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Adelaide Hills

It’s rare to find a capital city where you can drive 20 minutes from the CBD and be smack-bang in the middle of rolling vineyards, grand vistas and ancient gums. Adelaide Hills is literally on Adelaide’s doorstep and it boasts some of Australia’s best-known wineries, cracking boutique operators and an exciting, natty wine scene. With the recent devastating bushfires, now is the time to visit and support the winemakers here.

Willow Bridge Estate

Star Cellar Door

(08) 9728 0055
willowbridge.com.au

While memories live on of former winemaker, Simon Burnell, lost to a windsurfing accident in 2015, the transition to the impressive Kim Horton has been seamless and Willow Bridge’s wines continue to improve. Jeff and Vicki Dewar established this Ferguson Valley winery 20 years ago and now have 60 hectares of vines established at between 230 and 280 metres on the Darling Scarp. While it may well be time for an upgrade to the cellar door itself, the view over the Bunbury hinterland to the coast is memorable and highlights the scenic beauty of the area. The portfolio of wines ranges from the powerful, full-bodied yet seamless flagship Black Dog Shiraz to the excellent value for money Dragonfly series. With the latter, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, a standout. The G1-10 Chardonnay is both complex and crisply refreshing while the Solana Tempranillo has good weight, depth of flavour and a pleasing savouriness. PETER FORRESTAL

OUTSTANDING WINE: 2012 Willow Bridge Estate Black Dog Shiraz, A$65

Shaw + Smith
BEST LARGE CELLAR DOOR & Additional Cellar Door Experience (FRIDAY TABLE)

(08) 8398 0500
shawandsmith.com

Ashton Hills Vineyard
BEST SMALL CELLAR DOOR

(08) 8390 1243
ashtonhills.com.au

Golding Wines
Best Tasting Experience

(08) 8189 4500
goldingwines.com.au

Penfolds Magill Estate
Cellar Door with Best Food

(08) 8301 5569
penfolds.com

Longview Vineyards
Cellar Door with Best Accommodation

(08) 8388 9694
longviewvineyard.com.au