RUN TO THE HILLS
The burgeoning Adelaide Hills ticks all the boxes for a memorable escape, writes Karlie Verkerk.
Ask any Adelaide Hills local what makes the region special and most will say its close proximity to the city. “When you’re in the Hills it feels like you’re hundreds of kilometres away from anything, but it’s only 20 minutes’ drive up the freeway,” says Aaron Fenwick, co-owner of The Summertown Aristologist.
The Adelaide Hills sits to the east of the city and is one of 18 wine regions in South Australia. “Its physical location and the fact that it gets a lot of rain are the main reasons it has an edge,” adds Fenwick. “It’s lush and green; it’s an absolutely stunning place. There are vineyards, wineries and market gardens right on your doorstep.”
Winding roads canopied with oak trees and towering gums connect one quaint town to the next, each with its own personality and charm.
“The Hills are full of magic and romance. I didn’t realise that until we bought our property in Mylor about five years ago,” says chef-restaurateur André Ursini. “The wood fires in winter, the cabins, the greenery.”
No matter the time of year, the region is a feast for the eyes – and stomach. “Each area of the Hills is really different,” says chef
Emma McCaskill. “And each season is so distinct – especially autumn when the trees are coloured intense reds and oranges.”
For a weekend or week-long escape in South Australia’s most scenic region, the options are endless. “When you’re driving through the Hills there are plenty of ‘pinch yourself’ moments,” says Fenwick. “Not just when it’s clear and sunny, but also when it’s stormy and misty and the sky is thick with clouds.”
Start by weaving your way from Stirling to Hahndorf (Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement) while passing through the picturesque towns of Aldgate and Bridgewater. Or head to Basket Range via Summertown and Uraidla. Along the way, stop by artisanal shops and paddock-to-plate restaurants, or take your pick from a long list of award-winning wineries.
“The Hills is an epicentre for winemakers as there isn’t as much tradition around the winemaking as in the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale,” says Fenwick. “There’s a real sense of freedom and liberty.” Whether it’s sipping low-intervention drops at myriad cellar doors, or relishing an exclusive dining experience in a hidden valley, there are plenty of reasons to put the Adelaide Hills at the top of your must-visit list this year. Here’s our guide on where to eat, drink, stay and play.
“The Hills are full of magic and romance … the wood fires in winter, the cabins, the greenery.”
EAT
The Summertown Aristologist
Fun, nourishing food accompanied by some of Australia’s best natural wine is what The Summertown Aristologist is all about.
Set in a small community-minded town, its co-owners – Aaron Fenwick, Anton van Klopper (Lucy Margaux) and Jasper Button (Commune of Buttons) – have transformed what started out as a quaint wine bar into a true dining destination. Simple share-style plates hero vegetables grown in Basket Range, just five kilometres away, as well as small quantities of sustainable meat and seafood. 1097 Greenhill Rd, Summertown, thesummertownaristologist.com
Villetta Porcini
A meal at Villetta Porcini could be the most exclusive dining experience in Australia right now. The rustic weather-permitting “culinary cave” – a converted stone hut that was once storage for apples – is nestled deep in the valley of chef-restaurateur André Ursini’s Mylor property. Each dish changes daily depending on Ursini’s mood, and highlights local produce, most of which is grown on the surrounding land. To secure a seat, guests must enquire via email and will only receive confirmation seven days prior. @vporcini
Lost in a Forest
A 130-year-old church is the last place you would expect to find woodfired pizza, which makes Lost in a Forest even more special. Located in the tiny town of Uraidla, the wood oven wine lounge pumps out delicious pizza with good vibes to match – plus legions of local and international wines. Toppings stray from traditional; take, for example, the bánh mì pizza, which combines 20-hour cider-braised pork with pickled vegetables, pork crackle and sriracha mayo. 1203 Greenhill Rd, Uraidla, lostinaforest.com.au
The Lane Vineyard
Celebrating everything the Adelaide Hills and South Australia has to offer, The Lane Vineyard is a picture-perfect place to stop for lunch. Soak up 180-degree views of the manicured vineyard and the undulating hills beyond while you sip cool-climate wines and eat refined Australian fare. For something a little more relaxed, pre-order a gourmet picnic basket filled with treats made locally and in-house to be enjoyed out in the sunshine between the vines. 5 Ravenswood Ln, Hahndorf, thelane.com.au ➤
DO Take a stroll through Hahndorf
A trip to the Adelaide Hills would be incomplete without a stroll through the village of Hahndorf – Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Its leafy streets are lined with heritage buildings and traditional pubs, as well as a string of galleries, cafés and artisanal producers. Be sure to take an extra bag and fill it with treats from Udder Delights, Buzz Honey, Chocolate @ No. 5, and Harris Smokehouse.
Pick strawberries at Beerenberg Farm
There’s nothing quite like devouring a plump strawberry plucked straight from the patch. From November through to April, you can pick strawberries at Beerenberg Farm for $5 per person; the cost covers anything you eat on the spot, then it’s $10.95 per kilo for the berries you’d like to take home. Take a detour via the farm’s store and stock up on Beerenberg’s famous jams, chutneys and sauces. 2106 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, beerenberg.com.au
Visit Jurlique Farm
Immerse yourself in nature and book a behind-the-scenes guided tour of Jurlique’s magnificent biodynamic and organic farm. There, you’ll learn about the history of the much-loved Australian skincare brand, and discover the various herbs, flowers and plants that go into its products. For an extra-special experience, book the VIP tour, which ends with an afternoon of pampering at the spa. 31 Liebelt Rd, Biggs Flat, jurlique.com/au/biodynamic-farm-tour
STAY
Mount Lofty House and Sequoia Lodge
A stay at this beautiful 19th-century heritage property is a truly tranquil experience. Formerly the summer residence of pastoralist and politician Arthur Hardy, Mount Lofty House boasts uninterrupted views across Piccadilly Valley and offers a range of rooms, suites and cottages each with original details. In addition to its main manor, the hotel is due to open Sequoia Lodge in February, which will include 14 luxurious open-plan suites all complete with a stone fireplace, rain shower and freestanding bath. Guests will also have access to a private lounge with a sundeck and heated infinity pool. Luxury escapes don’t get much better than this. 1 Mawson Dr, Crafers, mtloftyhouse.com.au, sequoialodge.com.au
Jude Cabn
Disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature at Jude Cabn, a tiny 2.5m x 6m retreat cocooned by dense bushland. The off-the-grid cabin has everything you need for a comfortable yet adventurous escape in the great outdoors, including a king loft bed and daybed, a kitchenette and breakfast bar. cabn.life ●