The Adelaide Hills sit just 15 minutes from Adelaide city center. Up here, the weather stays cool and perfect for growing wine grapes. Winemakers have worked these hills since 1839, creating wines people love all over Australia.
I visit these wineries whenever I can, and there’s always something new to try. With 40 cellar doors spread across the hills, you can meet local winemakers and try their wines. Let me share my favorite wine-tasting spots in Adelaide Hills.
Top Wineries to Visit for Wine Tasting in Adelaide Hills
These wineries make some of the best wines in Adelaide Hills. I picked these places because each one offers good wine, friendly staff, and a chance to learn about winemaking in a relaxed way.
| Winery | Known For | Main Wines | Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hahndorf Hill | Austrian wines | Grüner Veltliner | Mon-Sat |
| Shaw + Smith | White wines | Sauvignon Blanc | Daily |
| Bird in Hand | Food pairings | Chardonnay | Daily |
| Sidewood | Green practices | Pinot Noir | Daily |
| Ashton Hills | Pinot Noir | Reserve wines | Fri-Mon |
| Longview | Italian wines | Nebbiolo | Daily |
| Golding | Outdoor spots | White wines | Daily |
| Petaluma | Old buildings | Mixed wines | Daily |
| Mount Lofty | Hill views | Local wines | Daily |
| K1 by Hardy | Single wines | Red wines | Daily |
1. Hahndorf Hill Winery – Best for Austrian Wine Varietals
38 Pain Road, Hahndorf, South Australia 5245
Hahndorf Hill Winery sits near Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement. In 2010, they started making Grüner Veltliner wine here—the first in South Australia. Now they make four types of this Austrian wine, plus other Austrian grapes like Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt, and St Laurent.
You can try Hahndorf Hill Winery’s wines Monday to Saturday in their tasting room, which looks over the vines. They do something different here—you can match their wines with chocolates or ice cream. Their Blueblood Blaufrankisch 2019 won a double gold medal at the Melbourne Wine Competition in 2022, and when you taste it, you’ll understand why.
2. Shaw + Smith – Best for Award-Winning Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
136 Jones Rd, Balhannah, SA
Cousins Michael Hill Smith (Australia’s first Master of Wine) and Martin Shaw started Shaw + Smith in 1989. They grow their grapes in three places—Lenswood, Piccadilly, and Balhannah. The cool weather here helps Shaw + Smith make fresh Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz.
The tasting room at Shaw + Smith won Best Tasting Experience from Gourmet Traveller in 2022. You can pick from three different wine flights, and they serve local cheese and snacks to go with the wines. If you want to learn more, Shaw + Smith offers tours of their vineyard and winery where you can see how they make their wines.
3. Bird in Hand Winery – Best for Wine and Food Pairing Experiences
150 Pfeiffer Road, Woodside
This 32-hectare family winery makes award-winning wines that go perfectly with food. Their new restaurant, LVN, serves food that looks as good as it tastes. Bird in Hand Winery focuses on cool-climate wines, and their Chardonnay and Sparkling wines get lots of praise.
You can visit Bird in Hand Winery’s cellar door any day of the week. They do wine flights with seasonal snacks, and you can enjoy your tasting in their Mediterranean-style gardens or next to the fire in their barrel hall. The winery also has art pieces around the grounds and in the buildings, making your wine tasting more interesting.
4. Sidewood Estate – Best Sustainable Winery in Adelaide Hills
6 River Road, Hahndorf
Sidewood Estate is Adelaide Hills’ biggest sustainable winery, spread over 91 hectares. They do things differently here—they use sheep instead of machines to look after the vines and solar power runs half the winery. James Halliday gave Sidewood Estate a Five Red Star rating, which shows they make really good wines.
The cellar door at Sidewood Estate sits in an old apple shed at the front of the property. You can try their regular wines or their alcohol-free wines, learn about winemaking, or even try opening a champagne bottle with a sword—they call this Sabrage. They also have a restaurant that uses local ingredients.
5. Ashton Hills Vineyard – Best for Pinot Noir Tastings
126 Tregarthen Road, Summertown, SA 5137
Stephen George started Ashton Hills Vineyard in 1982 and spent years finding the best grape types to grow in their soil. The vineyard sits below Mount Lofty summit, 570 meters above sea level, where the cool air helps make great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. These wines win lots of awards and get high scores from wine experts like Halliday and Real Review.
The winery now belongs to Wirra Wirra and wine critic Huon Hooke says this partnership is “like two best friends getting together.” You need to book ahead to visit Ashton Hills Vineyard’s tasting room, which opens Friday to Monday. They do personal tastings with their winemaker Liam Van Pelt, where you can try all their current wines, including their special reserve Pinot Noir.
