Swap the plane ticket for a corkscrew, picnic blanket and esky and embark on a road trip that takes you through South Australia’s magic food destinations. From d’Arenberg’s Rubik’s Cube-like bar to the famous cellar doors of the Fleurieu Peninsula, this is one for the serious foodies.
Adelaide is a culinary destination bursting with exciting chefs and delicious restaurants. Whether it’s fresh local fish or rich chocolates, you’ll find it here.
Adelaide
The capital of South Australia, Adelaide is a city where chefs are blazing a culinary trail and restaurants hum with life. It is also surrounded by rolling hills alive with world-leading vineyards. In this gastronomic wonderland, you can eat your way around the region on epicurean road trips that offer you a full feast for the senses.
Start with a stroll around the Adelaide Central Market, where the scents of freshly caught seafood and locally grown produce will delight your nose. Afterwards, explore the nearby Fleurieu Peninsula with its many boutique wineries and eateries showcasing fine local cuisine. Or take a day trip to Hahndorf and dine at German-inspired restaurants like Hentley Farm and Andre’s Cucina and Polenta Bar.
For a more personalised experience, head to a small winery for a cellar door tasting and lunch. Sample the latest releases from the vineyards of McLaren Vale or d’Arenberg and enjoy an intimate meal paired with their wines. Or take a tour of the winery and learn how they craft their wines through hands-on experiences.
Another great option is to explore the surrounding countryside of the wine regions of McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills on a bike ride or Segway tour. The area is dotted with picturesque villages where you can discover the rich history of the region. Stop for a glass of Pinot Noir at Balhannah, pick your own strawberries at Beerenberg or try some of the region’s signature cheeses from Udder Delights and Woodside Cheese Wrights.
If you’re a beer lover, you can sample some of the local brews at a brewery or visit a distillery to see how alcohol is made. And if you’re a chocolate lover, you can indulge in a sweet treat at one of the many cafes and chocolatiers in the region.
The Epicurean Way offers a decadent road trip that links four of the state’s iconic wine regions – McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley. This journey of savoury delights will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re looking for a great way to relax or want a taste of the finer things in life, these South Australia foodie road trips will satisfy your palate and give you memories for a lifetime. So, pack your car or hire a campervan and get ready to savour the best of the region. Just remember to drive safely and responsibly!
McLaren Vale
Just a short forty-five minute drive south of Adelaide lies McLaren Vale, the birthplace of Australia’s wine industry. Here you’ll find an abundance of vineyards and restaurants, craggy limestone cliffs, olive groves caressed by sea breezes and a relaxed atmosphere that’s as charming as it is delicious.
The region is best known for its shiraz, but it’s also bursting with crisp white wines, smooth and complex reds and boldly scented rosés. The wines are complemented by rustic cuisine, luxe digs and immersive experiences that make this one of Australia’s most popular wine regions for foodies.
From cellar doors with tasting rooms that double as art galleries, to artisan cheesemakers who produce the likes of the award-winning Elbow Room Creamery and the deliciously rich and creamy Salopian Inn, this is a region that’s brimming with culinary creativity. The Epicurean Way road trip takes you through all of the region’s highlights, with stops at McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and Clare Valley. It’s not the longest road trip in the country – covering less than 300km over four to five days – but it’s certainly a decadent adventure that will have you licking your lips and savouring every moment.
For wine enthusiasts, a visit to McLaren Vale isn’t complete without exploring its cellar door trail. Take your pick from the 14 wineries listed on this route, and enjoy a day of tasting amongst the vines at the likes of d’Arenberg where you can play ‘winemaker for the day’, or the otherworldly Cube designed by architect Chester Osborne to reflect the puzzles of winemaking. Don’t miss a stop at the stunning Coriole, where an adorable boutique retail store, top-rated restaurant and winery all sit together in an exquisite setting. Sample their renowned Shiraz, which has been lauded as the best in the state and is able to stand up to the most discerning palates.
Another winery to visit is Samson Tall, where you can join a Wuldi Cultural Experience and meet indigenous elder Mark Koolmatrie. This tour takes you through the vineyard and winery where you’ll learn about the area’s culture and traditions, while tasting their incredible wines. And to further enhance your experience, try a glass of their award-winning ‘Smooth Sailing’ shiraz.
In between tastings, savour local produce from the farms and markets of McLaren Vale. The savoury local delights are the perfect pairing for the region’s ripe wines. If you’re looking to make the most of your visit, consider booking a stay in one of the region’s boutique luxury retreats. From the sleek Cadole Sierra, to the beautifully renovated guesthouses at The Manhattan and Ardmore, these chic properties all offer a laidback country-cool aesthetic with all the amenities you could need for a relaxing getaway. You can even book a concierge to curate your perfect itinerary, organising behind-the-scenes winery tours and intimate meet-the-winemaker one-on-ones.