In Part One of our Best Winery Experiences around the country, we head to South Australia to visit The Lane, Penfolds, Jacob's Creek, Seppeltsfield and d'Arenberg. Creative, indulgent and revealing, one of these winery experiences could be the highlight of your next long weekend away.
Adelaide Hills
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir & Sparkling
You need only drive 20 minutes from the capital to Enter The Land of the Long Lunch. At The Lane Vineyard, hidden away in the quaint Adelaide Hills (a mere 3km from the historic village of Hahndorf), turn off your phone, sit back in style and simply indulge in a 3-course tasting menu. It's a celebration of uniquely South Australian ingredients (think seafood from the Southern Ocean), paired with a flight of this modern winemaker's small batch, Single Vineyard wines.
Enter The Land of the Long Lunch at The Lane Vineyard, Adelaide Hills. Image courtesy of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.
Even closer to Adelaide, Magill to be precise, you'll find the original home of the Grange. On the Penfolds Iconic Experience you'll explore Penfolds Magill Estate – the iconic and heritage-listed vineyard dating back to 1844. Visit the Grange Cottage, vintage cellar, and uncover the original hiding spot of Max Schubert's hidden Grange. Enjoy a structured tasting of the historic vineyard's most coveted wines, before retreating to a private room for a 3-course lunch.
Penfolds Iconic Experience at Penfolds Magill Estate. Image courtesy of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.
The Barossa
Shiraz & Riesling
If your MasterChef application fell on deaf ears, joining one of the Jacob's Creek Cooking Classes might be the very next best thing. Stunning al-fresco kitchen? Check. Beautiful edible garden? Check. Led by the talented Jacob's Creek Chefs, this hands-on experience at the historic cottages of the Jacob's Creek Visitors Centre involves picking fresh produce which is specially prepared into a gourmet meal. Enjoy a leisurely lunch matched with your favourite Jacob’s Creek wines.
Jacob's Creek Cooking CLasses at Jacob's Creek Visitors Centre, The Barossa. Image courtesy of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.
Like a fine wine, they say we get better with age. Or maybe with a few wines, we feel better about our age. We'll let you be the judge on the unique Taste Your Birth Year tour at Seppeltsfield Wines. Venture down into the renowned Centennial Cellar and try your own birth years' vintage Tawny – directly from the barrel. Accompanied by one of Seppeltfield's wine educators, you're in for a fascinating insight into the aging process of premium fortified wine.
Taste Your Birth Year at Seppeltsfield Wines, The Barossa. Image courtesy of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.
McLaren Vale
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre Grenache & Chardonnay
McLaren Vale is internationally renowned for its red varietals, and it's more than likely the Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon produced at the family owned d'Arenberg winery has contributed to this. Fourth generation winemaker, Chester Osborn, and his team have made room for you on The Blending Bench, where you get to play winemaker. Find balance, fullness and finesse, then bottle a 750ml sample of the fruits of your labour. Boasting to friends is encouraged.
The Blending Bench at d'Arenberg, McLaren Vale. Image courtesy of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.
The Pick Of The Cellar?
Cruise through the picturesque Adelaide Hills in the latest BMW 7 Series to The Lane Vineyard, Where Old Meets New. A member of the Edwards Family will meet you and host your winery tour, including a curated tasting of landmark vintages in the vineyard block, as the Chef brings small morsels of food to match. From here, you'll enter the land of the long lunch, seated at the best table in the vineyard restaurant where you'll enjoy a spectacular degustation menu. Prices vary per winery experience. These South Australian wineries are part of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia – a hand-picked collection of premium wineries where tasting great wine is only part of the experience.