6. Longview Vineyard – Best for Italian-Inspired Wine Tastings
154 Pound Road, Macclesfield
Longview Vineyard started in 2001 on an old dairy farm near Macclesfield. The 65-hectare property has hills facing different directions, creating perfect spots to grow Italian grapes like Nebbiolo and Barbera. The southern location makes it a bit warmer than other parts of Adelaide Hills.
Longview Vineyard’s cellar door and kitchen live in a pink sandstone cottage from 1918. They serve Italian food that goes well with their wines. You can come any day for a glass of wine or book a tasting with lunch from Wednesday to Sunday. If you want to stay longer, Longview Vineyard has 12 rooms, an old homestead, and a new lodge with a spa.
7. Golding Wines – Best Outdoor Wine Tasting Experience
52 Western Branch Road, Lobethal
The Golding family runs this 32-hectare winery in Lobethal. They make all kinds of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. But what makes Golding Wines special is how you can taste the wines – they built nest-like spaces in the vineyard where you can sit and enjoy your wine.
You can pick up a picnic basket full of wine and food, then find a comfy spot in one of Golding Wines’ human-sized nests overlooking the hills. Some nests even come with their own wine server. They also have a restaurant called Gingko that makes Italian food and a big lawn where you can relax with a glass of wine.
8. Petaluma Winery – Best for Scenic Wine Tasting in Adelaide Hills
254 Pfeiffer Road, Woodside, South Australia 5244
Petaluma Winery started making wines in 1976. They pick their grapes from special spots in Adelaide Hills and Mt Barker to make the best wines possible. The cellar door sits in an old farmhouse that they fixed up, with a deck that looks out over the hills.
You can visit Petaluma Winery seven days a week and try their wines while eating local cheese and meat plates. They welcome dogs, too, so you can bring your pet along. The deck makes a perfect spot to spend time with friends, trying different wines, and looking at the views.
9. Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard – Best for Wine Tastings with a View
166 Harris Road, Lenswood
Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard started in 1992, turning an old apple orchard into a vineyard. The soil here has sandy clay with rocks like quartz, sandstone, and ironstone underneath, which helps them make good Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The view from their tasting room looks deep into the valley.
The restaurant at Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard serves food made from local ingredients, and it’s a popular spot for weddings. They make 19 different wines, and seven of them got scores of 93 points or higher from wine critic James Halliday. In summer, you can sit on their deck, drink wine by the glass, and enjoy the sunshine.
10. K1 by Geoff Hardy – Best for Exclusive Single-Vineyard Wines
159 Tynan Road, Kuitpo, SA 5172
Geoff Hardy comes from a famous wine family—his great-great-grandfather Thomas Hardy was one of South Australia’s first winemakers. He started K1 by Geoff Hardy in 1986, and wine expert James Halliday gave it five red stars. The cellar door sits in a building called the Lakehouse, right next to the water.
You can visit K1 by Geoff Hardy every day to try their wines on the deck or inside their tasting room. They make all their wines from grapes grown on this property, and you can get cheese plates to go with your wine tasting. They even let you bring your dog, and you can book horse rides through the vineyard with Bluestone Equestrian Centre.
Best Adelaide Wine Tours for Visiting Top Wineries
Visiting wineries in Adelaide Hills gets even better when you join a tour. You don’t have to worry about driving, and you get to learn from guides who know all about the local wines. I’ve tried different tours here, from full-day trips to quick afternoon visits, and each offers something special.
| Tour Type | Duration | What’s Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Day Tours | 8 hours | 4-5 wineries, lunch, tastings | First-timers |
| Half-Day Tours | 4 hours | 2-3 wineries, snacks | Quick trips |
| Luxury Tours | 8 hours | Private visits, gourmet lunch | Special occasions |
| Self-Guided | Flexible | Your choice | Independent travelers |
| Private Tours | 6-8 hours | Custom itinerary | Families, groups |
Full-Day Wine Tours in Adelaide Hills
The full-day tours last about 8 hours and usually start around 9:00 AM. They pick you up from your hotel in Adelaide or Glenelg and take you to 4 or 5 different wineries. One popular stop is Shaw + Smith, where you get to try their famous Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
These tours include lunch at places like Sidewood Estate or Lane Vineyard, where you eat local food while looking at the views. Your guide tells you stories about the region’s history and explains how different wines are made. Most tours also stop at lookout points like Mount Lofty for photos.
Half-Day Wine Tasting Tours in Adelaide Hills
These shorter tours run for about 4 hours, perfect if you’re short on time. Tours often start in the morning or afternoon, and you’ll visit 2 or 3 wineries. Most half-day tours include stops at Hahndorf Hill for their special Austrian wines or Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard for the amazing valley views.
Your guide picks you up from Adelaide, and you get wine tastings at each stop. Some tours include snacks or a light lunch. It’s a quick but fun way to try Adelaide Hills wines and still have time in your day for other activities.
