From epic cellar doors to palate-pleasing wines, these are the wineries you simply can’t miss.
Over the past three decades, Adelaide Hills has gone about building a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting regions. Its cooler climate, high elevation and diverse terroirs make it the perfect place for producing fresh, elegant wines, whether you’re visiting in person or cracking a bottle at home.
There’s plenty of quality wine to be had, but it can be difficult to know where to start, which is why we’ve cobbled together a list of our 10 favourite wineries – some with cellar doors, some without – to help you get a true taste of the Adelaide Hills.
Tim Knappstein, owner of Riposte, is a fourth-generation winemaker with over 50 years of experience. After many years working in the Clare Valley, Tim’s passion for cool-climate wines drew him to the Adelaide Hills, where he planted the first vineyard in the Lenswood district. He now works alongside his son Nick to produce wines that offer top-tier quality at really affordable prices, remaining true to classic Adelaide Hills varieties like pinot noir, chardonnay, shiraz and sauvignon blanc. If you’re new to the wines of the Adelaide Hills, Riposte always makes for a fantastic way to get to know the regional style. Who knows, their wines may well set off a lifelong love affair with the Adelaide Hills.
One of the first wineries in the Balhannah subregion, Nepenthe’s wines have been recognised as examples of quality and regional expression throughout the world. Despite their 27-year heritage, the Nepenthe team is no stranger to innovation and are constantly exploring new vineyards and techniques to capture the essence of the Adelaide Hills region. After traditional varieties like pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc? You got it. Keen for something a little more out there, like grüner veltliner, arneis or zinfandel? Look no further. And even though the range is quite eclectic, Nepenthe's wines are unified by that strong sense of place that wine lovers dream about.
