06 Jan 2020

Spend three days in the Adelaide Hills sipping world-famous wine overlooking rolling hills and lush valleys.

Taste some of Australia’s best cool-climate wines, food and produce, straight from nature’s top shelf in the Adelaide Hills. Explore charming towns, let the afternoon linger at over 60 award-winning cellar doors and spend a few nights in luxury at Mount Lofty House.

1. Friday: Escape to the height of leafy luxury

Mount Lofty House, Adelaide Hills. Photo: __@serio__  (IG)
Morning: Arrive at Adelaide Airport or pack your bags at home, then drive just 20 minutes to the Adelaide Hills. Check into the iconic Mount Lofty House, built in 1852 and overlooking the stunning Piccadilly Valley: a patchwork of rolling hills. Unpack, rug up, then explore nearby Mount Lofty Summit, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden or Cleland Wildlife Park.

Hardy's Verandah, Adelaide Hills

Afternoon: Enjoy a decadent dinner at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant. A timeless menu and sommelier-matched wine list has earned the restaurant three Chef Hats and countless awards. Cosy-up by the roaring fireplace with a pre-dinner wine or post-dinner nightcap, soaking up the history and glamour of one of South Australia’s most iconic properties.

2. Saturday: Pair sumptuous food and wine with stunning scenery

Shaw and Smith, Adelaide Hills

Morning: Head to the gorgeous town of Stirling for a farm-fresh breakfast at Patch Kitchen. Travel along winding country roads before arriving at one of the Adelaide Hills’ stunning wineries. Sip some of Australia’s best cool climate drops at Ashton Hills, Deviation Road, CRFTBarristers BlockArt Wine, Petaluma or Shaw & Smith. Spirit-lovers should stop at Ambleside Distillery or Unico Zelo.

Lost in a Forest, Adelaide Hills

Afternoon: On your way back to Mount Lofty House, stop in the town of Uraidla for lunch at Lost in a Forest. The menu heroes gourmet wood-fired pizzas and organic local wines. Sit back by the roaring fireplace and soak-up the vibrant atmosphere of this quirky converted church. 

Back at Mount Lofty House, wander through the property's sprawling grounds. Visit nearby Mount Lofty Botanic Garden or simply sit back and relax on your private verandah, taking-in picturesque views of the Adelaide Hills.

Settle-in for dinner just down the road at the Crafers Hotel. Boasting an avant-garde interior and massive fireplace, take a seat and peruse the mouth-watering French-inspired menu. Wash it all down with the one of South Australia's most impressive wine lists, straight from the Crafers Hotel’s very own wine room.

3. Sunday: Explore charming, story book-pretty towns 

Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills

Morning: Spend the morning exploring the town of Hahndorf strolling down the iconic main street. Just 25 minutes from Adelaide, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement and still has a strong German flavour most evident in the smallgoods outlets, bakeries, pubs, restaurants and cafes that line the bustling leafy main street. Visit Hahndorf with Adelaide Sightseeing Tours.

The Lane Vineyard, Adelaide Hills

Afternoon: Take a seat for one of the Adelaide Hills’ most unique wine experiences: The Lane Vineyard’s  360 Degree Hilltop Tasting. Work your way through a flight of seven premium wines and chef-prepared goodies in The Lane’s unique tasting room with retractable walls, opening-up to stunning 360-degree views of the rolling Adelaide Hills. Make a final stop at your favourite Adelaide Hills winery or store, stock up on the region's finest, then hop in the car for a short 45 minute drive back to Adelaide CBD. Travel a further 15 minutes to the Adelaide Airport if you're flying home.

Ready to start planning your trip? Check out our best Adelaide Hills accommodation, wineries, restaurants and experiences below, then start booking!

LET’S STAY IN TOUCH

Sign up for our newsletter and get top stories, exclusive offers, events and free travel inspiration straight to your inbox!

Newsletter signup