D’Arenberg
Star Cellar Door
(08) 8329 4888
darenberg.com.au
A visit to d’Arenberg has always been a wonderful cellar door experience but the recent opening of the d’Arenberg Cube propels the much-loved McLaren Vale icon straight to the top of the charts. It is a must-see for anyone lucky enough to visit this special region.
The ambitious Cube, the brainchild of Chester Osborn and inspired by the Rubik’s cube, will prove to be a great drawcard for McLaren Vale. It is the confluence of great wine and food, stunning architecture and contemporary art that makes any visit a captivating experience. The Cube adds new layers beginning as soon as you walk through the folding origami doors.
To allay any concerns, the much-loved d’Arry’s Verandah is still open for a lazy lunch and the food there and the wine offerings from d’Arenberg have never been better. The ground floor of the Cube includes a contemporary wine museum, wine fog room and the fruit room to test your senses. Video and art installations abound and the restaurant has a menu and wine list to make you swoon.
In addition to the Cube and the sense of wonder it invokes, d’Arenberg also has a range of other experiences from blending to helicopter tours that seal the deal. It’s wonderful. DAVID BROOKES
OUTSTANDING WINE: 2014 The Ironstone Pressings GSM, A$65