South Australia has over 160 years of winemaking history, making it the ideal destination for anyone interested in delicious food and drink. Adelaide is known as the wine capital of Australia, according to the South Australian Tourism Commission. The Adelaide Hills consistently produces top wines that you can enjoy with stunning meals created by top chefs who aren't afraid to be innovative with their food.
For some things to check out when you're in wine country, read on.
National Wine Centre
The National Wine Centre gives you access to all things wine and will certainly ignite your taste buds. The architecturally fascinating structure holds an array of activities that will educate you and give you the chance to try some samples.
Tours and wine tastings take place between 10am – 5pm. The Cellar Door restaurant has views of the gardens and food that has been matched with a top-of-the-line wine list, featuring the best bottles of the region. Even if you aren't after a meal, a chocolate or cheese plate is a must.
Many events take place here. One event on at the moment is 'Uncorked', which takes place fortnightly at 4:30pm on Friday evenings and is open to anyone. A different winery is featured during each session, and guests are able to enjoy their wines alongside food delights and live acoustic music. Those who want something more can book in to 'Meet the Maker'. This master class is connected to 'Uncorked' but takes the learning and tasting to the next level. Spaces are very limited so if this interests you, get in quick.
The centre has also won many awards for its services, including the Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence South Australia Best Tourism Initiative in 2013. It is easy to find the centre near the Botanic Gardens and it's open seven days a week.
Getting from the CBD to your next destination in Adelaide is easy in a rental car. Once you've got your wheels sorted, you can take your time enjoying the countryside before your next stop.
Adelaide Hills
One way to check out the best of this region and get a taste of the top-quality wine is to go on a tour, and what better place to do it than South Australia, where such attractions are internationally acclaimed?
You and a small group will get a private tour that takes you to the best wineries and cellar doors. As well as going to the many vineyards, you'll also have a chance to see South Australia's authentically vintage townships and scenic landscapes.
Some tours include Alfies Wine Tours, Barossa Daimler Tours, Life is a Cabernet and Grape Valley Tours. Alfies Wine Tours through Adelaide Hills is a laid-back Australian experience. It will take you through some top wineries, including Deviation Wines at Scott Creek, Bird in the Hand, Robert Johnson Wine and more. Along the way you will get a tasting at each of both wine and food, so overall you will get a great selection of taste delights. The tour also offers the option to take the long way back and stop at a pub or chocolate shop along the way. The bus is even licenced so you can take a drink for the road.
Barossa Daimler Tours are also private and specifically tailored to give you a wine experience you'll remember. A classic 1962 Daimler takes eight people from one iconic winery to the next while your guide, John Baldwin, shares extensive knowledge of the area and wine. The tours are adaptable, so you can choose to visit different wineries as well as galleries, keg factories or take a town walk.