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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Where to eat, sleep and visit on Grand Pacific Drive, and beyond

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Shellharbour Marina
Spend time in Shellharbour Marina.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven
Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog
Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum .  Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine.  Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood.
Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Cicada Luxury Camping
Unwind at Cicada Luxury Camping. (Image: DNSW)

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.