15 Adelaide Hills wineries you must visit

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Stop by for a glass of wine, stay for a long lunch or even settle in for an overnight stay at these incredible Adelaide Hills wineries.

The Adelaide Hills is one of South Australia’s best wine regions – with award-winning wineries, charming cellar doors and incredible vineyard accommodation – all but a short drive from the city. With more than 50 cellar doors touting delicious cool-climate wines to choose from, we’ve made your choice a little easier, with 15 must-visit Adelaide Hills wineries.

1. Longview Vineyard

This family-owned vineyard was established in 2001 on a former dairy just outside the historic town of Macclesfield. Set on 65 hectares, Longview Vineyard creates single-vineyard, estate-grown wines.

the lush and verdant grapevines at Longview Vineyard
Longview Vineyard is on a former dairy farm. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

The property’s southern location in the Adelaide Hills accounts for a slightly higher temperature for the region.

The vineyard’s undulating landscape covers all aspects and exposures creating a unique spectrum, including a large planting of nebbiolo and barbera varieties.

friends walking the paved path along Longview Vineyard
While away the afternoon strolling around the verdant Longview Vineyard. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

The cellar door and kitchen, which serves Italian-inspired fare, are housed in a 1918 pink sandstone cottage. Stop by for a glass on any day of the week or book a tasting and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday.

The property also features accommodation including 12 suites, a restored homestead, and a brand-new lodge with a spa, if you fancy staying longer.

a couple ordering drinks inside the cellar door of Longview Vineyard
Sample wines on offer at the cellar door. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 154 Pound Road, Macclesfield

2. Shaw + Smith

Established in 1989 by cousins Michael Hill Smith MW and Martin Shaw, Shaw + Smith has three vineyards in Lenswood, Piccadilly and Balhannah.

a stack of wine barrels at Shaw + Smith
Tour inside the Shaw + Smith’s cellar door. (Image: Andre Castellucci)

It grows varieties that suit the cool climate of the region – sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz. Its contemporary tasting room in Balhannah has views of the Mount Lofty range.

Settle in for a wine flight, with the option to pair with small plates from the cold larder menu. Behind-the-scenes tours are also available.

green grapes harvested from Shaw + Smith vineyard in Adelaide Hills
Shaw + Smith cultivates grapes that suit the cool climate of the region. (Image: Andre Castellucci)

Address: 136 Jones Road, Balhannah

3. Hahndorf Hill

On the edge of the historic German town of Hahndorf, Hahndorf Hill is a boutique vineyard that pioneered the cultivating of Austrian grape varieties in Australia, including blaufrankisch, zweigelt, st laurent and the signature white grape gruner veltliner, which is affectionately named Gru.

the cellar door of Hahndorf Hill surrounded by a vineyard
Hahndorf Hill’s cellar door is set in the heart of the vineyard. (Image: Cheryl Smith)

Set in the heart of the vineyard, the cellar door is open Monday to Saturday, offering wine flights, glasses, cheese platters, chocolate and wine matching and even ice cream and wine matching.

a wine flight and cheese plate overlooking the vines
Delight in wine and cheese platters at Hahndorf Hill. (Image: Cheryl Smith)

Address: 38 Pain Road, Hahndorf

4. Simon Tolley

Fifth-generation vigneron Simon Tolley is a traditionalist, creating small batches of high-quality wine at his 22-hectare Adelaide Hills winery.

a bartender mixing wines at Simon Tolley, Adelaide Hills
Simon Tolley produces small batches of high-quality wine. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Flavour-rich and balanced, Tolley’s wine varieties include syrah, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. The cellar door is open Thursday to Monday and serves produce platters, breadboards and jaffles with wine tasting.

Guests can also opt to stay among the vineyards in Simon Tolley Lodge, which accommodates 10 guests in five bedrooms and has sprawling vineyard views.

friends relaxing at Simon Tolley by the fire on a rainy afternoon
Cosy up by the fire on cold days. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 278 Bird in Hand Road, Woodside

5. Golding Wines

On the outskirts of Lobethal, this family-owned winery is situated on 32 hectares high in the Adelaide Hills. Here they grow sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot noir, shiraz and savagnin.

an outdoor picnic setup with a triangle tent overlooking the vines at Golding Wines
Share wines and snacks overlooking the vineyard. (Image: Adelaide Hills Wine Region)

The tasting room is located within the stone barn and is open daily, offering structured wine flights paired with bite-sized dishes crafted in the on-site restaurant Gingko, which serves seasonal plates designed to share. Children are also welcome, with specially designed kids’ flights.

a plate of food at Gingko restaurant, Golding Wines
Pair your wine with seasonal plates on offer. (Image: Adelaide Hills Wine Region)

