The Ultimate Adelaide Hills Food & Wine Road Trip: Wineries, Breweries, & Farm Gates
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!
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 location 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 friends.
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 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.
- Tip for Visitors: Consider trying one of their signature
gin and tonics or a cocktail, which showcases the versatility of their
spirits. It's a great stop to pick up a truly unique souvenir that
captures the complex, botanical flavours of the Adelaide Hills.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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 at
the Cellar Door (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.
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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