Adelaide is a must on the Australian wine itinerary of any wine lover. The South Australian capital, with long, sandy beaches nearby, a wealth of world-class restaurants and premium wines, makes the ideal starting point to explore nearby wine country.
Some of the best wineries in Adelaide can be found in the Adelaide Hills wine region, just 20 kilometres or so east of the city.
Discover the best wineries in Adelaide Hills
Adelaide Hills is one of the coolest, most elevated Australian wine regions, so its innovative winemakers have carefully selected varieties from cool European wine regions like Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace and Mosel to ensure that the grapes can reach their optimal ripeness in this cool region. The region’s vineyards are ideally suited to growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. The long list of awards won by the best Adelaide Hills wineries is a testament to their skill.
The region is divided into two distinct subregions – Lenswood and Piccadilly Valley. The first, an up-and-coming-region, is named after the town of Lenswood; vineyards stand shoulder to shoulder with apple orchards, and the area is truly a sight to behold in spring when the apple trees are in blossom. Thanks to its altitude and misty, wet conditions, the region’s cool climate make it ideally suited to quality wine production. Many of the best Adelaide Hills wineries, specialised in early maturing varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir, are located here. Its partner, Piccadilly Valley, is smaller, but has already gained a reputation for its cool-climate wines, especially its sparkling styles, which are produced by all the best wineries.
Adelaide Hills is not only famous for its award-winning cool-climate wines and fizz, but also for its premium local produce. The region’s perfumed orchards yield crunchy apples in the autumn and juicy cherries in the summer, and its dairy, beef cattle and sheep farms are the source of a range of delicious cheeses and other dairy products, beef and lamb. Its market gardens produce crunchy vegetables and soft fruit, which, given the Hills focus on local products, are sure to make their way onto your plate in the numerous restaurants and cafés of the region.
Many of the best wineries in Adelaide Hills also offer regional fare or fine contemporary dining from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Fill up on platters of local cheeses, gourmet light meals or delicious home-made pizzas, or go upmarket and indulge your senses with a spot of exquisite food and wine matching or perhaps an Asian-inspired meal. Whether you want to dine in luxury on white-clothed tables, marvel at breath-taking views while you eat or simply enjoy a picnic in the shade of giant gum trees, you’ll find a range of dining options at the best wineries.
Adelaide – kick-off point for exploring the food and wine culture of South Australia
For those foodies who wish to explore beyond Adelaide Hills, the Epicurean Way food and touring route connects Adelaide Hills with other important neighbouring South Australian food and wine regions such as Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale. The region’s many festivals are also a treat for all your senses – the Crush Festival in January celebrates the region’s wine with a mix of dance, music, culture and food at many venues throughout the region, and the Winter Reds weekend in July offers cosy food and wine experiences with plenty of warming winter fare. Chocoholics may also like to participate in Handorf Hill’s ChocoVino wine and chocolate matching experience.
Our local experts at Wine Paths can help you seek out not only the best winery in Adelaide for you, but will help you design the gourmet trip of a lifetime, making sure you fully experience the food and wine culture of this trendy wine region.
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