Having travelled extensively ‘down under’, here are some of our favourite places to stop off for the best boutique food and wine in the rich pickings of South Australia.
Most people would say that travel is about seeing new things. But it’s also about experiences as well, and for all of us, food and drink is right up there on the list. Tasting a particular dish – even years later – can transport us back to a different time or place. That’s why we always try to taste the local cuisine when we travel. Not only does it give you some unforgettable experiences, but it also helps support the community you’re spending time in.
Adelaide
You could start your road trip off from Adelaide, Australia’s fifth largest city. Before hitting the open road, there’s plenty to do in and in the immediate surrounds of the city.
In the city itself, you’ll find the National Wine Centre which is a fascinating place to learn more about wine-making, enjoy tastings of a cast range of wines, and even nibble on some delicious tapas dishes at the boutique Cellar Door restaurant.
And Italian-Australian firm Patritti Wines also keep a cellar door within the city limits. From sushi to pizza, you’ll find amazing restaurants throughout the city. But for a classic South Australian menu, featuring such treats as Coffin Bay oysters and kangaroo skewers, book a table at The Brasserie on Victoria Square.
On picking up your transport, it’s a short drive up into the Adelaide Hills. Stop first at the Penfolds Magill Estate – the home of the famous Penfolds stable of wines – just 15 minutes from the city centre. Explore the underground tunnels and cellars of this heritage winery before dining at the estate’s restaurant. Further into the Adelaide Hills, there’s so much to do in terms of wineries, farms and markets.
Fleurieu Peninsula
Heading just an hour or so southwards from Adelaide, this region is home to over 100 cellar doors and has more of a boutique feel than the booming Barossa Valley further north.
Known for its rich, warm reds, the peninsula encompasses the famous wine-making region of McLaren Vale. Start here, stopping in at Oliver’s Taranga and then onwards to d’Arenberg.
This is a great place to stop for lunch at the winery’s d’Arry’s Verandah – one of the best restaurants in the region. This winery is one of South Australia’s most celebrated and creates a range of around 30 wines.
In general, the area’s seafood, fresh produce and deli goods like cheeses, meats and olive oils are unbeatable and are all found at local farmer’s markets.
Kangaroo Island
From the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, catch a ferry across the water to Kangaroo Island.
In terms of food and drink, it’s an exciting place to visit, partly because it’s South Australia’s newest wine-producing region. Its 13 (and growing) boutique wineries are becoming known for their strong, vibrant wines.
Artisanal producers of all kinds have set up cottage industries here; everything from cheese to honey, farmed seafood such as abalones, and rare breeds of pig. To live life the islanders’ way, ask a local deli to make you up a gourmet picnic for the beach.
Fish Café, for example, does amazing seafood to takeaway. If you’d rather dine out, head to the centre of the island where you’ll find The Marron Café, part of the Andermel Marron farm at the Two Wheeler Creek winery in the heart of Kangaroo Island. Enjoy a wine tasting served up with freshwater crayfish (known as marron) seasoned with native tucker herbs.
If you want to experience a similar trip to ours, check out this South Australian food and wine microsite from luxury travel experts, Exsus.com.
