Stay
WINES FOR JOANIE FARM COTTAGE 163 Glendale Road, Sidmouth hotel. qantas.com.au/winesforjoaniecottage
Set amid the Tamar Valley hills, Wines for Joanie Farm Cottage is a 1940s one-bedroom residence complete with an antique queen bed, vintage leather wingback lounge, fireplace and kitchenette. Your nearest neighbours are the farmyard animals: pigs, horses and wine dogs Squeak and Lou. There are many cellar doors within driving – and even walking – distance. Swinging Gate Vineyard, just next door, is a must-visit.
RED FEATHER INN 42 Main Street, Hadspen hotel.qantas.com.au/redfeatherinn
At first glance, the quiet little town of Hadspen doesn’t seem like the place to find luxury boutique accommodation. But it dates back to colonial times and many of the buildings in the area are heritage-listed, including the Red Feather Inn. Built in 1842, it’s made up of five suites and three cottages, all decorated in French Provincial style and each featuring a unique design. The Garden Suite, for example, is two storeys and opens directly onto the beautiful garden area, while Pearce’s Cottage sleeps six and has a spacious sitting area, private garden and its own laundry. The original sandstone fireplaces have been retained throughout the main inn and the bathrooms all have freestanding bathtubs and walk-in showers.
If you don’t want to drive PRESTIGE LEISURE TOURS
Leave the car behind and have Prestige Leisure Tours (prestigeleisuretours.com.au) ferry you around the valley. They will pick you up from your accommodation for a private or small-group trip, with a choice of four, five or six cellar door stops. You can help select the wineries on your itinerary or simply sit back and leave it to your experienced driver. Just make sure Goaty Hill Wines at Kayena is on your list.