15 Adelaide Hills wineries you must visit

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Stop by for a glass of wine, stay for a long lunch or even settle in for an overnight stay at these incredible Adelaide Hills wineries.

The Adelaide Hills is one of South Australia’s best wine regions – with award-winning wineries, charming cellar doors and incredible vineyard accommodation – all but a short drive from the city. With more than 50 cellar doors touting delicious cool-climate wines to choose from, we’ve made your choice a little easier, with 15 must-visit Adelaide Hills wineries.

1. Longview Vineyard

This family-owned vineyard was established in 2001 on a former dairy just outside the historic town of Macclesfield. Set on 65 hectares, Longview Vineyard creates single-vineyard, estate-grown wines.

the lush and verdant grapevines at Longview Vineyard
Longview Vineyard is on a former dairy farm. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

The property’s southern location in the Adelaide Hills accounts for a slightly higher temperature for the region.

The vineyard’s undulating landscape covers all aspects and exposures creating a unique spectrum, including a large planting of nebbiolo and barbera varieties.

friends walking the paved path along Longview Vineyard
While away the afternoon strolling around the verdant Longview Vineyard. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

The cellar door and kitchen, which serves Italian-inspired fare, are housed in a 1918 pink sandstone cottage. Stop by for a glass on any day of the week or book a tasting and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday.

The property also features accommodation including 12 suites, a restored homestead, and a brand-new lodge with a spa, if you fancy staying longer.

a couple ordering drinks inside the cellar door of Longview Vineyard
Sample wines on offer at the cellar door. (Image: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 154 Pound Road, Macclesfield

2. Shaw + Smith

Established in 1989 by cousins Michael Hill Smith MW and Martin Shaw, Shaw + Smith has three vineyards in Lenswood, Piccadilly and Balhannah.

a stack of wine barrels at Shaw + Smith
Tour inside the Shaw + Smith’s cellar door. (Image: Andre Castellucci)

It grows varieties that suit the cool climate of the region – sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz. Its contemporary tasting room in Balhannah has views of the Mount Lofty range.

Settle in for a wine flight, with the option to pair with small plates from the cold larder menu. Behind-the-scenes tours are also available.

green grapes harvested from Shaw + Smith vineyard in Adelaide Hills
Shaw + Smith cultivates grapes that suit the cool climate of the region. (Image: Andre Castellucci)

Address: 136 Jones Road, Balhannah

3. Hahndorf Hill

On the edge of the historic German town of Hahndorf, Hahndorf Hill is a boutique vineyard that pioneered the cultivating of Austrian grape varieties in Australia, including blaufrankisch, zweigelt, st laurent and the signature white grape gruner veltliner, which is affectionately named Gru.

the cellar door of Hahndorf Hill surrounded by a vineyard
Hahndorf Hill’s cellar door is set in the heart of the vineyard. (Image: Cheryl Smith)

Set in the heart of the vineyard, the cellar door is open Monday to Saturday, offering wine flights, glasses, cheese platters, chocolate and wine matching and even ice cream and wine matching.

a wine flight and cheese plate overlooking the vines
Delight in wine and cheese platters at Hahndorf Hill. (Image: Cheryl Smith)

Address: 38 Pain Road, Hahndorf

4. Simon Tolley

Fifth-generation vigneron Simon Tolley is a traditionalist, creating small batches of high-quality wine at his 22-hectare Adelaide Hills winery.

a bartender mixing wines at Simon Tolley, Adelaide Hills
Simon Tolley produces small batches of high-quality wine. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Flavour-rich and balanced, Tolley’s wine varieties include syrah, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. The cellar door is open Thursday to Monday and serves produce platters, breadboards and jaffles with wine tasting.

Guests can also opt to stay among the vineyards in Simon Tolley Lodge, which accommodates 10 guests in five bedrooms and has sprawling vineyard views.

friends relaxing at Simon Tolley by the fire on a rainy afternoon
Cosy up by the fire on cold days. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 278 Bird in Hand Road, Woodside

5. Golding Wines

On the outskirts of Lobethal, this family-owned winery is situated on 32 hectares high in the Adelaide Hills. Here they grow sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot noir, shiraz and savagnin.

an outdoor picnic setup with a triangle tent overlooking the vines at Golding Wines
Share wines and snacks overlooking the vineyard. (Image: Adelaide Hills Wine Region)

The tasting room is located within the stone barn and is open daily, offering structured wine flights paired with bite-sized dishes crafted in the on-site restaurant Gingko, which serves seasonal plates designed to share. Children are also welcome, with specially designed kids’ flights.

