Rising sharply from the outer suburbs of eastern Adelaide, the Mount Lofty Ranges sandwich themselves between their low-lying neighbours, the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, with a much cooler and diverse topography. Meso-climates, hidden valleys, and narrow belts of growing potential contribute to a setting that forces you to seek and, therefore, uncover enclaves of winemaking magic. Some of the highest Adelaide Hills wineries and their cellar doors sit close to 700 metres above sea level. When coupled with low annual rainfall, the result is commonly a prolonged ripening season where richer and more concentrated wines are the status quo.
A benchmark Australian style of ripe sauvignon blanc and chardonnays displaying great natural acidity underline the Adelaide Hills’ white grape prevailing plantings. Medium-bodied, smooth pinot noir is a well-liked style and contributes to a robust sparkling production sector.
Expect European heritage, quaint leafy towns, and artisan vintners: elevated wine country.
From relaxed veterans to small batch heroes, these are the best Adelaide Hills wineries and cellar doors to visit.
The best Adelaide Hills wineries to visit
Deviation Road
207 Scott Creek Rd, Longwood
The Adelaide Hills’ relaxed and non-pretentious demeanour shines at this Longwood tasting room. Winemaking couple Hamish and Katie Laurie use a multi-generational winemaking approach backed by French training to create interesting textural whites and sparkling wines with genuine ageing ability. How does this translate? A hands-on and enthusiastic interaction with every pour.
Karrawatta
164 Greenhills Rd, Meadows
The small batch, single vineyard fine wines from this producer are worth seeking out. Grapes are grown in Karrawatta’s three vineyards spanning the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek but the cellar door, at Sophie’s Hill Vineyard in Meadows, places this label’s heart in the Adelaide Hills. Head here for charcuterie, cheese and glasses of award-winning grand vin shiraz on the terraced lawns or by the fire.
Pike & Joyce
730 Mawson Rd, Lenswood
Lesser-grown varietals such as gewürztraminer, grüner veltliner, and nebbiolo thrive on this high-altitude site, adding depth and curiosity for those with adventurous palates. One-hundred-and-eighty-degree views of the Onkaparinga Valley marries with a meticulous restaurant menu hinging on hyper-local produce. Together, they form a first-rate backdrop to absorb all the finer points of Lenswood’s unique terroir.
Petaluma/Croser
254 Pfeiffer Rd, Woodside
A great wine tasting should excite and educate. Both wine labels have created a warm space underscored by exceptional quality not only in the glass but also in the level of detail shared. Whether that’s understanding multi-site sparkling and why specific parcels are chosen or the distinct expressions of cool climate chardonnay: tutelage is integral here.
Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard
166 Harris Rd, Lenswood
Relish sips on the sun-splashed deck in summer or beside an open fire in winter. Quintessential, rustic, and engaging for those who want to comprehend all there is about wines grown on white quartz and sandstone, the ethos of capturing the vineyard and conveying it in the glass is the philosophy at the heart of this scenic venue.
Mordrelle Wines
Hanhdorf
Minutes outside the perpetually picturesque Hahndorf, German history is put aside and replaced with Argentinian flair. Winemaker Martin Moran left behind South America for South Australia and today, along with his extended family, operates a boutique cellar door with bags of charisma and a regular rotation of music events, barbecues and wine dinners.
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