Amp up your tasting by booking a Nido Experience, where you’re served a five-course lunch and wines in a hand-woven nest-like space on the vineyard; a Wine Safari, during which you’ll explore the property stopping for wine tasting and snacks along the way; or a Picnic Experience, whether that’s a group picnic with table service or a bespoke hamper to enjoy on the lawn.

friends enjoying the Nido Experience at Golding Wines
Enjoy the Nido Experience in a hand-woven nest-like space. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Address: 52 Western Branch Road, Lobethal

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6. Greenhill Wines

Greenhill Wines is in the Piccadilly Valley, where you come for the wine and stay for the seasonally driven Mediterranean menu.

a look inside the cellar door of Greenhill Wines
Sit down for a glass of pinot noir or chardonnay. (Image: Greenhill Wines)

The cafe and cellar door are housed within a 144-year-old cottage with views over the valley and to Mount Bonython. The Adelaide Hills winery is part of the Piccadilly Trail, a region that specialises in pinot noir and chardonnay.

The trail comprises three other local wineries: Ashton Hills Vineyard, CRFT Wines and Tapanappa.

the lush vineyard of Greenhill Wines
Greenhill Wines is nestled in the Piccadilly Valley. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Address: 1016 Greenhill Road, Summertown

7. The Lane Vineyard

Set on 42 hectares in Balhannah, close to the village of Hahndorf, The Lane first started producing wine in the 1990s, staying committed to creating quality, handcrafted wines to this day. The contemporary Tasting Room is open daily and overlooks the vineyards and state-of-the-art winery. The Restaurant serves a five-course Provenance menu using local ingredients. The outdoor Terrace is a relaxing space to enjoy a glass of wine from the kiosk bar.

At the Tasting Room, guests can book tasting flights, a blend-your-own experience or a degustation experience with matched wines and small dishes available. For something truly memorable, there’s an Ultimate ATV Experience around the property with a winemaker, an Elevated Tasting Flight, which also includes a private helicopter and gin-tasting experience, and more.

Address: 5 Ravenswood Lane, Hahndorf

8. Bird in Hand

This 32-hectare family-owned vineyard in Woodside is known not only for its award-winning cool-climate wines but also for its food and arts offerings.

an aerial view of the winery and vineyard at Bird in Hand
Bird in Hand is a well-known Adelaide Hills winery. (Image: Erik Rosenberg)

The grounds here are adorned with original works including sculptures in the gardens and paintings throughout the buildings. And its on-site restaurant LVN has recently been reimagined with sleek and chic interiors with a curated collection of Australian art; its dishes are plated like works of art themselves.

Its cellar door is open daily, hosting guided wine flights and a seasonal snack menu. Guests can enjoy their tasting in the Mediterranean-style terraced gardens or by the fire in the barrel hall.

a plate of food with wine at Bird in Hand
Wine and dine at the sleek and chic winery. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Address: 150 Pfeiffer Road, Woodside

9. Sinclair’s Gully Winery

Making small-batch, hand-crafted artisanal wines, Sinclair’s Gully in Norton Summit is known for its sparkling with four of their fizzy drops rated more than 91 points by James Halliday. You can book a session at the rustic cellar door to make your very own bottle of bubbles to take home. Or come to enjoy one of the many live music events held here under shady gums on the property, where you can BYO picnic and enjoy with a glass of wine.

Address: 288 Colonial Drive, Norton Summit

10. Barristers Block

This Woodside winery has been producing tempranillo, sauvignon blanc, fiano, chardonnay and pinot noir at its cool-climate winery since 1997.

friends strolling around Barristers Block
Barristers Block is surrounded by large lawns and sprawling vineyards. (Image: Ryan Cantwell)

Today the property also includes The Kitchen, where tasting platters and woodfired pizza are served daily, and The Villa, a three-bedroom accommodation surrounded by lush countryside. It also hosts events from wine-tasting experiences to live music.

The beauty is, you can take your kids along and they’ll have just as much fun. There are large lawns, a sandpit for playing and an enclosure with farm animals, including chickens, geese, horses and sheep.

a tasting platter with wine on the table at Barristers Block
Spend an afternoon at Barristers Block. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 141 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Woodside

11. Sidewood Estate

This is Adelaide Hill’s largest certified sustainable winery spread over 91 hectares of vineyards.

The grapes here are hand-picked, sheep are used to return organic fertiliser, reduce chemical input and machinery use, and solar runs 50 per cent of the facility’s consumption. It has also achieved Five Red Star Accreditation from James Halliday, and its cellar door and restaurant in Hahndorf are a must-visit.

