| TRIP DETAILS – ADELAIDE HILLS | |
|---|---|
| Trip Name | Facets of the Adelaide Hills: Shining a Light on Chardonnay and Diversity |
| Host | David le Mire MW |
| Date | 19-21 April |
| Capacity | 20-30 guests |
Uncover the many faces of this winegrowing gem which glistens above the coastal city of Adelaide.
Following an introduction to the region which starts at the very summit, guests will spend a full day being immersed in the Adelaide Hills’ shining crown jewel of Chardonnay. Then, on the second day, be taken across the hills to explore other interesting facets: the diversity of landscapes; classic versus emerging varietals; and different winemaking philosophies.
Over the itinerary, our guests will delve into these key aspects of the region:
The growers and winemakers of the Adelaide Hills look forward to welcoming you on this immersive visit expertly hosted by local Master of Wine, David Le Mire.
Cool. Artisanal. Diverse. Creative.
COOL. Adelaide Hills is the premier cool-climate region of South Australia, stretching across the Mount Lofty Ranges to the east of Adelaide. The region is defined by its high altitude – rising from 300m to 700m – which ensures ideal cool conditions for premium grape production.
ARTISANAL. The Adelaide Hills’ grape crush is small and high quality. Tiny vineyards are dotted among its twisting valleys and slopes, each capturing the light differently. Likewise, many of the wineries are small and artisanal – crafting a handful of wines that perfectly reflect a specific terroir. Sustainable practices are focused on small-scale farming and lower cropping in the steep undulating terrain, as well as the protection and regeneration of natural biodiversity.
DIVERSE. The Adelaide Hills’ varied topography, micro-climates and winemaking philosophies yields a great diversity of wine styles. The common element is that they are elegant and textured, with excellent purity of fruit, and the acid structure to age and evolve gracefully.
CREATIVE. Being a young wine region since the 1970s, the region is not bound by tradition, nor can it rely on historical accolades. Growers have forged their reputation by being creative, adventurous and a deeply held belief in the potential of the region to make world-class wines.
Today this vision is a reality, with the sustainable cool climate wines made here capturing the exceptional beauty and diversity of the region.
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All guests are required to make their own travel arrangements to/from the trip start and end meeting point in the Adelaide CBD. Please notify the trip host if you have any dietary or access requirements.
| DAY 1 – Come up to the Summit | |
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| Afternoon and evening |
Optional: Mt Lofty Challenge Hike (3pm) Avid walkers may choose to do the epic hike from Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit. This 4km very steep trail climbs 475m up the mountain through local Australian bush. Be warned, it is a steep hike, not an easy walk, but the topography richly rewards the effort. Keen guests will be dropped at the start of the hike and their luggage transferred to the hotel. Transfer from Adelaide CBD to Mount Lofty Summit for non-walkers (4.30pm) Sunset at Mount Lofty Lookout Look across all of Adelaide city from Mount Lofty Summit, at 710m the highest elevation of the Adelaide Hills, seeing the Barossa to the North and McLaren Vale to the South, as the sun sets over the distant ocean. The most visual way to get the full context of the region for its proximity to Adelaide city, and its high altitude. |
| Dinner |
Dinner at the Crafers Inn Enjoy an excellent meal at this gastro pub, hosted by iconic names from the Adelaide Hills Wine Region. An intimate welcome and introduction to the region told by the people who know it best. |
| Overnight | Accommodation at Mount Lofty House This luxury hotel is the historic manor house that was originally built in 1852 as the summerhouse for statesman Arthur Hardy. It offers stunning views of the picturesque Piccadilly Valley from it elevated aspect. |
| DAY 2 –Adelaide Hills Chardonnay Immersion | |
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| Morning |
Sparkling Breakfast at Mount Lofty House Start the day with a selection of fine traditional method sparkling wines, for which the region is acclaimed. Guided by noted specialist sparkling winemakers Kate Laurie of Deviation Road and Xavier Bizot of DAOSA, the exploration of Adelaide Hills Chardonnay begins the best way possible with Blanc de Blancs for breakfast. Piccadilly Valley Vineyard The sub region of Piccadilly Valley is one of two sub-regions from which the most premium Chardonnay is sourced. Step onto the sandy and clay loam soil of Shaw+Smith’s Piccadilly Vineyard at 500m above sea level to perceive the importance of closely-planted vines and organic viticulture in producing the best Chardonnay grapes possible. Chardonnay Masterclass Hosted by Brian Croser, one of the fathers of Chardonnay in the Adelaide Hills, taste a selection of outstanding Chardonnays against benchmark examples. With Brian’s wealth of knowledge and facts, guests will gain important context for the cool climate of Adelaide Hills with respect to other renowned regions. |
| Lunch |
Lunch at Tapanappa A selection of Adelaide Hills wines will be enjoyed over a light lunch at Tapanappa overlooking Croser’s original plantings of the Tiers Vineyard. |
| Afternoon |
Lenswood Vineyard visit The second of the highly-prized sub regions of Adelaide Hills is Lenswood. A walk in the steep East-facing Gower Lenswood Vineyard will reinvigorate guests after lunch while learning the importance of the region’s varied topography and the impact this makes on specific single-site selection. Murdoch Hill Winery A boutique family-owned and operated winery, Murdoch Hill is a brilliant example of the numerous small-scale, high-quality wine producers found in the Adelaide Hills. Winery, cellar door and vineyards are nestled together on the property established by their parents. Their 2024 Tilbury Chardonnay was Best Wine of Show at the 2025 Adelaide Hills Wine Show. Rest at the hotel |
| Dinner |
Chardonnay Heroes Dinner
Ten award-winning Adelaide Hills Chardonnay wines will be paired with an exquisite dining experience prepared by Hills chef Kane Pollard, famed for his innovative use of local ingredients, seasonal produce and beautifully presented dishes. |
| Overnight | Accommodation at Mount Lofty House |
| DAY 3 – The Diversity of the Adelaide Hills | |
|---|---|
| Morning |
Breakfast in Hahndorf village. The Hills is dotted with small village-like towns, and a trip to Hahndorf is a must-do for visitors to Adelaide for its Germanic charm. Enjoy breakfast at local favourite Ernest Delicatessen and browse the curio stores along main street. Shaw + Smith winery – classic cool climate varieties This winery in Balhannah requires little introduction as it is one of the region’s flagships. Everything at Shaw + Smith is modern, sophisticated and pristine, and this is reflected in its impeccable wines focused on the cool climate expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Discover its history, the philosophy of its founders, and the unique character of these classic grape varieties when grown in the Adelaide Hills. |
| Lunch |
Lunch at Shaw + Smith A sumptuous Italian inspired lunch catered by Andre Ursini (former Masterchef) |
| Afternoon and evening |
Longview Vineyard winery – exciting varietal diversity The second winery visit is to Longview Vineyard at Macclesfield for a panel session presentation on the Hills’ emerging stylistic and varietal diversity – including Gamay, Grüner Veltliner, Nebbiolo and more. This will be followed by speed-dating style trade tasting with up to 20 Adelaide Hills producers each presenting one of their own favourite wines. Brasiers at Basket Range Casual late afternoon drinks around the brasiers at BK Wines with some of the Basket Range folk. A sideways look at the Adelaide Hills through the underground movement of minimal invention winemaking. |
| 6.00 pm | Transfer back to Adelaide city CBD |
