South Australian Stories

Vineyards in Ashton in the Adelaide Hills

Feature Article

A world of food and wine, right on Adelaide's doorstep


From McLaren Vale to the Barossa, Clare Valley to the Adelaide Hills, there are more than 200 cellar doors within two hours' drive of Adelaide.

Nearest to the Adelaide CBD is the Adelaide Hills - only a 20 minute drive up the South Eastern Freeway. Over the past decade, the Adelaide Hills has developed to now rank among the world's best cool climate wine regions and is particularly known for its Sauvignon Blanc.

The Hills has also been traditionally known for its fresh and organic produce - visitors can pick their own strawberries at Beerenberg, taste indigenous herbs and spices at Tumbeela Native Bushfoods and make their own cheeses at Udder Delights.

Dining options include upmarket pub fare at The Stirling Hotel, locally sourced meals at The Locavore, organic-inspired dishes at The Stirling Organic Market Café and decadent afternoon teas at Chocolate at No5.

Wine country meets the coast in the picturesque McLaren Vale wine region, just an hour's drive south of Adelaide.

The contrast of the vineyards and the dramatic shoreline led this area to be chosen as the backdrop for the soon to be released Clive Owen film The Boys are Back. International critics are already raving about the "manicured vineyards" and "solitary beaches".

Must do activities while in the region include a scenic flight over the coast in a vintage Tiger Moth, a visit to the coveted Willunga Farmers' Market and a pizza at the legendary Russell's on a Friday night.

Seventy minutes' drive from Adelaide, the Barossa is arguably the home of Australian wine and the country's most authentic wine region. Here, Germanic pride mixes with Australian innovation to create a culture-rich destination that offers much to the visitor.

While the region has been made world famous for its bold red wines, it is also renowned for its dedication to Slow Food - the antithesis of the modern day phenomenon of mass produced, speedily executed fast food.

The Barossa Farmers' Market is perhaps the best place to get a taste of the region's unique food culture, while Maggie Beer's Farm Shop and the Barossa Valley Cheese Company are also hot spots for food lovers.

The Barossa's vineyards become newly stunning when viewed from a different angle. Start the day with a hot air balloon ride or, for a different pace, head into the skies with Barossa Helicopters. Alternatively, feel the fresh country air head-on with a ride in a three wheeled motorbike, courtesy of Barossa Trike Tours.

An hour's drive further north of the Barossa is the Clare Valley, where historic townships and vineyards nestle at the edge of the Outback.

The Clare Valley is rightly famous for its 35km Riesling Trail. This popular riding and walking track connects the valley's picture postcard towns and cellar doors.

Other highlights include art classes and workshops at Salon Rouge, the gourmet produce and picnic baskets at Wild Saffron and the historic Sevenhill Cellars - the oldest existing winery in the region founded by Jesuit priests.

Spotlight

Charles Carlow at home in his Wild Bush Luxury

Charles Carlow Born in Australia, schooled in the UK and with a work history that spans Thailand, South Africa and Hong Kong, Charles Carlow has a world of tourism knowledge.

As the head of Wild Bush Luxury, Charles has been responsible for developing some of the most outstanding tourism products in Australia. He has now brought his expertise to South Australia with the redevelopment of the historic Arkaba Station in the Flinders Ranges.

Formerly owned by Flinders stalwarts Dean and Lizzie Rasheed, Arkaba Station is a 60,000 acre (24,300ha) working sheep station located on the edge of the world famous geographical amphitheatre, Wilpena Pound.

The five bedroom heritage homestead, built in 1851, has undergone a complete refurbishment under the design eye of renowned wildlife artist Rosie Woodford Ganf, who has blended the rich hues and textures of the surrounding landscape with rustic luxury in the homestead's appointments.

"A trip to my mother's homeland, Kenya, when I was 11 years old sparked an interest in wildlife that has flourished over the years," Charles says.

"Africa has always been of interest to me since that first trip, and initial instincts led me to think of returning there. However, I have long been amazed at why Australia is not known in the way Africa is for its environment, nature and conservation."

A stay at Arkaba will include activities aimed to provide an insight into Outback life on a sheep station, while also showcasing the spectacular natural assets of the region.  Day trips into the gorges of the neighbouring Flinders Ranges National Park, guided bushwalks interpreting the rich Aboriginal culture of the region, mountain biking and scenic flights over the Ranges and Lake Eyre will all be on offer.

