South Australia

[Waiters Friend]

G'day

I've just found out I have a business trip to Adelaide 2nd September. Normally, when I have done this in the past, the delightful Sue flies in from WA and we make a weekend of it. But not this time.

I have the option to fly back to Perth Friday night, but could equally hire a car (or motorbike) and spend a couple of days in SA. But the question is where.....

...... not Clare. I love the Clare Valley, but Sue and I made a long weekend of it in 2010 (due to similar circumstances) so......

Adelaide Hills. Particularly good on two wheels, but what would you recommend? Petaluma for lunch one day, perhaps, and Ashton Hills as a 'must do'. Others?

McLaren Vale. I've not been there for 16 years. Could be worth a look

Barossa. Likewise 16 years.

Coonawarra / Padthaway. Too far, too flat, perhaps?

I'd appreciate your ideas, on wineries, accommodation, and dining.

Cheers

Allan

[markg]

The new highway makes the Barossa much easier for a whistle stop tour from Adelaide.

Rockford
St Hallets
Turkey Flat

then Peter Lehmans for lunch

Continue on to Greenock area and do:

Torbreck
Two Hands
Seppeltsfield

Then home...

[PaulG]

If you end up in Mclaren Vale, make sure you don't miss Samuel's Gorge. In the Barossa, the Artisans of the Barossa combined cellar door is a must.

If you're in town, we could always organise an offline one of the nights you're here (although you may prefer to spend that time staying in one of the wine regions)

[cuttlefish]

Mayhem & Co. in Adelaide Hills are worth a look. Only established in 2009, but already putting out some cracking good wines. Their "Reserve" wines are quite awesome.
Winemaker for these guys is Brendon Keys (aka BK Wines)
I just don't know if they have a cellar door ??

[pc79]

Hi Allan,

I've just returned back from a few days in both the Barossa & McLaren - Barossa about an hour from the city and McLaren about 45mins if you can get the one way expressway.

Highlights for me:
Barossa: Stayed at the Novotel. About 15mins from most
Hentley Farm *Great cellar door, fantastic wines. $10 charge for the tasting redeemable upon purchase
Rusden *Family wine, Ben and Christian used to work at Rockford. Doing some great things!
Torbreck went through the flight from woodcutters, which held up well at $20, right through to the Laird.
Artisans of the Barossa - some Spinifex, John Duval, Teusner & Sons of Eden

Also visited
Kaesler. Lovely wines, very full throttle, high alcohol.
Rockford. Nice
Barossa Valley Estate.

McLaren Vale: Stayed at the McLaren Vale Studio Apartments. Which was fantastic! Massive one bedroom apartments, all mod cons. Great Brekky at The Tin Shed Café right across the road. Booked through Living Social http://dealpinch.com/2011/6/29/88921376 ... -australia - maybe if you send them an email they may be able to match the price?

Best vineyards/cellar doors we visited
Marius - just outstanding! Roger does some of the best wines going around at brilliant prices.
Samuel's Gorge - Justin making some great wines. Beautiful location also. A Tassie Rizza & Gewurtz in there too. Great Temp/Granache & Shiraz
Oliver's Taranga - Celebrating their 170th year this year. Quite busy running around, but lovely CD staff and some good wines.
Alpha Box & Dice - Very innovative and different to most
Lazy Ballerina - Doing some great things, cheap wines, but good quality. 09's due for release in Sept

I found that as a broad generalisation, McLaren are doing a few interesting things, not just the Shiraz/SV/GSM blends. Justin at Alpha Box & Dice is a real innovator. Some blends work, some not so much. A few Italian varietals are slipping in there as well as grabbing some of the cooler Eden valley fruits.

Enjoy

[Luke W]

I assume then that coming up to Brissie for the offline is now off the cards? I'll let Michael know......

[Waiters Friend]

I assume then that coming up to Brissie for the offline is now off the cards? I'll let Michael know......

Yes, my apologies. The delightful Sue has just returned from Brissie for family reasons, and I did not accompany her on that trip (I thought it would be September). I hope the family reasons do not escalate

[Waiters Friend]

If you end up in Mclaren Vale, make sure you don't miss Samuel's Gorge. In the Barossa, the Artisans of the Barossa combined cellar door is a must.

If you're in town, we could always organise an offline one of the nights you're here (although you may prefer to spend that time staying in one of the wine regions)

I will be flying in on Thursday 1st September, so I could possibly join an offline in the city on the Thursday night (1 Sept). Is there somewhere in the CBD that is BYO and has great service, glassware, etc?

EDIT: On reflection, it doesn't have to be CBD, and it could also be the Friday night. I'd be happy to remain in Adelaide or nearby for the Friday night to join you for an offline, then 'head for the hills' Saturday.

[xsorxpire]

Don't forget to check out Foggo's and while you are near Samuel's Gorge check out Kay brothers and Coriole.
Paxton is (kind of) nearby too if you read the Paxton thread.
(McLaren Vale)

Ooh ooh ooh.
Scarpantoni is close too.
(Winner of the Jimmy Watson trophy)

[PaulG]

Give me a couple of days - I'll scope out a few venues and post a new thread for the offline

[n4sir]

Give me a couple of days - I'll scope out a few venues and post a new thread for the offline

Thanks for picking this one up Paul - I know I'm overdue to organise something, but things have been rather hectic this year (and especially now).

Cheers,
Ian

[PaulG]

My pleasure! I'm in discussions with a few places at the moment, but Andre's Polenta Bar is looking to be the go at the moment unless anyone dislikes it.