If you’re planning a visit to the Adelaide Hills we have a great snapshot with some of our go-to’s for this winter. Expect romantic mists, green rolling hills, roaring open fires at cellar doors, Winter Reds Festival Weekend, mystical forest walks and cosy B&B’s. Come and warm your soul and senses with unforgettable experiences in our home, The Adelaide Hills.

First things first – Coffee (and chocolate)

When you walk into Red Cacao, you’re greeted with the aroma of locally roasted beans, which are expertly brewed into perfectly matched coffees that complement their small batch and handmade chocolates. 

If you’re sitting in, be prepared to have your perception of chocolate completely transformed. They don’t offer the overly milky or excessively sweetened varieties you might find in supermarkets. Instead, Red Cacao is dedicated to providing one of the most indulgent and pure cacao experiences available in South Australia.

The passion for desserts that fuels owner Marcus Booth-Remmers has been with him since an early age. Throughout his life, his mission has been to treat people with exquisite delights. When you visit, you’ll be taken on a journey of chocolate and coffee pairings, and to enhance your experience, they even offer a complimentary sample of chocolate with your water.

Open everyday except Tuesdays. Takeaway available. 

Red Cacao – Stirling 

Browse the wonderful local producers at this community run farmers market

You may have heard of the Parap Market of Darwin and their famous breakfast laksas, but for us in The Adelaide Hills we absolutely love chef Sarmi’s warming curries that change every week! We just can’t resist one for breakfast or lunch while meandering through the market. If you’re after something a little lighter, Brother Bear offer gluten-free and vegetarian and vegan options. Up for a coffee? Make sure you pack a keep cup because Brother Bear has an ingrained sustainable mindset where they don’t do disposable coffee cups.  

Every Saturday in Mount Barker 8am – 12pm

More info here

Kupito Forest Walk and Wonder

Located just an hour’s drive away from Adelaide, take a trip to the Kuitpo plantation forest. This forest was established back in 1898 with the purpose of providing a sustainable timber resource for South Australia. It served as the pioneer among several forest plantations in the Mount Lofty Ranges and offers a fantastic opportunity to take a leisurely stroll. Let the kids roam and discover the natural wonder and fresh air. 

Plan your walk here

Udder Delights Cheese Cellar inside of Grunthal – Verdun

Stop into our cheese cellar for a free cheese tasting or settle in with larger plates from The Grunthal kitchen. If you think you’ll have a little time to spare on your travels then add in a cheese making class to your itinerary and take home your very own cheesy creations. Our cheese cellar has moved from the leafy main street of Hahndorf to Verdun, which is just off the freeway to Hahndorf – you can’t miss it! It’s the perfect stop over on your way through or back from the historic town of Hahndorf.

Book a cheesemaking class here 

View Grunthal’s Webstie

Lunch or Dinner? You decide, at Comida in Hahndorf 

In 2014, Comida was founded by a couple, Brad and Fiona, who are Adelaide Hills locals. Initially, Comida started as a catering company, providing their services for numerous weddings, events, and festivals across South Australia. As their reputation grew, Brad and Fiona took a significant step forward by opening a Tapas Bar in the bustling Adelaide Central Market.

Fast forward five years, and Comida has evolved even further. They have now found their current home in the picturesque hills town of Hahndorf. Here, they have created a remarkable Spanish-inspired restaurant and bar. The establishment boasts a charming ambiance, and as you explore further, you’ll discover an expansive and well maintained garden area. This enchanting space features a fully stocked bar, a pizza oven, and a delightful deck for patrons to enjoy.

Visit their website for more menu and booking info

Enjoy an immersive native wildlife experience at Cleland

Since 1967, Cleland Wildlife Park has remained a prominent destination for tourists in South Australia. By offering an immersive encounter with nature, the park aims to educate visitors about the significance of conservation. With a limited number of enclosures, guests have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of our state’s most iconic animals. To fully experience the park, it is recommended to allocate a minimum of two hours. This time frame allows ample time to interact with the animals, attend informative keeper talks, and leisurely explore the park while appreciating its stunning surroundings. Conveniently situated just 20 minutes away from Adelaide’s city center, Cleland Wildlife Park is easily accessible for both locals and tourists.

More info here

If you haven’t heard of the annual Winter Reds festival then your “winter blues” are about to be turned around!

Indulge in the inviting ambiance of the Adelaide Hills, where open fires, rich red wines, and rustic cuisine await to envelop you in warmth.

Embrace the joy of celebration, whether it’s during the day or under the starlit night, at the renowned wineries and iconic venues of the region. Delight in leisurely long lunches and sumptuous fireside feasts, accompanied by live music and captivating art exhibitions.

One such event that has caught our eye is at this new wine bar in Hahndorf. Vine + Essen proudly presents their inaugural event for the Winter Reds Festival, featuring Martin Moran from Mordrelle Wines. Renowned as an esteemed boutique producer in the Adelaide Hills, Mordrelle Wines has garnered acclaim as “the last of a dying breed.” Notably, they have also been recognized as a top contender for Australia’s Best Value Winery 2024, according to the esteemed wine critic James Halliday.

More Winter Reds Events here

Mordrelle || Vine + Essen Event

Botanical Garden and Gin Flight at Ambleside

Ambleside Distillers, located in Hahndorf, was built on their family’s acreage. With a focus on locally sourced botanicals from the Adelaide Hills, their spirits reflect a passion for craft and representation The Adelaide Hills. Founded in 2016, Ambleside has become one of South Australia’s most acclaimed spirits brands. In 2021, they expanded production space and installed two Australian-made stills to meet future demand and diversify our offerings.

From Thursday to Monday, Ambleside provides Gin Tasting Flights, offering a unique experience for groups seeking an alternative activity in the Hills. Led by one of their knowledgeable gin experts, you’ll embark on a guided tasting journey of our diverse gin selection. Each gin is thoughtfully paired with handpicked garnishes, including some sourced from their very own distillery garden, and complemented by carefully chosen mixers. It’s an ideal opportunity to explore the world of gin and indulge in a distinctive sensory experience.

Ambleside Distillers – Hahndorf

Take some of the Hills home with you for your own garden at The Cleveland Nursery

Located in the charming village of Stirling, just moments away from the city, you’ll find Cleveland Nursery—a cherished family-owned garden nursery that has been serving the community since 1964.

Originally under the care of the Bennier family, the responsibility of tending to the nursery was passed on to a new guardian, Sarah Burchell, in 2017. Alongside her husband, Dominic, and their three sons, Sarah takes great pride in being an active part of the vibrant Adelaide Hills community, embracing their role as locals.

Fuelled by her passion for plants and a genuine connection with the community, Sarah has diligently maintained Cleveland Nursery as a welcoming haven for all. Visitors can expect not only a warm reception but also expert guidance and advice to assist them in creating a home and garden that perfectly reflects their individual needs.

More info here

Stay in a luxurious and cosy cabin with a sustainable mindset at Earthship, Ironbank

Situated approximately a 30-40 minute drive southeast of Adelaide, Earthship Ironbank is a charming bed and breakfast, offering accommodation for tourists in a semi-rural setting. Sustainably designed with utmost comfort in mind, this unique establishment is specifically tailored for two guests.

The main room of Earthship Ironbank encompasses a well-equipped kitchenette, a cozy dining table for two, a comfortable queen size bed, and a slow combustion heater to provide warmth during colder days. In addition, there is a bathroom featuring a tadelakt bath, an inviting entry room with a daybed, a greenhouse with a garden, and an outdoor patio area to soak in the serene surroundings.

Learn more here