Wild Bush Luxury's Arkaba Station opens on November 1. For more information on the property, or to talk about media famil opportunities to Arkaba Station, please contact Tess Fisher at tess.fisher@tourism.sa.com.


 

New South Australian Products

The Kirche at Charles Melton Wines

The Kirche at Charles Melton Wines

An original German church, built just outside of Tanunda in the Barossa in 1864, has been transformed into a luxury vineyard retreat by the Charles Melton Wines group. The warmth and space of The Kirche (meaning 'church' in German) has been retained, with an open lounge/dining space in the church's main body, a kitchen featuring Angaston black granite benches in the former vestry and two large bedrooms - one upstairs and one downstairs. Vineyard views can be enjoyed from the verandah as well as through the large windows surrounding the full sized bath.

More information

 


Ambar Lounge

Ambar Lounge

A new bar offering funky cocktails, boutique beers, fine wines and unique 'grazing' food has opened downstairs at the Ambassadors Hotel on King William Street in Adelaide. The Ambar Lounge has been fitted out in a cozy, retro theme with intimate booths, plenty of cushions and smooth tunes creating a relaxed vibe. Spring cocktail specials include a caramelised apple mojito and a fruity 'Pacific Princess' punch. The food menu showcases seasonal local produce alongside international specialties with options including personalised cheese platters and housemade dips as well as healthy, organic salads, soups, gourmet sandwiches and rustic pizzas.

More information


Nullarbor Traveller's Real Aussie Golfing Experience Tour

Nullarbor Llinks Golf Course

Nullarbor Traveller has launched a series of tour packages to complement the world's longest golf course - the new 1400km Ceduna to Kalgoorlie Nullarbor Links. There are three different five-day packages available, with options including camping provisions, roadhouse accommodation, meals, beverages and exclusive chartered vehicles. All tours travel an average of 300km per day and include green fees, score cards and practical information. Advice on travel options to and from Ceduna and Kalgoorlie is also provided.

 

More information


Whistler Farm

Whistler Farm

Located just outside the Barossa town of Nuriootpa, the historic Whistler Farmhouse has been renovated and opened for accommodation as two self contained bed and breakfast suites. The 42-acre property is home to chickens, an olive grove and vegetable gardens, and guests are invited to help themselves to the fresh produce on offer. Maggie Beer's Farm Shop is also conveniently right next door for additional gourmet supplies. The beautiful farmhouse is the perfect base for tours of the region's legendary vineyards and wineries, including Whistler Wines, also owned and operated by the farm's Pfeiffer family.

More information


Events


Global Green Challenge car

Global Green Challenge (incorporating the World Solar Challenge)

24 - 31 October 2009

The Global Green Challenge is a trial and exhibition of ecologically friendly vehicles, running through the heart of Australia's iconic landscape. Stretching 3,000 kilometres from Darwin to Adelaide, the event puts technology, research, manufacturing advancement and sheer determination to the test as the cars of the future lead the drive towards a healthier planet.
The Global Green Challenge comprises two categories - the World Solar Challenge, for purely solar-powered vehicles, and the Eco Challenge, for environmentally-friendly produced and experimental vehicles.

More information

Horse at Three Day Event

Australian International Three Day Event

13 - 15 November 2009

The Australian International Three Day Event (AI3DE) is Australia's finest equestrian event. Held in the city's Rymill Park, the event will feature the country's best riders and equine athletes while also showing off Adelaide's beautiful gardens and relaxed lifestyle.
Various activities will be held across the weekend including the Mutual Community Cross Country Challenge; a family focused Cross Country Day; the 'Grape and Gourmet Gallop' food and wine fair; and the 'Dressage with the Stars' lunch, along with other entertainment.

More information

Upcoming Events in South Australia

OzAsia Festival

More Information

3 - 17 October 2009

Barossa Under the Stars (featuring John Farnham)

More Information

17 October 2009

Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations

More Information

16 - 19 October 2009

World Tang Soo Do Championships

More Information

31 October - 2 November 2009

Credit Union Christmas Pageant

More Information

14 November 2009

Feast - Adelaide's Lesbian and Gay Festival

More Information

14 - 29 November 2009

Quirky SA Facts

Look - it's a Land Rover on a pole!

