Planning the perfect Adelaide Hills day trip? The Adelaide Hills are famous for their cool-climate wine and artisan produce, and this section of the Go Drivin' trip is a paradise for foodies and wine enthusiasts. Following the itinerary, visitors get to sample the Hills' best, starting with a sophisticated tipple before diving into the main street charm of Hahndorf. This is where visitors can truly indulge in the "Foodie" element of the drive, just remember to leave some space in the car for purchases! Understanding the different transport options available for this trip is crucial for safety and enjoyment.
Mount Barker Road, the main street in Hahndorf by Philip. Mallis
Stop 1: Hahndorf Hill Winery (The Pre-Hahndorf Sip)
The gourmet adventure begins with an elevated view. Hahndorf Hill Winery is a beautiful boutique stop, known for its commitment to Austrian grape varieties like Grüner Veltliner. Conveniently located on the approach to Hahndorf, it's a perfect first stop to appreciate the cool-climate vineyards.
- The Experience: Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight of their unique cool-climate wines. The entire cellar door experience here is spectacular, offering sweeping views of the vine-covered hillsides, a great spot for a photo or just sitting back and savouring the landscape.
- Must-Try: Be sure to ask about their ChocoVino experience, a famous pairing of award-winning wine with different types of premium chocolate. This elevates a standard wine tasting into a memorable experience for couples or fri
Stop 2: Ambleside Distillers (The Craft Spirit Break)
Just a short drive further along the route is Ambleside Distillers. The Adelaide Hills has become a hub for craft distilling, and Ambleside is a fantastic example of the region's innovative approach.
- The Experience: You can sample their award-winning craft spirits, including a range of small-batch gins, all featuring botanicals foraged or grown locally in the Hills. The cellar door environment is welcoming, and guests can often see the stills where the spirits are created.
Stop 3: Hahndorf Main Street (Lunch & German Delights)
After exploring the cultural and
historical heart of Hahndorf (as covered in Post 2), it's time to indulge in
the town's most famous culinary offerings. The village centre is packed with
options to satisfy any craving.
- German Feast: To fully embrace the town's heritage, a
stop at one of the famous German pubs is essential. The German Arms Hotel
and The Haus Restaurant are prominent choices, both known for serving
massive, hearty meals. You can sample traditional German cuisine like Schweinshaxe
(crispy pork knuckle), various Schnitzels, and platters of sausages and
sauerkraut, all perfectly paired with a Bavarian beer on tap.
- Baked Goods & Sweets: For a lighter, classic stop, be sure to
visit The German Cake Shop for authentic European pastries or Otto's
Bakery for fresh bread and pretzels. Don't forget Bracegirdle's
for high-quality, local chocolate!
- Beyond German: Hahndorf offers variety. Look for Comida Hahndorf for a Spanish tapas experience, or many cafes offering modern Australian fare using local Hills produce.
Stop 4: Beerenberg Farm (The Iconic Jam Stop)
No trip to the Adelaide Hills is
complete without a visit to the iconic Beerenberg Farm. This is the definition
of a farm gate experience, known the world over for its delicious, quality
preserves and produce.
- The Experience: Depending on the season, visitors can
pick their own strawberries in the fields—a fun, family-friendly activity.
All year round, you can browse the farm shop, which is packed with their
famous jams, condiments, and sauces.
- Must-Buy: Grab a jar of their world-renowned
strawberry jam or explore their range of lesser-known pickles and
relishes. It’s the perfect, authentic taste of the Hills to take home.
Stop 5: The Prancing Pony Brewery (The Craft Beer Experience)
Venture slightly off the main road to Totness, near Littlehampton, to discover one of Australia's most awarded craft breweries. Founded by German immigrants, The Prancing Pony is a vibrant hub dedicated to quality, traditional brewing methods, making it a perfect anchor point for a day of brewery hopping.
- The Experience: The unique brewery restaurant is located inside the commercial brewing space. You can enjoy a beer that has truly travelled zero miles while watching the brewers hard at work! The atmosphere is a blend of rustic industrial chic and family-friendly warmth.
- Food Focus: The menu is designed "from the beer up," ensuring every dish, from burgers to tasting platters, perfectly complements their diverse range of brews, using fresh, local ingredients.
Stop 6: NGERINGA Biodynamic Vineyards & Farm (Holistic Farming)
Head towards Mount Barker Summit to visit NGERINGA, the enduring life's work of Janet and Erinn Klein. This property is a stunning example of environmental stewardship and holistic agriculture, focusing on Biodynamic farming.
- The Experience: NGERINGA has evolved beyond its vineyards to a thriving farm encompassing market vegetables, orchards, and free-range livestock. You can taste their exquisite biodynamic wines as part of the unique cellar door experience (Thursday–Sunday) or book a tour to see the farm's unique approach firsthand.
- Farm-to-Plate: This is a true source of regional produce, offering not just wine, but also vegetables, meat, fruit, and olive oil, all grown in harmony with the environment.
Stop 7: Jurlique Farm (Beauty from the Botanicals)
For a different take on the
'farm gate' experience, Jurlique offers a fascinating look at the power of
botanicals. The brand, famous worldwide for its natural skincare, was founded
right here in the Adelaide Hills.
- The Experience: The farm uses certified organic and
biodynamic farming methods to grow the plants used in their products.
Visitors gain insight into their holistic approach, seeing how each plant
is gently harvested at its peak to extract the pure, undiluted essence.
- Tip for Visitors: Check their website for farm tour availability to see the fields and learn about the meticulous, hand-harvesting process that makes their products unique.
Coming Up Next: History, Hikes, and Hidden Nature!
With a happy belly, we now leave the gourmet trail to explore the remaining half of this diverse drive: the rich history of Mount Barker and the stunning natural beauty of Mylor.
In Post 4, we’ll explore:
• Mount Barker’s Historical Buildings: Churches, Tinsmith’s cottages, and the SteamRanger Railway.
• The Views: A rewarding stop at Mount Barker Summit.
• Wildlife Encounters: The tranquillity of Laratinga Wetlands and Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary.
[Link to Post 4]: Mount Barker
& Mylor: Nature, History, and Wildlife Encounters
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