The Must-Visit Wineries On Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is making a splash on the drinks front. Here’s the lowdown on the best wineries on Kangaroo Island with a brewer and distiller thrown in for good measure.

Whether watching a sunset over the Backstairs Passage with a glass of chilled chardonnay in hand, enjoying pizza and live music at a local brewery or sipping on spirits at a cutting-edge cellar door, here’s our guide to Kangaroo Island’s wineries, breweries and distillers.

Pouring wine in a glass, False Cape Wines, Kangaroo Island, South Australia — Enjoy a glass of Kangaroo Island’s award-winning wines. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

False Cape Winery

The history of growing grapes on KI dates back to the early 1900s and is woven into the island’s culture. False Cape Winery upcycled an old steel hay shed and patched it with recycled wood, jetty timbers and limestone to construct its cellar door, located on the Willson River, just 15 minutes from Penneshaw. Enjoy a glass of the award-winning Willson River riesling with a cheese platter and chunky homemade pie.

Aerial view, False Cape Wines, Kangaroo Island, South Australia — The history of growing grapes on KI is woven into the island’s culture. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Dudley Wines

The spectacular cellar door at Dudley Wines is perched on the clifftops of Kangaroo Island’s north coast, boasting endless ocean views across Backstairs Passage to mainland Australia. There are truly no Dudley duds; all the wines are winners. We love, love, love the Dudley Bubbly NV and 2018 Stud Shiraz. The cellar door menu includes platters, oozy grilled brie and gourmet pizzas; lunch bookings preferred.

Bay of Shoals

Arrive by yacht to Kangaroo Island and you will receive a discount at Bay of Shoals due to winemaker John Willoughby’s side obsession for sailing. Bay of Shoals’ cellar door and vineyard doubles as a maritime museum thanks to its vast collection of wooden boats and nautical flotsam and jetsam. Pair a bottle of sav blanc with a seafood platter of Spencer gulf prawns, smoked mussel pâté and hot-smoked salmon.

Springs Road Wines

The cellar door at Springs Road Wines is in a pitch-roofed tin shed on the northern part of Kangaroo Island. Turn off the Playford Highway and slice through the sheep paddocks and vineyards to arrive at the striking cellar door at Springs Road Wines, sister vineyard to Battle of Bosworth in McLaren Vale.

Pull up a pew on the deck to sip Springs Road little island fizz – a fresh and juicy sparkling shiraz/cabernet – or a full-bodied chardonnay.

Time your visit for Pizza on the Deck; check website for next session and book ahead to secure a spot.

Tin Cellar Door at Springs Road, Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia — The cellar door at Springs Road Wines is in a pitch-roofed tin shed.

Kangaroo Island Spirits

Inspiration for Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery, founded by Jon and Sarah Lark, came from Jon’s brother Bill, founder of the award-winning Lark Distillery in Tasmania. Kangaroo Island Spirits is now owned by the mighty Mighty Craft, which still operates out of the original cellar door.

Book a table in the Gin Garden to enjoy the Wild Gin, distilled using boobialla (KI’s native juniper).

Wild Gin and mixed drinks at Kangaroo Island Spirits, South Australia — Book a table in the Gin Garden to enjoy the Wild Gin. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The Islander Estate Vineyards

You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at The Islander Estate Vineyards . Sip on a selection of wines and nibble on a picnic-style platter of local artisanal produce at the tasting room, located near a crook in the Cygnet River. Learn about the history of the vineyard during a tutored tasting that touches on the measured style of winemaking favoured by Frenchman Jacques Lurton, who hails from Bordeaux.

Amadio Wines

Amadio Wines is located on one of the main streets of Kingscote on Kangaroo Island. It’s adjacent to Vino e Cucina in a beautiful heritage building. Kangaroo Islanders in the know head here to try a handful of Amadio’s best wines at the aptly named restaurant which is as much about the wines as the food. Work your way through the wine list until you’re woozy and then pick up a few bottles of your favourite varietals to take home.

Kangaroo Island Brewery

Although Kangaroo Island Brewery is the only brewery on KI, it’s a broad church when it comes to welcoming a diverse craft-beer audience. In addition to sampling brilliant brews from the onsite taproom – such as the Coastal Lager, Sheoak Stout and Indian Pale Ale – the brewery hosts regular tap takeovers. You can also get a decent bite to eat (pizzas on Fridays and Sundays; ploughman’s boards, burgers and fries every other day) in the rustic brewhouse, which was cobbled together using materials recycled from old piers, wharves and shearing sheds.

Kangaroo Island Ciders

Graham and Mary Jones planted an apple orchard on their Kangaroo Island property in 2004. From little things, big things grow. The enterprising couple have planted more than 30 different varieties of dessert apples and their humble cider house, Kangaroo Island Ciders , now produces a range of award-winning ciders and sparkling juices. You can sample four ciders in a tasting paddle at the cafe of nearby Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery .

Glasses of Cider at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery, Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia — You can sample four ciders in a tasting paddle at the nearby Emu Ridge Distillery.

Kangaroo Island Ligurian Honey Mead

Mead is also having a moment on KI: head to Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co to pick up a bottle of Kangaroo Island Ligurian Honey Mead . The ancient Greeks referred to honey mead as ‘ambrosia’ or ‘nectar’ and you can buy bottles of the stuff to bathe in and beautify your body when you visit Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co (formerly Island Beehive), which was one of the first organic honey producers in Australia. Beekeeper Peter Davis teamed up with Maxwell Wines to produce the mead and it’s on the money.

Honey drips off a hive frame at Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co — Pick up a bottle of mead made with honey from the Kangaroo Island Ligurian Bee Co. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

Where to eat

From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

Things to do outdoors

two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park — Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

The arts and culture scene

Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

Stay at a local retreat

Re’em yarra valley accommodation — Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.

The must-visit wineries on Kangaroo Island