (you guessed it) wines are poured from the back of their pickup. Aussie as.

Dandelion Vineyards
191 Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale
Prepare to pick your jaw up off the floor. The view from Dandelion Vineyard’s Wonder Room is a ripper, looking over Dandelion’s Firehawk Farm vineyards towards Gulf St Vincent and the Willunga Escarpment. Guided wine tastings are paired with Bulgarian dishes, inspired by winemaker Elena Brooks’ heritage.

Oliver’s Taranga
246 Seaview Road, McLaren Vale
Winemaker Corrina Wright tells her family’s long McLaren Vale story through wine. The newly refurbished and extended cellar door space is slick. Try the falanghina; the crisp white variety is one to watch.

Shadow Creek Wines
Cnr Edwards & Jackson Hill Roads, McLaren Vale
A new-build accomplished with an eclectic mix of recycled beams and mud bricks (with all the mod cons). It sits atop Turraparri Creek and looks out over stables, vineyards and towering old gum trees. Try the fiano.

Sherrah Wines
148 McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale
Alex Sherrah is one of the most forward-thinking winemakers in the region. Chances are he, or Lizzie Sherrah, will be there to pour you their thrilling range. Find them (and artisan wine brands Lino Ramble and Bondar Wines) in this history-packed sandstone cottage. Cute as a button. 

Varney Wines
62 Victor Harbor Road, Old Noarlunga
Alan Varney is an award-winning grape whisperer and his wife Katrin delivers one of the most dazzling smiles and welcomes in the region. This beautifully designed tasting room looks out over the jaw-dropping Onkaparinga Gorge; a fitting backdrop for gasp-inducing, exciting varieties including vermentino, fiano, arinto and grenache. Local snacks are available if you’re peckish.

Willunga 100
188 Moritz Road, Blewitt Springs
Oh, for the love of grenache. The Grenache Room at Willunga 100 is a fresh-faced addition, specialising in grenache from Blewitt Springs and Clarendon. Taste Renae Hirsch’s wines in a restored stone cottage at the Blind Spot Vineyard, where service is stellar. Sit on the balcony and breathe a little bit deeper with an equally stellar crisp grenache blanc (white) or shiraz. 

Eat & Sip 

Angove’s Vineyard Kitchen
117 Chalk Hill Road, McLaren Vale
A winery restaurant hugged by vines. This hidden treasure’s à la carte menu champions McLaren Vale produce and is best shared. Angove’s award-winning wine and spirit collection sits alongside the dishes and can be tasted onsite.

Coriole
Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale
Rolling vineyards and a butterfly-packed garden surround the atrium home of this winery restaurant. Nestle in and be wowed by the fresh, seasonal ‘feed me’ tasting menus or opt for à la carte on weekdays. Coriole also hosts regular art, poetry, theatre and music events.

Fiore
233 Binney Road, McLaren Vale
Down The Rabbit Hole cellar door attracts a fashionable influencer crowd dressed in pastel hues to match the décor. Their relaxed fine dining restaurant Fiore is a place to escape the crowds (though the buzz is still audible) with an Italian feast prepared by talented chef Nick Tadija. Produce is sourced from the surrounding Fleurieu Peninsula and every dish is on point. Stunning. 

Harry’s Deli
255 Strout Road, McLaren Vale
Wirra Wirra winery’s onsite eatery ticks all the casual dining boxes; sensational salads, grab-and-go bites and satisfying large plates. For the full spread, opt for the multi-course What Harry Would Have experience. The famous Son Of Trott Pie (made with lamb and shiraz) nods to their history and is a must-try. 

The Little Rickshaw
24 Old Coach Road, Aldinga
A South East Asia-inspired feed-me menu with creativity and value at heart. The ramshackle, shed-like design and friendly service collide to make this an utterly relaxed, quirky place to dine. Book ahead as the wait list is testament to the restaurant’s charm.

Maxwell Wines
19 Olivers Road, McLaren Vale
German chef Fabian Lehmann is at the top of his game and has the accolades to prove it: this is a cellar door and winery restaurant with class. The multi-course fine dining experience comes with a view over the working winery and there’s even a large-scale maze to explore. 

Pizzateca
319 Chalk Hill Road, McLaren Vale
A fun, family run restaurant with Italian (Abruzzo) heart. The smallgoods, sugo, pizza dough and Gelateca gelato are all made onsite from South Australian produce. The tiramisu and limoncello are a non-negotiable. 

The Salopian Inn
Main Road, McLaren Vale
A new organic kitchen garden wraps its way around this McLaren Vale favourite, with produce appearing alongside locally caught seafood and farm-grown meat. Welcoming staff, a perusable wine cellar and walls adorned with art make it an unforgettable setting that’s smile-inducing on all fronts. Make sure you try the dumplings.

Vale Restaurant & Bar
128 Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat
A hilltop brewery with the works. Order snacks and large plates or let the chef feed you during a shared long-lunch experience. Vale Brewing beer features in some dishes and the place is family friendly to boot.

Getting There:
McLaren Vale is a 40-minute drive from Adelaide. It’s possible to get taxis/Uber but be prepared to wait. The Route 31 Coastal Drive hugs the coastline from O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach (mclarenvaleandfleurieucoast.com. au). Metro rail services operate between Adelaide and Seaford and there are bus services between Adelaide and the area’s townships (adelaidemetro.com.au). Plenty of tours are also available.

