FLIGHTS OF FANCY

Dandelion Vineyards has opened its state-of-the-art Wonder Room in McLaren Vale, with a choice of wine-tasting experiences paired with seasonal estate-grown produce.

ADREAM 16 years in the making, Dandelion Vineyards has unveiled its Wonder Room and tasting experience at Firehawk Farm in McLaren Vale. Winemaker and founder of Dandelion Vineyards Elena Brooks says a lifelong search to appreciate and understand the essence of wine and its terroir first led her and her husband, Zar, on a vinous treasure hunt to McLaren Vale, and the establishment of Dandelion Vineyards in 2007.

“We’ve dreamed of opening our Wonder Room ever since we started Dandelion Vineyards,” says Elena. “Firehawk Farm is the perfect location for visitors to experience our vineyard and the region, and to taste our award-winning wines.”

Situated on the elevated ridge of Firehawk Farm, the stunning space enjoys 180-degree views over the estate vineyards and rolling slopes of McLaren Vale to the Willunga Escarpment and Gulf of St Vincent beyond, with floor-to-ceiling windows and amphitheatre-style steps framing the idyllic vistas.

The Wonder Room was thoughtfully repurposed from the footprint of the old tractor shed to create a space that blends rustic features with warm tones and clean lines. “The design takes in the natural assets of the location, and the re-use of the original building highlights what can be achieved through adaptive architecture,” says Elena.

Visitors to the Wonder Room can immerse themselves in this spectacular setting and the label’s premium South Australian wines with a choice of three tasting tiers. Each flight features five wines, with the experience lasting around 75 minutes. Instead of offering à la carte dining, each wine flight includes complimentary small plates of seasonal, estate-grown produce curated by chef Chris Bone.

The $33 Experience tells the story of Dandelion Vineyards via five selected wines from the Adelaide Hills, McLaren

Vale and Barossa. The $66 Experience shines the spotlight on five wines from the limestone- and ironstone-rich soils of Firehawk Farm, including remarkable grenache, shiraz, and petite sirah wines. The ultimate expression of Dandelion Vineyards, the $99 Experience includes icon wines and rare museum releases. ⬤