Five winery restaurants near Adelaide worth the drive
The sun is shining, the views are never-ending, and there's a dedicated driver (or transport arranged), so what could be better than enjoying a long lunch at a winery near Adelaide?The city of Adelaide is surrounded by wine regions and where there’s great wine, there’s invariably abundant eating options. Anyone touring the Barossa and Clare Valleys, McLaren Vale or the Adelaide Hills doesn’t need to stop for simply a wine-tasting: try one of these restaurants in the vines for the ultimate South Australian foodie experience.
Mitolo, McLaren Vale
Don’t be mistaken that Mitolo’s Italian influence gives you red-checked tablecloths and Chianti candlesticks. The vibe at this winery’s Little Wolf Osteria is moody and modern and the food celebrates the bounty of McLaren Vale and the garden. Choose from a quick ‘Veloce’ lunch or the more serious ‘La Pandara’ feast, accompanied by Mitolo wines. New to the winery is Frankie Italo Dining & Disco Lounge, a more casual semi-outdoor eating (and dancing!) area serving pizza, pasta and other rustic dishes on Sundays.
Down the Rabbit Hole, McLaren Vale
Like other McLaren Vale destinations, Down the Rabbit Hole is just 40 minutes from Adelaide CBD and this winery/restaurant hits a sweet spot between casual entertainment and on-point dining. You might go no further than the double-decker bus for a coffee but venture into DTRH restaurant and it’s a gastronomic wonderland. The breezy, countrified space serves organic lunch menus that transforms into a feed-me feast on weekends and if you do the 30-minute cellar door tasting beforehand you’ll know just which Rabbit Hole wines to choose.
Flaxman Wines, Barossa Valley
Col Sheppard is a busy bloke: owner (with wife Fi) and wine-maker at Flaxman Wines in the Barossa, he’s also a builder and has made the place into a charming oasis. But he’s also a keen cook and the one-time MasterChef contestant dons the apron regularly to feed guests. A highlight is the long (five-course degustation) lunch for all-comers on the first Saturday of the month, and private groups can book lunch at other times. Expect locally sourced tucker, lush views, perfectly matched estate wines and memories to be savoured.
The Lane Vineyard, Balhannah, Adelaide Hills
The sweeping views of The Lane’s vineyards and the Adelaide Hills are one reason to visit this award-winning restaurant but the dining experience is next level. Chef Tom Robinson serves seasonal dishes, from the weekday Harvest menu to the signature five-course Provenance spread and the full-Monty seven-course Chef’s Table extravaganza. The ingredients are so local you can virtually see where they are sourced from your hilltop table and it’s all just 25 minutes out of Adelaide.
Skillogalee, Clare Valley
The Clare Valley is a bit further out of town but really, the two-hour drive from Adelaide is no hardship. Especially when you land at Skillogalee for lunch, where the 1851 cottage overlooking the vines has been turned into a charming indoor/outdoor restaurant. The menu invites a long lunch and chef Diana Palmer offers well-priced feed-me menus highlighting local produce, matched with estate wines. Alternatively, just try a platter with a wine tasting or stay for afternoon tea and some scrummy scones.
Related: Five towns near Adelaide you should road trip to this weekend
Related: Five Barossa Valley wineries to visit this weekend
Related: Day-tripping: Adelaide to McLaren Vale
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
