Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Adelaide Hills

Adelaide Hills, just 30 minutes from Adelaide, is a scenic and vibrant region in South Australia offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and gourmet experiences.

About Adelaide Hills Wineries

Acclaimed for its stylish and modern wines, the Adelaide Hills is an excellent location filled with numerous wine experiences, and only 20 minutes from Adelaide’s city center, it’s just waiting to be discovered. The cool-climate wine area enables fruit-forward chardonnays, exotic pinot noirs, and herbaceous sauvignon blancs to thrive – and they’re intriguing in flavor and character. The Adelaide Hills are marked not just by intriguing wine; European-influenced towns, cheese cellars, high-end restaurants, and locally crafted products can also be discovered. Additionally, with impressive scenery to appreciate, it is unsurprising that the Adelaide Hills is, as James Halliday puts it, a “truly outstanding region.”

The History Of The Adelaide Hills

Best Wineries in Adelaide Hills

The region’s history isn’t a fairy tale, as while viticulture flourished in the Hills during the 1870s, the vines started to decline a few years later. Gradually, the vines disappeared, one after another, until the final one was taken away in the 1930s. The area was subsequently devoid of grapevines. Forty years later, in 1971, a promising new vine emerged, and viticulture resumed, due to Leigh and Jan Verrall. James Halliday states, “The founding of Petaluma by Brian Croser in 1976 signifies the emergence of the Adelaide Hills region as we recognize it now.”

Climate and Soil

The varied climate throughout the region makes the Adelaide Hills an ideal location for producing fine wine. The variety has created soils that are not only highly variable but also structurally and chemically distinct. They can be divided into three types: sandy loams, loams, and clay subsoils. Soils that come together can also be discovered, producing shale and ironstone. Topography enables soil depth ranging from the rolling hills to steep inclines. This leads to diverse vine development, which in turn creates unique wine styles.

Leading Adelaide Hills Wine Styles

Adelaide Hills Wines

The Adelaide Hills boasts a significant elevation, featuring locations ranging from 400 to 700 meters above sea level. Elevated altitudes and cooler temperatures contribute to producing grapes rich in flavor and varietal traits while enabling them to maintain desirable natural acidity. Abundant sunlight ensures that the grapes receive enough warmth to generate sugar, leading to rich flavor. Next are vibrant, refreshing, and modern wines.

Pinot noir, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc are most recognized from the area, with sparkling varieties of pinot noir and chardonnay also common. Nonetheless, the area has also been experiencing growing success with different types, specifically tempranillo, montepulciano, and pinot grigio.

Chardonnay

Displaying every nuance of sophistication, chardonnay grapes thrive across the Adelaide Hills. The natural acidity of the soil minerals permits styles that are intricate in nature. Producers are creating wines that are high in quality and durability, which are also particularly compatible with food.

Sauvignon Blanc

The cool climate area known as the Adelaide Hills contributes tropical fragrances to its sauvignon blanc wines, especially during the night when the cold winds blow. This offers optimal cultivation circumstances specifically for sauvignon blanc. James Halliday mentioned that the quality and consistency have achieved an excellent level, describing them as “one of Australia’s finest, with remarkable intensity and length.”

Pinot Noir

Among all wine regions in South Australia, the Adelaide Hills is considered the premier maker of pinot noir. The variety of climate profiles found in the area results in an array of pinot noir styles. The Adelaide Hills offers a range of styles, from earthy, herbal, and spiced to fruit-forward, rich, and lively pinot noirs

Sparkling Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

A large share of pinot noir and chardonnay grapes is cultivated for producing sparkling wine in the Adelaide Hills. In terms of style, the area is praised for its clarity, exquisite flavors, and a lasting aftertaste.

Things to do in the Adelaide Hills

In a region so remarkably intricate in everything it generates, nearby activities are equally captivating. The town of Hahndorf, influenced by European culture, tops the list of intriguing discoveries. Founded by Lutheran immigrants in the 19th century, the delightful town features appealing German-inspired architecture and delicious cuisine, blending modern elements with traditional ones.

For a classic experience, visit Hahndorf Inn, the lively Bavarian restaurant in town that has been family-owned for over 150 years. The location includes a primary dining restaurant, informal bar section, alfresco dining, and a comfortable saloon bar featuring an open fireplace. Sample their Taste of Germany Platter that features the finest dishes of the cuisine. It’s a variety of genuine German meats, such as smoked Gassler chop and Eisbein pork hock, served with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and fresh pretzels. Alternatively, if you prefer something more straightforward, a classic Schweiner Schnitzel is a good choice, paired with Viennese-style breaded pork and rich potato salad. For drinking, simply select from their selection of German-style beers; they are among the finest globally.

For a more contemporary option, check out Hahn & Hamlin, a modest café that celebrates South Australian ingredients. By morning, they’re an innovative breakfast venue offering organic coffee and handcrafted pastries, and by afternoon, an ideal place to savor local cheese and wine. Explore their lunch offerings as well: saltbush pork and beef meatballs, lentil and feta spring vegetable salad, and toasted sandwiches (the falafel is exceptional). If your passion for cheese goes deeper, check out the nearby Woodside Cheese Wrights, an artisan cheese shop in the Adelaide Hills that has been operating for 18 years. Savor their extensive selection of cheeses, hidden cheese cellar, or cheese-making workshops if you want to gain knowledge.

Numerous wineries throughout the area provide excellent cuisine and quality wine. Pike & Joyce, Sidewood Estate, and The Lane Vineyard are merely a selection. The Windy Point, while not exactly a winery, provides sweeping views from the Gulf of St Vincent to the Adelaide Hills, and their cuisine is exceptional.

Beyond food, there is a wealth of art and culture to explore. JamFactory serves as the hub for modern art and design. Entry is free and brimming with inspiration. The Royal SA Society of Arts, established in 1856, is Australia’s longest-standing art society, highlighting the finest work of both emerging and established artists. Morialta Conservation Park offers fantastic hikes and woodland trails for those seeking fresh air.

Adelaide Hills Accomodation

While being conveniently near Adelaide’s CBD, certain visitors appreciate exploring the area at night, with various lodging choices available. The Crafters Hotel stands out, being just as stylish as its dining venue. The decor reflects its 1830s heritage, while updates have introduced a contemporary aspect to its elegance and design.

Another excellent suggestion is the historically famous Mount Lofty House constructed by the distinguished Arthur Hardy, a South Australian colonial settler noted for several accomplishments, including the establishment of the Mount Lofty Botanical Gardens. The estate features a gallery and restaurant, provides guided tours, and also has a day spa. They provide several rooms to enjoy – choose from a garden, valley, or the entire cottage.