Share a drink with SA blogger Q as she gives us the lowdown on what’s hot in Adelaide’s wine region.
The Adelaide Hills Wine Region is only twenty minutes away from the CBD via a three lane freeway so popping up the hill to enjoy the festivities during its annual Wine and Food Festival, is almost too easy.
In 2012 the Crush Festival focused on ‘the stylish alternative’ creating its own varietal of wine, food, music, art and fashion. And in my opinion, it turned out sensationally.
The high thirties-plus weather of previous years gave us a reprieve and we were blessed with a relatively moderate, gorgeous 31 degree day. Having perused the Crush Festival Brochure, we chose three wineries based on the events and activities each offered, the food and (naturally) the wines.
Our first stop for the day was Hahndorf Hill Winery who hosted a ‘glamathon’ including makeup and professional photography sessions to go along with the art, music, food and wine. I deliberately put this first on our list, so I could get ‘glammed’ up before the rest of our activities.
Getting glammed up at Hahndorf Hill Wines
Whilst we didn’t eat at Hahndorf Hill, I was sorely tempted by the poached pears in wine with blue cheese and the vanilla gelato on offer for dessert!
We tasted the Rose, White Mischief (a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pino Grigio Blend) as well the Shiraz, of which the Rose was favoured most. This cellar door is beautifully appointed and a great stepping off point for the festival.
Overlooking the vineyards at Hahndorf Hill Wines
A few minutes’ drive got us to our next destination: Shaw + Smith. The wines here need no introduction with the Sauvignon Blanc topping my list of all time favourites. Tables with umbrellas were set up on the emerald lawn out the front of the cellar door, overlooking a breathtaking panorama of vines and water.
Here we shared yummy crumbed prawns and potato salad by Ali Seedman and enjoyed tasting the M3 Chardonnay, 2011 Sauvignon Blanc and the 2009 Shiraz. The Shiraz is highly recommended from one of my tasting team (also my photographer for the day!).
The view from the Cellar Door at Shaw + Smith
We probably could have walked to Nepenthe as it too was only a few minutes further down the road. Nepenthe laid on a 1950’s style soirée and we were charmed by hay-bale benches covered in quirky retro red and white checked cloths on top of the sloping hill leading up to the cellar door.
Fairy floss and soft serve was on offer along with burgers and to complete the theme, the swing band Lucky Sevens entertained the crowd. The atmosphere at Nepenthe was happy and family friendly with young and old jiving away on the dance floor.
Entire families getting their groove on, at Nepenthe Wines
Three wineries hosting events only whetted our appetite for more of what the Adelaide Hills Winery Region and Crush has to offer.
The ‘alternative’ – cooler (both literally and figuratively), set in stunning vistas of rolling hills, away from the maddening crowds and scorching heat.
The ‘style’ – so aptly put in the Adelaide hills Cellar Door Guide 2012 as “pure Sauvignon Blancs, crisp Sparkling, complex Chardonnays, elegant Shiraz and sensual Pinot Noirs.”
I now have next year’s festival in my calendar and several cellar door visits to wineries in the region on my list of things to do, as well as a few return visits to Hahndorf Hill Wines, Nepenthe and Shaw + Smith. And suggest Adelaide locals and visitors alike do so too.
*Photos courtesy of Adam Day