From the Adelaide Hills to the Barossa and Clare Valley, South Australian wine country is charming, inviting and a culinary heaven.
Stone cottages, Lutheran churches, heritage buildings and farm sheds…they are all embraced by restaurants and wineries to provide a unique ambience for locals and visitors to imbibe and dine in unparalleled fashion.
As we celebrate AGFG’s 2023 Chef Hat award winners, check out these six SA wine country dining destinations that are must visits:
A day of decadence in the Barossa Valley may be fully enjoyed with a visit to Hentley Farm (17), an award-winning establishment in Seppeltsfield. Spoiling guests with picturesque views, Hentley Farm’s interior reflects the landscape, built with charming stone walls and timber logs contrasted by glossy furnishings and a sleek bar holding a promise of Hentley Farm wine.
With a choice of dining experiences, guests are treated to a surprise selection of dishes every day from an ever-changing, seasonal-driven menu – think dishes like marron with celeriac, sea succulents and canola.
Expect an immersive sensory experience at St Hugo Restaurant (14) on Barossa Valley Way in Rowland Flat. Nestled in the heart of the Barossa Valley in a captivating setting overlooking the vineyard, this restaurant and winery pays tribute to winemaking legend Hugo Gramp in stunning surrounds of exposed brick, arched windows and recycled timber.
On balmy days head to the courtyard, built in 1850 and the place to while away a lazy afternoon tasting estate wine; before delving into seared duck breast, rocket and pickled fennel salad and jus, or crab, black fettuccine and crab shell butter.
An all-encompassing destination for wine tasting, functions, mouth-watering local cuisine and an enviable view, Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard (13) on Harris Road in Lenswood has fast warranted itself an enthusiastic loyal following. A rustic, barn-like cellar door has been expanded and refurbished with wide timber decks allowing diners to admire sweeping valley landscapes, as they sip estate wines and feast on delectable dishes.
Start a memorable meal with avocado, prawns, citrus and cucumber before mains such as Robarra barramundi, lemon myrtle, macadamia and broccoli, or ‘Rascal Jack’ pork, Jerusalem artichoke, potato and cabbage.
Nestled in Pikes Wines ‘Polish Hill River Estate’ in Sevenhill is award-winning restaurant SLATE (13). Take in picturesque views of estate vineyards from the alfresco deck with a glass of Riesling in hand, or dine indoors among a romantic and contemporary design of slate, stone and Tasmanian oak.
Start your culinary adventure with kingfish sashimi, leche de tigre, chia seed and nasturtium leaves before a main such as pan-fried barramundi, fennel croquette with orange and white wine cream, apple relish and sautéed greens.
Wine, dine and indulge the senses at Pike & Joyce Restaurant (13) on Mawson Road in Lenswood. Perched on top of the hill, you'll find panoramic views of the Onkaparinga Valley from a full glass frontage, where sipping an estate award-winning Chardonnay is highly recommended.
Experience Chef’s ever-changing dishes, such as seared scallops, beluga lentils, house speck, chestnut and bisque, or pork belly porchetta, black barley, quince, witlof and Pike’s stout glaze.
After exploring Clare Valley, take a sensory detour to Sevenhill where you will find hidden gem Bush DeVine Restaurant (12) within Paulett Winery. Work up an appetite by strolling through the indigenous Australian bush food garden, where DeVine takes inspiration and partly sources produce, before taking to alfresco dining to soak up serene views over delectable Modern Australian cuisine.
Make sure to sample the canapé and wine flight experience to enjoy the perfect pairing of delicious wines and native-inspired canapés, or devour potato gnocchi, duck leg and porcini ragu, native thyme and borlotti beans.