Keith's Land Rover on a pole

Yes, at Keith in the State's southeast, an early model Land Rover is mounted on a pole by the side of the Dukes Highway.

The elevated Land Rover is part of a memorial to the region's land clearance scheme which ran between 1950 and 1964. Large areas of grazing land were sold to local farmers, greatly expanding the agricultural potential of the district. A small museum is also located alongside the Land Rover.

Corporate News

This month's corporate news headlines:

  • 1 September 2009 - Owen Primary School takes pageant honours
  • 2 September 2009 - South Australia stars in magazine's tourism awards
  • 3 September 2009 - ProTour licence extension confirmed for Santos Tour Down Under
  • 3 September 2009 - SA's world-class events go on the road
  • 4 September 2009 - 'Royal' float presented by pageant 'royal family'
  • 11 September 2009 - SA on show to North American travel agents
  • 14 September 2009 - Adelaide flies the flag for more flights in Beijing
  • 15 September 2009 - Lance Armstrong to star at Legend's Night Dinner 2010
  • 16 September 2009 - Tasting Australia's search for the best regional culinary teams
  • 20 September 2009 - Golden Oldies Hockey lights up Adelaide
  • 28 September 2009 - Santos Tour Down Under congratulates world champions

For full media releases, please contact Regan Pingel at regan.pingel@tourism.sa.com or Laura Dare at laura.dare@tourism.sa.com.

 

In Brief

Hills Chardonnay rated best in the world

Nepenthe's 2007 Ithaca Chardonnay has picked up the trophy for Best Chardonnay in the World at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London. It's the first time in ten years an Australian winery has won the Chardonnay trophy, with Nepenthe beating wine producers from countries including France, Chile and the US.
More information - www.nepenthe.com.au; email kylie@nepenthe.com.au; phone 08 8398 8888

 

Hahndorf winery announces new wine and chocolate experience

Hahndorf Hill Winery has announced it will launch 'ChocoVino - the sublime chocolate and wine taste experience' on 1 November.  Visitors will be able to sample the world's most luxurious chocolates matched to HHW wines in a new glass-enclosed tasting room daily from 11am to 5pm.
More information - www.hahndorfhillwinery.com.au; email cellardoor@hahndorfhillwinery.com.au; phone 08 8388 7512

 

Croquet, music and sparkling Pinot at Hills cellar door

Bird in Hand Winery in the Adelaide Hills will hold a 'Croquet and Croquettes Afternoon' on Sunday 25 October. The afternoon will include sparkling Pinot Noir on arrival, afternoon aperitivi and a social croquet match on the lawns with smooth grooves provided by Adelaide DJ Tom Cotter.
More information - www.birdinhand.com.au; Hayley Conolly: email public@birdinhand.com.au; phone 08 8389 9488

 

Wine and wildflower walks at Sinclair's Gully

Wine tastings will be served within Sinclair's Gully's endangered candlebark forest on weekends throughout October. Visitors are invited to wander among native wildflowers and learn more about sustainable land practices at the eco-certified cellar door. Twlilight tastings will then recommence in November, when Black Cockatoos are expected to fill the forest each day at sunset.
More information - www.sinclairsgully.com; email wine@sinclairsgully.com; phone 08 8390 1995

 

New events at the National Wine Centre

A new 'Regional Series' program has been launched at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide. The fortnightly one night master classes will each focus on a single South Australian region. A new art exhibition by Moira McClaren has also just opened at the centre.
More information - www.wineaustralia.com.au; email marcia@winesa.asn.au; phone 08 8222 9277

 

Barossa pizza maker named Australia's best

Damon de Ruiter from Angaston's 40's Café has been named the best pizza maker in the country in the 2009 Dairy Famers Best of the Best Pizza Challenge. From 2600 pizzerias Australia-wide, Damon topped the gourmet pizza category with his 'smokey' pizza before taking out the overall title with a Wagyu, triple brie and rocket creation. He will now go on to the world championships in Las Vegas in 2010.
More information - www.40scafe.com.au; email E40s@40scafe.com.au; phone 08 8564 2901

 

New beachside backpacker hostel for Fleurieu Peninsula

YHA has announced it will renovate an historic building in Port Elliot, an hour's drive from Adelaide, re-opening the former residential facility as backpacker-style accommodation. The hostel is expected to be completed by Christmas and will offer affordable, quality rooms for individuals, families and groups.
More information - Di Caught or Richard Mussell at YHA: email di@yhasa.org.au or richard@yhasa.org.au; phone 08 8414 3006 or 08 8414 3007

