You have free articles remaining this month.
Subscribe now for 50c a week.

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.

D’Arenberg

Star Cellar Door

(08) 8329 4888
darenberg.com.au

Build it and they will come. I think I heard that said in some dubious movie but if there is a living embodiment of that movie quote, it is the d’Arenberg Cube. It’s the vision of winemaker Chester Osborne; he of loud wacky clothing and catchy wine names and it is an absolute cracker to visit.

It’s visually stunning; a real destination cellar door that offers visitors an immersive experience into the art of winemaking at d’Arenberg. The five-storey, Rubik’s cube-inspired design has picked up a swag of awards.

The experience begins as soon as you walk through the folding origami doors and there are numerous visual and sensory elements built into the design to delight young and old. As always, the range of wines is excellent with something for everyone and the many wine experiences, from blending exercises to flights and tastings, are brilliant.

The much-loved d’Arry’s Verandah restaurant remains, while the highly- awarded cuisine at The d’Arenberg Cube restaurant is spectacular and one of South Australia’s finest dining experiences. In short, this cube is a thing of wonder and is a must-visit when you are in the beautiful McLaren Vale wine region.  DAVID BROOKES

OUTSTANDING WINE: 2016 d’Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz, A$75

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