Barossa Valley

History meets modernity: Barossa’s rich tapestry of culture, food, wine, characters, traditions and architecture is just 70km north-east of Adelaide. Cellar door-hop from the Barossa to Eden Valley, browsing galleries, gift stores, popular wine bars and restaurants. The Barossa Farmers’ Market (Saturdays) is a must and, as quality country pubs go, The Greenock is a winner.

Cellar Doors

Forage Supply Co
4 Maria Street, Tanunda
Warm fuzzies all round when best mates Scotty and Justin pour their scrumptious range. The focus is on sustainability, minimal intervention and approachability and it’s written all over their fun, relaxed beverages and space. Keep your eyes on socials to hear about pop-ups featuring guest chefs from around the globe. 

Gibson Wines
190 Willows Road, Light Pass
A family-owned winery nestled off the beaten track in north-east Barossa, the family’s German heritage dates back to the 1840s. Visitors are treated to a modern tasting room behind the historic cottage where founder Rob Gibson pours the good stuff. It’s all heart here.

Mirus Vineyards
130 Heinze Road Seppeltsfield
An arty addition to the Barossa wine landscape. Part cellar door, part art space (Wonderground Gallery), this is an inspiring spot to be. It’s all set in an old homestead on a 120-year-old property. 

New Wave Wines
457 Seppeltsfield Road, Marananga
This new cellar door and collective showcases new Barossa producers and minimalist wine styles, among them The Cutting, Coulter Wines, Evan Evans Wines, Max & Me and Rollick Wines. Embark on a tasting flight, chill out on the verandah, and snack on sardines and Barossa sopressa. Cool cats unite.

Rieslingfreak 
25 St Hallett Road, Tanunda
Love riesling? You will after visiting this new cellar door. Winemakers Belinda and John Hughes source fruit from some of Australia’s top producing riesling regions: Clare Valley, Eden Valley and Polish Hill River all get their turn in the spotlight. They also happen to be two of the nicest people in the wine industry. 

Spinifex Wines
46 Nuraip Road, Nuriootpa
New Zealand-born, Barossa-based Magali Gely and Peter Schell make small batch wines and finally have a space for their bright, light, expressive reds to be poured. The stunning homestead-style space sits smack-bang in vineyard surrounds. Taste on the sweeping verandah or in the stylish indoor space.

Eat & Sip 

Artisans Of The Barossa
16–26 Vine Vale Road, Tanunda
Eight artisanal wine producers are showcased in this modern vineyard-framed building. The onsite Delikatessen (for relaxed all-day food), Essen restaurant and locally made gifts are also drawcards.

Casa Carboni
67 Murray Street, Angaston
Want to graze like a local? The Casa Carboni enoteca is popular for coffee and Italian treats. There’s pasta from 12.30pm on Wednesdays to Saturdays, and a multi-course chef’s choice tasting menu on Friday nights. Chef Matteo Carboni also runs an Italian cooking school and wine bar here.

Fino Seppeltsfield
730 Seppeltsfield Road, Seppeltsfield
You could easily spend a day at this palm tree-dotted estate where the award-winning restaurant shares the property with artist studios, galleries and gift stores. On the plate, expect fresh dishes made with local produce and a shared long-lunch menu available seven days a week. 
Hentley Farm Restaurant
Cnr Gerald Roberts & Jenke Roads, Seppeltsfield
Long-lunch destinations don’t get much better than this winery restaurant. It’s fine dining with character (and plenty of wow moments). Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over a creek, vineyards and gum trees packed with wildlife. Kangaroo sightings: likely. 

Maggie Beer’s The Farm Eatery
50 Pheasant Farm Road, Nuriootpa
A farm-to-table dining experience on Maggie Beer’s pheasant farm. A great spot for sharing with pals and it’s family-friendly, too.

Otherness
38 Murray Street, Angaston
The little wine bar on Angaston’s main street has chef Sam Smith to thank for an award-winning menu. Snack as you make your way through the impressive wine list (curated by owner Grant Dickson) or experience the full tasting menu (highly recommended). 

Staġuni
457 Seppeltsfield Road, Marananga
One of the most anticipated restaurant openings of late is led by chef Clare Falzon who serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes in the old Marananga School. Staġuni means ‘seasons’ in Maltese and Clare weaves her heritage through the set and à la carte menus. Grab a seat on the verandah and watch rural Barossa life go by. Non-alcohol options are excellent too.  

Vintners Bar & Grill
752 Stockwell Road, Angaston
If you haven’t tried head chef and director Peter Clarke’s fried pigs’ ears, you simply haven’t lived. They’ve been on the menu at this Barossa institution for more than 15 years. Ask any local winemaker (many of whom dine here) and they’ll tell you just how good they are.

Getting There:
It takes around an hour to drive to Barossa Valley from Adelaide. Taxis must be pre-booked; local taxis operate in the area. The Metro train runs from Adelaide to Gawler Central, where you can pick up a bus to Nuriootpa via Lyndoch and Tanunda (adelaidemetro.com. au). Tour operators include TrailHopper Bus (trailhopper.com. au). If you’re feeling fancy, you can see the region in a hot-air balloon.

Want to explore further?

Langhorne Creek is a small but endearing wine region 65km from the CBD. Clare Valley is also worth the hour-and-a-half drive; there you’ll find some of the best riesling in the nation, award-winning restaurants and endearing community spirit. If you’ve got a weekend to spare, Coonawarra is four hours from Adelaide and a must for cracking cabernet sauvignon and Limestone Coast charm.