 

Arkaba Station prepares for grand re-opening

The refurbishment of the Arkaba Station homestead in the Flinders Ranges has entered its final month, with the grand re-opening scheduled for 1 November. The heritage homestead will retain its five bedrooms, library, shady verandahs and breakfast room, while a wet-edge pool has been added. The station will also continue to offer a range of tours and activities in the surrounding region.
More information - www.arkabastation.com; Kerry Lorimer: email kerry@splashcomm.com; phone 0411 550 329

 

Six new adventure and romance packages from Port Lincoln Hotel

Port Lincoln Hotel has teamed up with Wilderness Wanders, Adventure Bay Charters and Calypso Star Charters to offer several new marine adventure packages, including the chance to swim with sea lions and sharks. The hotel has also launched two luxury indulgence escapes and a specialty seafood package.
More information - www.portlincolnhotel.com.au; email reservations@portlincolnhotel.com.au; phone 1300 766 100

 

Whyalla Hotel transformation

The historic Whyalla Hotel, built in 1933, has been gutted and refurbished to house serviced apartments. The hotel is now operating as The Playford Whyalla and offers 16 self contained suites, all with fully equipped kitchens, lounge rooms and modern comforts.
More information - Jo Queen: phone 0417 799 910

 

New General Manager to oversee Mount Lofty House redevelopment

Young hotelier Jessie Sheehan has been appointed the new General Manager of Mount Lofty House in the Adelaide Hills. The historic hotel is currently undergoing extensive renovations and new construction to refresh its reputation as a boutique hotel, wedding venue and conference retreat destination.
More information - www.mtloftyhouse.com.au; email Jessie.sheehan@mtloftyhouse.com.au; phone 08 8339 6777

 

Weekend of activities to launch new science hub

Adelaide's new RiAus Science Centre will be launched with events over the weekend 9 - 11 October. Activities will be held in the building and nearby Victoria Square and will include intellectual discussions, guided tours, science shows, art exhibitions and a time and space themed family fun day on the Sunday.
More information - www.riaus.org.au; Callie Rose: email Callie.Rose@ppr.com.au; phone 0419 891 403

 

Kids' classes at McLaren Vale art studio

Red Poles Gallery and Café will hold a series of art workshops for children during the October school holidays. Classes will include drawing, sculpture, collage, basket weaving and juggling. A new exhibition of illustration and jewellery inspired by Dante Alighieri's book 'Vita Nuova' will also open in the gallery on 3 October.
More information - www.redpoles.com.au; email redpoles@bigpond.net.au; phone 08 8323 8994

 

Rare white whale sighted off Fleurieu Peninsula

A rare juvenile white Southern Right Whale has been spotted playing with a group of 16 other whales, 30 metres from the Fleurieu Peninsula shoreline. The calf was seen on Thursday 24 September however frequent whale sightings are continuing off the South Australian coast late in the season, much to the delight of whale watchers.
More information - Natalie Perkins, SA Whale Centre Coordinator: email nperkins@victor.sa.gov.au; phone 08 8551 0753

 

SA writer features in new Lonely Planet guides

Adelaide Hills based writer Charles Rawlings-Way has contributed South Australian content to two new Lonely Planet books. 'Central Australia: Adelaide to Darwin' (1st edition) is in bookshops now and 'Australia' (15th edition) will be released next month. 
More information - Charles Rawlings-Way: email crawlings_way@yahoo.com.au; phone 0407 551 087

 

Battle for the heaviest pumpkin announced

The first Murray River Giant Pumpkin Competition will be held in 2010, with $1000 worth of prizes to be won. The contest will be judged at the Cadell Easter Harvest Festival on Saturday 3 April, where other activities will include carp throwing, scarecrow making and cockroach racing.
More information - www.cadell.org.au; Jason Baguley: email giantpumpkin@morgan.org.au; phone 0429 800 095

 

New additions to the SATC Media Gallery

New images of the Murraylands, Flinders Ranges and Adelaide Hills are now available on the SATC Media Gallery. Quick links to the collections are listed on the homepage and images can be ordered through the site.
More information - www.media.southaustralia.com