Located in the old apple shed at the front of the estate, guests can enjoy interactive wine flights (including a zero-alcohol wine flight), wine-tasting masterclasses and even a class to learn the art of Sabrage.

friends sitting in the courtyard of Sidewood Estate
Sidewood Estate is Adelaide Hill’s largest certified sustainable winery. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 6 River Road, Hahndorf

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12. Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard

This boutique family-owned Lenswood vineyard is rated five stars by James Halliday and boasts some of the best views in the region.

the lush and verdant vineyard landscape at Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard
Soak up views of the vineyard at Mt Lofty Ranges. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Established in 1992 on a former apple orchard, single-vineyard wine varieties include shiraz, sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir.

The hosted wine tastings take guests from vineyard to glass, accompanied by canapes from the restaurant. Take a seat for lunch or a Friday night sunset dinner alongside live music on the timber deck or inside by the fireplace.

friends enjoying a wine tasting platter with wines
Take a seat for lunch or a sunset dinner. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 166 Harris Road, Lenswood

13. Deviation Road

This boutique winery in Longwood is owned by a husband-and-wife team. Hamish Laurie, whose great-great-grandmother was South Australia’s first female winemaker, and Kate Laurie, who trained at Lycée Viticole d’Avize in Champagne. Because of this, Deviation Road is known for its award-winning sparkling.

a couple sitting under an umbrella in the vineyard at Deviation Road, Adelaide Hills
Deviation Road is known for its award-winning sparkling. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The tasting room is nestled on the 50-hectare property, a short drive from Stirling, and is opened daily. Seasonal guided wine flights can be accompanied by the all-day grazing menu designed to share.

There’s also a small selection of beer and non-alcoholic drinks available.

a wine tasting flight with a grazing platter at Deviation Road, Adelaide Hills
Pair your wine with a grazing platter. (Image: Ryan Cantwell)

Address: 207 Scotts Creek Road, Longwood

14. K1 By Geoff Hardy

In 1986, fifth-generation winemaker Geoff Hardy – a descendent of wine industry pioneer Thomas Hardy – established this cool-climate vineyard in the Kuitpo region of the Adelaide Hills.

The family-owned and operated winery was named K1 because it was the first commercial planting of vines in the region.

an aerial view of K1 By Geoff Hardy winery estate surrounded by a lake
K1 By Geoff Hardy’s winery estate has a decidedly alpine feel.

Guests arrive via an avenue of trees to a lakehouse that houses the charming cellar door, which is centred around a handcrafted wooden bench crafted from a 400-year-old red gum and has a decidedly alpine feel.

Enjoy a tasting of K1’s single-vineyard wines and a cheese platter on the deck overlooking the lake, or book a horse ride through the vines with Bluestone Equestrian Centre (subject to availability).

the lakehouse property at K1 By Geoff Hardy
Inside the charming lakehouse, you’ll find the cellar door. (Image: Andrew Correll)

Address: 159 Tynan Road, Kuitpo

15. Cobbs Hill Estate

Cobbs Hill Estate dates to the mid-1800s, when the property was used as pastures for horses employed to pull the Cobb & Co. stagecoaches.

people tasting wines inside the cellar door of Cobbs Hill Estate
Sip on estate-grown sparkling, white and red varieties from the menu. (Image: Ryan Cantwell)

Today the 100-hectare property comprises farmland for cattle and sheep and 28 hectares of vineyards, which were planted more than two decades ago. As well as estate-grown sparkling, white and red varieties, Cobbs Hill Estate makes gin. The cellar door is open daily for tastings, with exclusive wine masterclasses also available to book.

The on-site Terrace & Garden Dining serves a farm-to-plate menu using local and estate-grown produce, or pre-book a romantic picnic for two, which comes with a bottle of wine and can be savoured in the garden with sprawling views of the vineyards and beyond.

friends drinking wine in the al fresco area surrounded by lush greenery
Drink wine overlooking the vines at Cobbs Hill Estate. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 382 Swamp Road, Oakbank

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Megan Arkinstall
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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8 insider experiences to discover the offbeat in Newcastle

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

    Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

    1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

    The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP.

    Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour.
    Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    2. Underground jazz scene

    Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground. The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel, King Street Newcastle, Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

     

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    3. The city as a canvas   

    The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery, adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

    Friends take in Newcastle Street Art.
    Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

    There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up, which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

    5. Newcastle after dark

    The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity.  Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude. 

    A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background.
    Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    6. Indulge in great gastronomy

    Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos, through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle. Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug, Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

    The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW.
    Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

    7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

    Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor.  Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

    The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection.
    Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

    8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

    Save the date for New Annual, a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

    Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra.
    Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

    Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.