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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.

The Lane Vineyard

Star Cellar Door

(08) 8388 1250
thelane.com.au

Pointing the nose of the car up the hill and down the long driveway of The Lane is always one of the highlights of the Adelaide Hills. The cellar door occupies a commanding position with sweeping vistas over the estate vineyards, nearby hills and beyond.

There are a variety of tasting options to experience – the Block Series, Estate Tasting and those such as The Gathering Experience and The Gathering Indulgence, which celebrate the confluence of food and wine.

The Ultimate Experiences are pretty special, from wine and cheese, and blending masterclasses to the 360° Panorama Experience in the custom built VIP tasting room in the vineyard.

Dining at The Lane Vineyard is spectacular and chef James Brinklow is in fine form so make sure you schedule some time in for a leisurely lunch with one of the best views in the Adelaide Hills. The restaurant has recently picked up the ‘Best Wine Tourism Restaurant’ in the Great Capitals Wine Network. For something extra special ask about the Chef’s Table option. DAVID BROOKES

OUTSTANDING WINE: 2013 The Lane Vineyard RG Single Vineyard Chardonnay, A$100

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