a plate of food at Gingko restaurant, Golding Wines
Pair your wine with seasonal plates on offer. (Image: Adelaide Hills Wine Region)

Amp up your tasting by booking a Nido Experience, where you’re served a five-course lunch and wines in a hand-woven nest-like space on the vineyard; a Wine Safari, during which you’ll explore the property stopping for wine tasting and snacks along the way; or a Picnic Experience, whether that’s a group picnic with table service or a bespoke hamper to enjoy on the lawn.

friends enjoying the Nido Experience at Golding Wines
Enjoy the Nido Experience in a hand-woven nest-like space. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Address: 52 Western Branch Road, Lobethal

6. Greenhill Wines

Greenhill Wines is in the Piccadilly Valley, where you come for the wine and stay for the seasonally driven Mediterranean menu.

a look inside the cellar door of Greenhill Wines
Sit down for a glass of pinot noir or chardonnay. (Image: Greenhill Wines)

The cafe and cellar door are housed within a 144-year-old cottage with views over the valley and to Mount Bonython. The Adelaide Hills winery is part of the Piccadilly Trail, a region that specialises in pinot noir and chardonnay.

The trail comprises three other local wineries: Ashton Hills Vineyard, CRFT Wines and Tapanappa.

the lush vineyard of Greenhill Wines
Greenhill Wines is nestled in the Piccadilly Valley. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Address: 1016 Greenhill Road, Summertown

7. The Lane Vineyard

Set on 42 hectares in Balhannah, close to the village of Hahndorf, The Lane first started producing wine in the 1990s, staying committed to creating quality, handcrafted wines to this day. The contemporary Tasting Room is open daily and overlooks the vineyards and state-of-the-art winery. The Restaurant serves a five-course Provenance menu using local ingredients. The outdoor Terrace is a relaxing space to enjoy a glass of wine from the kiosk bar.

At the Tasting Room, guests can book tasting flights, a blend-your-own experience or a degustation experience with matched wines and small dishes available. For something truly memorable, there’s an Ultimate ATV Experience around the property with a winemaker, an Elevated Tasting Flight, which also includes a private helicopter and gin-tasting experience, and more.

Address: 5 Ravenswood Lane, Hahndorf

8. Bird in Hand

This 32-hectare family-owned vineyard in Woodside is known not only for its award-winning cool-climate wines but also for its food and arts offerings.

an aerial view of the winery and vineyard at Bird in Hand
Bird in Hand is a well-known Adelaide Hills winery. (Image: Erik Rosenberg)

The grounds here are adorned with original works including sculptures in the gardens and paintings throughout the buildings. And its on-site restaurant LVN has recently been reimagined with sleek and chic interiors with a curated collection of Australian art; its dishes are plated like works of art themselves.

Its cellar door is open daily, hosting guided wine flights and a seasonal snack menu. Guests can enjoy their tasting in the Mediterranean-style terraced gardens or by the fire in the barrel hall.

a plate of food with wine at Bird in Hand
Wine and dine at the sleek and chic winery. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Address: 150 Pfeiffer Road, Woodside

9. Sinclair’s Gully Winery

Making small-batch, hand-crafted artisanal wines, Sinclair’s Gully in Norton Summit is known for its sparkling with four of their fizzy drops rated more than 91 points by James Halliday. You can book a session at the rustic cellar door to make your very own bottle of bubbles to take home. Or come to enjoy one of the many live music events held here under shady gums on the property, where you can BYO picnic and enjoy with a glass of wine.

Address: 288 Colonial Drive, Norton Summit

10. Barristers Block

This Woodside winery has been producing tempranillo, sauvignon blanc, fiano, chardonnay and pinot noir at its cool-climate winery since 1997.

friends strolling around Barristers Block
Barristers Block is surrounded by large lawns and sprawling vineyards. (Image: Ryan Cantwell)

Today the property also includes The Kitchen, where tasting platters and woodfired pizza are served daily, and The Villa, a three-bedroom accommodation surrounded by lush countryside. It also hosts events from wine-tasting experiences to live music.

The beauty is, you can take your kids along and they’ll have just as much fun. There are large lawns, a sandpit for playing and an enclosure with farm animals, including chickens, geese, horses and sheep.

a tasting platter with wine on the table at Barristers Block
Spend an afternoon at Barristers Block. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 141 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Woodside

11. Sidewood Estate

This is Adelaide Hill’s largest certified sustainable winery spread over 91 hectares of vineyards.

