How to Spend a Weekend Getaway in the Adelaide Hills
Less than an hour away from Adelaide’s city centre, South Australia’s Adelaide Hills is the perfect weekend destination for when you want to experience restaurants, wineries, historic towns and family-friendly activities.
Think indulgence, breathtaking views, charming villages and of course, a trip to the Beerenberg Family Farm.
So head for the hills, there are so many fun things to discover that we bet you’ll be back for another trip in no time. Here are our suggestions for the ultimate weekend.
STAY:
The Haus Studio Apartments
To experience something a little more ‘homey’ than a standard hotel room, The Haus Studio Apartments include 14 self-contained hideaways just off the main street of Hahndorf. One or two bedroom apartments are available and have a self-catering kitchen with a two-stove cooktop, microwave, toaster, refrigerator and kettle. And yes, there’s free WiFi for all you social media addicts. What’s more, if you can’t really be bothered cooking, The Haus café + bar + kitchen is right next door.
EAT:
Maximilian’s Restaurant
For the quintessential hills dining experience, Maximilian’s is it. With an impressive view over a lake and vineyard, the menu is constantly updated to reflect the seasons and celebrate the tastes of the region. Whether you like fine dining, casual bar menus or you’re booking a group, there are options to suit all tastebuds.
Seasonal Garden
If you’re known as the health-conscious one, the Seasonal Garden Café is a delicious spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch during your travels. Easily located on the main street of Hahndorf, this café extends out to a magical garden where you can sit and tuck into your bowl of goodness. And, if you need a sweet treat (but still of the healthy kind), they have a very impressive selection of raw cakes. We dare you to resist.
Hahn & Hamlin
Is supporting local your jam? Then plan a dinner at Hahn & Hamlin, a providore and café that sources only artisan-made products from the Adelaide Hills and South Australia. Located in a charming heritage cottage built in the late 1800s, they’re open for breakfast and lunch and now, dinner. Enjoy locally made wines and enticing South Australian gins and cocktails with your meal, for a truly decadent experience. It’s all about experiencing the best flavours from across the state.
DRINK:
If you know anything about the hills, you’ll know there’s an abundance of great wineries in almost every town. Here’s a few we recommend visiting for a drop of the good stuff.
The Lane Vineyard
For decadent long lunches, panorama experiences and educational tastings, The Lane Vineyard in Hahndorf is a breathtaking must-visit. With a suite of exquisite wines to their name and a passion for delicious food, The Lane offers a range of tasting experiences that promise to delight your senses.
Golding Wines
Just a short skip and a jump outside of Lobethal you’ll find the gorgeous gardens and vineyards of Golding Wines. This hills gem is home to some delicious award-winning wines which you can pair with a moreish regional cheese board. In summer you can admire the gardens and in winter you can cosy up by the roaring fireplace.
Image credit: Adelaide Hills Wine Region / South Australian Tourism Commission
Pike & Joyce
For wine and an incredible view, Pike & Joyce in the heart of Lenswood is another must-visit. Perched 593m above sea level, you can sit back and enjoy their crisp delicate wines, while perusing their art exhibitions or enjoying lunch or a regional platter.
Shaw + Smith Winery
Named the Best Large Cellar Door by Gourmet Traveller in 2018, it’s more than worth a trip to Shaw + Smith for a sip of their wine flights. A little taster of their new releases with three local kinds of cheese sets you back an easy $20 or, you can go for their limited release flight for $45. You’ll get to swig five rare and limited aged releases and nibble on a South Australian artisan produce plate.
Image credit: Adelaide Hills Wine Region / South Australian Tourism Commission
Sidewood Cellar Door
For wine lovers and cider lovers, Sidewood offers the best of both worlds. Located just next door to Maximilian’s, you can enjoy tastings while enjoying the sweeping views over the lake. What’s more, there’s a floating golf green in the middle of the lake and a hole in one competition. How’s your swing after a few vinos?
ArtWine
If you love trying something a little different, Art Wine is known for their Alternative varieties which are new to Australia, Mediterranean varieties. They’re lighter in style and have complex flavours that are sure to awaken your palate. With their cellar door located on the way to Woodside, you can taste a selection of their current vintages for $5 per person.
Nepenthe
A short drive out of Hahndorf and into the town of Balhannah you’ll find Nepenthe and their collection of award-winning premium wines. Taste the ones that tickle your fancy and learn about the history and passion behind the wines. Gorgeous vineyard views are plenty, so admire the serenity with a wine in hand.
Ambleside Distillers
If gin is more your thing and you’re starting to grow your love for the crisp, botanical-driven spirit, plan a visit to Ambleside Distillers in Hahndorf. What started as a backyard distillery has now become a thriving family business. There’s a tasting bar for sampling the entire range and you can also take a peek into their on-site distillery. They’ve also just kick-started gin blending masterclasses and tasting experiences. Oh, and there are cocktails. Rather delicious ones too.
EXPERIENCE:
Image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission / Adam Bruzzone
Mount Lofty Summit
Stay active during your food and wine experience with a trip to the majestic peak of Mount Lofty Summit. You can drive to the top or you can start from Waterfall Gully and hike your way up for a little extra calorie burn. The Summit Café at the peak is also open 7 days a week. With incredible panoramic views of Adelaide’s city skyline, 710 metres above sea level, it’s worth the climb.
Beerenberg Farm – Strawberry Picking
We couldn’t finish off the list without mentioning a trip to our gorgeous Beerenberg Farm. Family owned since 1839, six generations later, we the Paech family still 100% own, farm and live on the property. We’re pretty proud of our jams, chutneys, sauces and dressings and we’re all about flavour. You can come and taste every single product at our Hahndorf Farm Shop, and from November to April, you can pick your own strawberries straight from the patch. There’s nothing like finding the biggest, juiciest farm fresh strawberries!
TOUR COMPANY:
Hills Luxury Day Tours
Avoid drawing the short straw and having to be the designated driver for the day by organising your ultimate Adelaide Hills experience with Hills Luxury Day Tours. They do the hard work for you, and tours can be personalised to suit your interests. For small or big groups, it’s the easiest way to see it all. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.