Stay
THE BARN HEATHCOTE
55 Wilson Road, Heathcote qantas.com/stay
About 10 minutes out of town, this timber barn has been transformed into a stylish lair with a large living room, fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, loft bedroom and outhouse with an eco pump toilet. It’s an Airbnb property set on two hectares – expect visitors of the furry, bouncy variety in the mornings. THE CELLARS AT HEATHCOTE II
290 Cornella-Toolleen Road, Toolleen thecellars.heathcote2.com
A 20-minute drive from Heathcote, The Cellars is the standout among the region’s accommodation offerings. In these four sophisticated private villas, the Scandi-chic timber interiors are furnished with Eames dining chairs and armchairs by Melbourne designer Jardan. Each villa has a well-appointed kitchen and a deck overlooking olive groves and sheep paddocks. Thoughtful touches abound – USB ports, electric blinds – but the biggest drawcard is the temperature-controlled stone cellar stocked with local and international wines that have influenced Heathcote II’s own winemaking.
If you don’t want to drive HEATHCOTE GRAPE ESCAPE TOURS
heathcotegrapeescape.com.au
Having lived in the area and built relationships with the winemakers for more than 15 years, Joe Nigro has a level of knowledge rarely seen in a wine tour. On a half- or full-day excursion, you’ll have plenty of time to absorb it all. The tours are usually by bus but a car can be arranged for a tailored experience in which you visit up to five wineries.