The grapes here are hand-picked, sheep are used to return organic fertiliser, reduce chemical input and machinery use, and solar runs 50 per cent of the facility’s consumption. It has also achieved Five Red Star Accreditation from James Halliday, and its cellar door and restaurant in Hahndorf are a must-visit.

Located in the old apple shed at the front of the estate, guests can enjoy interactive wine flights (including a zero-alcohol wine flight), wine-tasting masterclasses and even a class to learn the art of Sabrage.

friends sitting in the courtyard of Sidewood Estate
Sidewood Estate is Adelaide Hill’s largest certified sustainable winery. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 6 River Road, Hahndorf

12. Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard

This boutique family-owned Lenswood vineyard is rated five stars by James Halliday and boasts some of the best views in the region.

the lush and verdant vineyard landscape at Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard
Soak up views of the vineyard at Mt Lofty Ranges. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Established in 1992 on a former apple orchard, single-vineyard wine varieties include shiraz, sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir.

The hosted wine tastings take guests from vineyard to glass, accompanied by canapes from the restaurant. Take a seat for lunch or a Friday night sunset dinner alongside live music on the timber deck or inside by the fireplace.

friends enjoying a wine tasting platter with wines
Take a seat for lunch or a sunset dinner. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 166 Harris Road, Lenswood

13. Deviation Road

This boutique winery in Longwood is owned by a husband-and-wife team. Hamish Laurie, whose great-great-grandmother was South Australia’s first female winemaker, and Kate Laurie, who trained at Lycée Viticole d’Avize in Champagne. Because of this, Deviation Road is known for its award-winning sparkling.

a couple sitting under an umbrella in the vineyard at Deviation Road, Adelaide Hills
Deviation Road is known for its award-winning sparkling. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The tasting room is nestled on the 50-hectare property, a short drive from Stirling, and is opened daily. Seasonal guided wine flights can be accompanied by the all-day grazing menu designed to share.

There’s also a small selection of beer and non-alcoholic drinks available.

a wine tasting flight with a grazing platter at Deviation Road, Adelaide Hills
Pair your wine with a grazing platter. (Image: Ryan Cantwell)

Address: 207 Scotts Creek Road, Longwood

14. K1 By Geoff Hardy

In 1986, fifth-generation winemaker Geoff Hardy – a descendent of wine industry pioneer Thomas Hardy – established this cool-climate vineyard in the Kuitpo region of the Adelaide Hills.

The family-owned and operated winery was named K1 because it was the first commercial planting of vines in the region.

an aerial view of K1 By Geoff Hardy winery estate surrounded by a lake
K1 By Geoff Hardy’s winery estate has a decidedly alpine feel.

Guests arrive via an avenue of trees to a lakehouse that houses the charming cellar door, which is centred around a handcrafted wooden bench crafted from a 400-year-old red gum and has a decidedly alpine feel.

Enjoy a tasting of K1’s single-vineyard wines and a cheese platter on the deck overlooking the lake, or book a horse ride through the vines with Bluestone Equestrian Centre (subject to availability).

the lakehouse property at K1 By Geoff Hardy
Inside the charming lakehouse, you’ll find the cellar door. (Image: Andrew Correll)

Address: 159 Tynan Road, Kuitpo

15. Cobbs Hill Estate

Cobbs Hill Estate dates to the mid-1800s, when the property was used as pastures for horses employed to pull the Cobb & Co. stagecoaches.

people tasting wines inside the cellar door of Cobbs Hill Estate
Sip on estate-grown sparkling, white and red varieties from the menu. (Image: Ryan Cantwell)

Today the 100-hectare property comprises farmland for cattle and sheep and 28 hectares of vineyards, which were planted more than two decades ago. As well as estate-grown sparkling, white and red varieties, Cobbs Hill Estate makes gin. The cellar door is open daily for tastings, with exclusive wine masterclasses also available to book.

The on-site Terrace & Garden Dining serves a farm-to-plate menu using local and estate-grown produce, or pre-book a romantic picnic for two, which comes with a bottle of wine and can be savoured in the garden with sprawling views of the vineyards and beyond.

friends drinking wine in the al fresco area surrounded by lush greenery
Drink wine overlooking the vines at Cobbs Hill Estate. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Address: 382 Swamp Road, Oakbank

Megan Arkinstall
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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8 Red Centre locations to explore after seeing the new movie, Kangaroo

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film
See Kangaroo, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre
Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move
Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs
Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs
Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs
Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs
Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs
Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs
Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.