THE WORLD’S BEST FOOD & WINE
South Australia bursts with flavour, thanks to its world-famous wine regions, the freshest ingredients and the experimental chefs who call it home
“There is a wine region and winery for every taste
SOUTH Australians are passionate about the good things in life. After all, this is a state that is home to four of the country’s finest wine regions, with a Mediterranean climate that coaxes everything to grow and a sweeping coastline that practically delivers fresh seafood to its door.
Capital Adelaide isn’t just an exciting cultural hub, it is also the playground of top chefs, celebrating local flavours in their buzzing restaurants. Journey to its green outskirts to discover wineries, distilleries and breweries, chocolatiers and farms churning rich cheeses.
There is even a driving route you can follow to sample the state’s finest delicacies. The Epicurean Way wends its way through the countryside and along the coast, weaving together the four wine regions, spectacular varied scenery from mountains to beaches, and picturesque towns packed with foodie delights. It is the perfect way to explore, with no drive betweeen each wine region lasting more than two hours. I’LL DRINK TO THAT THE chances are you’ve sipped on a full-bodied Shiraz from the Barossa, or perhaps even sampled the delicate flavours of a Riesling from the Clare Valley, while the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale also send exceptional wines around the world.
In South Australia, there is a wine region and winery for every taste. Want to explore the state’s rich winemaking heritage? Then head to Barossa, where Yalumba planted its first vines in 1849. Tour the winery’s historic grounds or, if you really want to treat yourself, enjoy a private tasting of its rarest wines along with a lunch cooked by a local chef.
In McLaren Vale, d’Arenberg has become as famous for its quirky architecture as its fine wines and hundred-year history. You can’t miss its distinctive Rubik’s Cube-style building, a fascinating wine centre where you can taste wines, learn about aromas and
“Taste wines and enjoy a gourmet meal by the vines
enjoy an unforgettable gourmet meal looking out over the vines.
Then there is Bird in Hand, in the Adelaide Hills, where you are likely to discover a modern art exhibition or an alfresco music festival as you are to sip on delightful wines or enjoy a lunch at its farm-to-table restaurant. This winery is all about the good things in life.
DINE IN STYLE
THE great thing about touring South Australia’s wine regions is the mix of experiences on offer. You’ll buy direct from local producers, enjoy wine-paired meals at stunning wineries and visits to restaurants set up by some of Australia’s most exciting chefs. In Barossa, take to two wheels to try the Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail. Like a glorified ‘pick your own’, you’ll be handed a map and basket so you can stop off at different spots and pick up all your favourite ingredients for a picnic lunch.
In McLaren Vale, Willunga Farmers’ Market is a great place to try local cheeses, chocolates, honey and organic fruit and vegetables each Saturday. And in the Adelaide Hills, you should head to Lot 100, a collaboration with two local chefs who also serve craft ciders and ales, gins and wines from local producers.
In Adelaide itself you’re spoilt for choice. Orana is one of Australia’s top restaurants, serving up contemporary dishes using indigenous ingredients. Explore South African flavours at award-winning Africola, Adelaide’s strong Italian influences at Chianti and Japanese at Shobosho: the food scene is like a map of Adelaide’s mixed heritage.
But the true delight of Adelaide’s restaurant scene is that everywhere, from the smallest hole-in-the-wall eatery to elegant fine-dining restaurants, is focused on celebrating South Australia’s culinary riches.