Luxury Wine Tours in Adelaide Hills
These high-end tours give you more personal attention and special access to wineries. Most luxury tours take 6 to 8 guests at most, and you visit wineries like Bird in Hand and K1 by Geoff Hardy. Some tours even let you meet the winemakers and try wines straight from the barrel.
You get a gourmet lunch, often at places like The Lane Vineyard or Golding Wines’ Gingko restaurant. Some tours add extra touches like helicopter rides between vineyards or private tastings in special locations like Golding Wines’ nest viewing platforms.
Self-Guided Wine Tours in Adelaide Hills
Planning your own wine tour lets you go at your own pace. Many people start at Hahndorf and then follow the signs to nearby wineries like Sidewood Estate and Shaw + Smith. It’s best to pick 3-4 wineries for a day and make sure to book tastings ahead, especially on weekends.
Remember to have a designated driver or book a local driver service. Most cellar doors open daily from around 10 AM to 5 PM. You can make lunch bookings at winery restaurants or pack a picnic to enjoy at spots like Golding Wines or Longview Vineyard.
Private Wine Tours in Adelaide Hills
Private tours work great for families or groups because you can customize everything. Your guide picks the wineries based on what you like – whether that’s mainly red wines, white wines, or mixing wine tasting with food experiences. Groups often visit Petaluma for its relaxed farmhouse setting or Ashton Hills for its special Pinot Noir tastings.
These tours usually run for 6-8 hours and include pickup from your hotel. You can spend more time at places you enjoy and skip others. Many private tours add stops at local cheese makers or chocolate shops in Hahndorf, and some include behind-the-scenes winery tours that regular visitors don’t get to see.
For more tips and advice on planning your vacation, visit https://destination.com/ for in-depth travel guides, practical tips, and more to ensure a well-planned, hassle-free trip.
Practical Tips for Wine Tasting in Adelaide Hills
Your Adelaide Hills wine-tasting experience gets better when you plan ahead. Let me share what I’ve learned from visiting these wineries repeatedly throughout the year.
| Planning Aspect | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Peak Seasons | Autumn (Mar-May), Spring (Sep-Nov) |
| Quiet Times | Winter (Jun-Aug), Weekdays |
| Tasting Costs | $10-25 per person |
| Group Limits | Most accept 6-8 people max |
| Opening Hours | 10 AM – 5 PM daily |
| Transport Options | Tours: $150-300, Private Driver: $100+ per hour |
| Lunch Spots | Most winery restaurants: $30-60 per person |
Best Times for Wine Tasting in Adelaide Hills
Autumn brings perfect weather for wine tasting in Adelaide Hills. From March to May, you’ll see golden grape leaves and get mild temperatures.
Spring (September to November) offers another sweet spot with green vines and fewer crowds. Summer weekends fill up fast, while winter gives you quiet tastings but cooler weather.
Morning tastings work best because your taste buds feel fresher. Many locals start their Adelaide Hills wine tours around 10 AM, stopping for lunch at places like Bird in Hand or Shaw + Smith before afternoon tastings.
Getting Around the Wineries
Don’t drive after wine tasting in Adelaide Hills. Book a tour or hire a driver instead. The wineries are spread out across the hills, sitting 15-40 minutes from Adelaide city. Tours handle the timing and driving, letting you focus on enjoying the wines.
What to Bring for Wine Tasting
Bring these things for a better wine-tasting experience in Adelaide Hills:
- Water bottle to stay hydrated
- Comfy walking shoes for vineyard tours
- Sun hat and sunscreen for outdoor tastings
- Light jacket (hills get cooler than Adelaide)
- Phone or notebook to record wines you like
Wine Tasting Tips
Start with lighter wines before moving to reds. Feel free to use the spittoon – even wine experts do this during Adelaide Hills wine tastings. Ask questions about the wines and winemaking. The staff loves sharing stories about their wines.
Food and Rest Stops
Book lunch ahead at winery restaurants – they fill up fast, especially on weekends. Popular spots for wine and food pairings in Adelaide Hills include:
- Bird in Hand’s restaurant
- The Lane Vineyard
- Golding Wines’ Gingko
- Longview Vineyard’s Italian kitchen
Many cellar doors offer cheese plates or light snacks between wine tastings.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Take time to try new wines, like Austrian varieties at Hahndorf Hill or single-vineyard wines at K1 by Geoff Hardy. Write down or take photos of wines you enjoy – after several tastings, they get hard to remember. Many Adelaide Hills wineries ship wine home if you buy bottles.
Remember, wine tasting in Adelaide Hills isn’t about rushing. Take your time, enjoy the views, and learn about different wines. Three to four wineries make a perfect day out in Adelaide Hills wine country.
While you’re planning your wine tasting in Adelaide Hills, don’t miss out on our guide to 13 free things to do in Adelaide for more great experiences near the city.
