Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley is home to some of the state’s oldest bush vine and wine labels.  The long, dry inland summers influence  full-bodied, rich, sweet, and well balanced wines with Shiraz being the most acclaimed.   Grenache is also a star variety, amongst many other new comers such as Tempranillo.

Lunch is at Harvest Kitchen.  Mediterranean inspired, locally sourced ingredients make for a dining experience that is honest, delicious yet innovative.  The generous serves are just right and if you’re not sure, the team are brilliant in guiding you based on your personal tastes are.   Feed me Menus are a great way to relax and take it all in with little thought. 

McLaren Vale

Located 40kms south of Adelaide, this cooler more maritime region has diverse soils and elevations offering many complex wines to sample.  Also well known for rich and fruity reds, Grenache sourced from higher elevations is the star performer.  Whites are more rounded, with good crisp finishes when perfectly chilled.

Lunch is at Wirra Wirra’s Harry’s Deli offering a beautiful menu with something for all tastes.  Generous plates are available for bigger appetites or smaller sharing platters showcase the some of the best produce from the region, all set overlooking their biodynamic vineyards. 

Adelaide Hills

A short drive from Adelaide, this region is part of the Mount Lofty Ranges that is long and narrow.  Elevated between 300 and 650 metres above sea level, the mountainous terrain with varying orientations creates many microclimates that produce outstanding Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and more recently Gruner Veltliner.   

Sparkling wine is synonymous of the region. With over 50 cellar doors to explore, there are endless experiences.

Lunch is held at The Lane Vineyard which has been voted Australia’s best Restaurant in a Winery 2022 and deservedly so.  The Provenance menu is an elegant symphony that tells a story of the region and of their sustainable ‘root-to-stem’ kitchen philosophy.

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Rojina's Fleurieu

Rojina McDonald and I were neighbours at Willunga for many years.  In her first book ‘Faces & Food of the Fleurieu’ she references her introduction to olive oil with my late brother Vince and cheekily taking as a little girl the pistachios that my mother has harvested for over 40 years.  The McDonald family later established an olive grove that is still in operation today.

We both share a love and passion for the region’s food and wine, and in honour of Rojina’s tremendous work in showcasing and elevating the Fleurieu stories and gems, I have created Rojina’s Tours, with wineries and eateries featured in her second book about the liquid producers of the region.  All Rojina Tours come with a complimentary signed book of ‘Wine, Beer & Spirits of the Fleurieu’ by Rojina herself.

Lunch is at Salopian Inn, an institution that exemplifies the region.  You get a strong sense of place you get when you enter the doors of the old homestead, built in 1861 that is now managed by the talented Karena Armstrong.  Their seasonal menu is generous, authentic and sophisticated, with a great wine and gin list for a perfect food experience.