When it comes to Australian wine regions, Adelaide Hills stands out with its cool climate and exceptional wines. Known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and of course, exceptional wines, Adelaide Hills is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast.
One of the best things about a trip to Adelaide Hills is its proximity to both the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine regions. I’d personally recommend flying into Adelaide for a few nights, and visiting a few of the regions—they’re all spectacular.
With over 50 wineries, you’re spoilt for choice in Adelaide Hills—the hardest decision you’ll make is which Cellar Doors to visit for a wine tasting. So, whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice looking to expand your palate, here are the 10 best wineries in Adelaide Hills.
The 10 Best Cellar Doors in Adelaide Hills
From my visits to Adelaide Hills’ wineries, I’ve selected 10 recommendations. Each winery offers its own unique atmosphere, from stunning views to delicious cheese boards.
For those who appreciate brevity, here’s a TL;DR. For a more detailed version, scroll down to the section below:
- Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard – for beautiful views, great wine & a chef hatted restaurant.
- K1 by Geoff Hardy – a stunning lakeside location, with great views over their vineyard
- Shaw + Smith – great wine, modern tasting room
- The Lane Vineyard – explore their collection of wines in the stylishly modern tasting room
- Howard Vineyard – try cool climate Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Sparkling wines
- Deviation Road – a divine boutique winery, owned by husband and wife team Hamish and Kate Laurie
- Handorf Hill – located at the edge of the historic, German-heritage village of Hahndorf
- Pike & Joyce – represents the coming together of two long-established South Australian families
- Sidewood – the largest certified sustainable winery in the Adelaide Hills
- Bird in Hand – known for its consistent quality across a range of varietals
What Wine is Adelaide Hills best known for?
The region’s cool climate and diverse soils make it ideal for growing a range of grape varieties, resulting in a diverse selection of high-quality wines.
Adelaide Hills is best known for producing a variety of wine styles, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
- Sauvignon Blanc – crisp, elegant, and refreshing, with vibrant acidity and notes of tropical fruit and gooseberry.
- Chardonnay – full-bodied with a rich, creamy texture, showing flavours of stone fruit, citrus, and often a hint of toasty oak.
- Pinot Noir – medium-bodied with bright red fruit flavours, silky tannins, and a characteristic savoury component.
The 10 Best Wineries in Adelaide Hills
Adelaide Hills, one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, is home to some of the country’s most exciting wineries, offering a diverse range of cool-climate wines. Here, we explore some of the best wineries in Adelaide Hills that you should consider for your next wine-tasting adventure.
1. Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard
Set at one of the highest points in the Adelaide Hills, Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard offers spectacular views sweeping down across the estate vineyards and taking in the stunning Mount Lofty Ranges. The 5-star Cellar Door and chef hatted restaurant showcase a delicious range of premium local produce, with tasting menus for vegetarians and vegans also available.
2. K1 by Geoff Hardy
Renowned for its stunning lakeside location, K1’s vineyard views are every bit as spectacular as the award-winning wine on offer. Sample delicious cool climate varieties, considered among the best single estate wines in Australia.
3. Shaw + Smith
Specialising in growing and perfecting the classic varieties that the Adelaide Hills region is known for, Shaw + Smith offers Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. The modern tasting room operates like a restaurant, with table service and guided wine flight and cheese options.
4. The Lane Vineyard
Personifying rural Australia yet a mere stone’s throw from Adelaide, The Lane Vineyard invites you to explore their collection of wines in the stylishly modern tasting room with a variety of seated wine flights or settle in for the signature Gathering Experience – a miniature degustation-style wine tasting that showcases the harmony between their single-vineyard wines and the restaurant menu.
5. Howard Vineyard
The beauty of the gum trees, terraced lawns and rolling vines that surround the family-owned Howard Vineyard impresses visitors before they even sample the award-winning wines. Try cool climate Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Sparkling wines before settling in beside the roaring fire with your favourite glass.
6. Deviation Road
This divine boutique winery is owned by husband and wife team Hamish and Kate Laurie. The cellar door deck that overlooks the wine garden and home block vines at Deviation Road is the perfect place to relax outdoors in the sunshine and sample their great range of wines.
7. Handorf Hill
Located at the edge of the historic, German-heritage village of Hahndorf, Handorf Hill boutique winery specialises in Austrian varietals including Blaufrankisch, Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt and St“`html
Laurent – all varieties that have an incredible affinity with a broad range of cuisines and food types.
8. Pike & Joyce
Pike & Joyce represents the coming together of two long-established South Australian families to form a partnership in wine, built on their joint love for the Adelaide Hills and a passion for great food and wine. Visitors can sample wines in the modern, state-of-the art tasting room while taking in magnificent views over the vines and the spectacular Onkaparinga Valley.
9. Sidewood
The largest certified sustainable winery in the Adelaide Hills, Sidewood is a family-owned winery who pride themselves on crafting superb cool climate wines using the best environmental practices. Sidewood’s cellar door, an upcycled Apple Shed, is a space housing their luxurious tasting room, lounge, wine bar and private dining space.
10. Bird in Hand
Known for its consistent quality across a range of varietals, Bird in Hand winery’s restaurant, The Gallery, offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that showcases the freshest local and seasonal produce, complemented by Bird in Hand’s fine wines.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice looking to expand your palate, Adelaide Hills offers a wealth of wineries to explore. From award-winning Sauvignon Blanc to unique cool-climate varieties, there’s something for every wine lover in this region.
