AUTUMN IN HAHNDORF & THE ADELAIDE HILLS

We start the day visiting the Barossa Farmers Market for some free time to look through the various stalls. The Barossa Farmers Market was established over 13 years ago as a true traditional marketplace – where growers and makers could find decent prices for their produce. Today it has grown from a small cluster of passionate local foodies into a vibrant, lively Saturday morning institution hosting upwards of 50 stalls every week with an abundant array of produce. It’s a beautiful showcase of the fresh produce of the Barossa region and a community hub for locals and visitors alike. At Lyndoch Lavender Farm, we’ll enjoy a lovely morning tea before listening to our guide as the reveal more about the processes behind lavender farming, all the while surrounded by picturesque views. Visit the Barossa Chateau. This stunning building sits in one of Australia’s most important rose gardens of international significance and is home to one of the largest collections of porcelain in Australia. Listening to our guide we are led through the Chateau gallery with time for tastings before walking the lovely gardens at our own pace. A wonderful lunch will also be enjoyed while we are here. The last visit in the area is not food or wine but it is one not to be missed – the Whispering Wall which is locally known as the “acoustic miracle”. It is the huge curved retaining wall of the Barossa Reservoir and is about 140 metres long. The acoustics are such that you can speak in a normal voice and people at the other end of the wall can hear you clearly. Let’s give it a go, the effect is extraordinary. It is one of those strange effects which are produced by a delightful accident! We return to Adelaide for some time at leisure.

We make our way to the Adelaide Hills, just 20 minutes from the city centre but it feels like a world away. The town is a superb “flashback” to the nineteenth century with its shops, eateries and attractions housed in authentic surroundings. On arrival we have some free time to explore the township before our first tasting is at Hahndorf Hill Winery. This boutique vineyard in the German-heritage village is run by a couple of South Africans from the area of Stellenbosch. They are growing and pioneering the Austrian grape varieties of Blaufrankisch, Gruner Veltliner, Zweigelt and St Laurent. They also produce the cool-climate classics for which the Adelaide Hills wine region is renowned – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Shiraz and fresh, dry Rosé. Their style is quite unique and has been given the title of ‘gurus of grüner’. Our lunch venue is the stunning larger winery of The Lane. This is where we discover the subtlety of The Lane Vineyard’s single vineyard wines paired with a harmonious menu featuring the best South Australian produce.

Hotel: Manna of Hahndorf for 3 nights

We make our way to Murray Bridge to join Captain Proud for a delightful luncheon cruise on the Murray River. Captain Proud was originally built in 1977 and worked as one of the original showboats on the Port River. Returning to Hahndorf we visit Wolf Blass Gallery Museum, we will learn more about this industry and in particular, the history and makings of Wolf Blass itself.

This morning we head off to the Monarto Zoo – a free range sanctuary. A guide will join us on the coach for a safari tour experience of the park. The zoo plays a major role, nationally and internationally, in breeding programs for rare and endangered species. We have the morning here before making our way to Beerenberg Strawberry Farm. Fully Australian owned and all products are made at this farm. We will have the opportunity to purchase from their gift range and the large range of delicious preserves. You may not know but Beerenberg products can now be found in 24 countries, on major airlines and in more than 300 hotels! We enjoy lunch here with time at leisure to wander all the goodies. Tonight dinner is at the iconic German Arms Hotel.

This morning we farewell our hosts and check out of our hotel. We board our coach and transfer to the Adelaide Airport for our flight home to Perth. On arrival in Perth your driver will be waiting to take you safely home.