10 Best Wineries to Visit in South Australia

Located in the Adelaide Hills with its vibrant food and wine culture, Simon Tolley Wines is run by a fifth-generation, green-thumbed vigneron who prizes ecological practices and quality products. This boutique winery produces a wide variety of the region’s signature varieties, from sparkling wine and syrah to chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, as well as an aromatic smoked brandy.

This family- and pet-friendly winery hosts Pinot and Pooch events every third Sunday of the month, when you can take along your dog for a fun day out, complete with free doggy treats. For a unique experience, visit Gytrash, the resident retired racehorse to learn his story and spoil him with some carrots.

Thorn Clarke Wines is a family-run vineyard with a heritage dating back to the 1870s. Located in the Eden Valley hills of the renowned Barossa Valley, the winery is dedicated to sustainable viticulture across its 240 hectares, where it produces exceptional whites and elegant reds.

Unwind in the beautiful gardens and soak in the stunning valley views with a glass of award-winning wine. Savor their acclaimed cabernet sauvignons or shiraz, or explore the Single Vineyard Selection, a small-batch range showcasing the region’s diverse varietals. Take along your golf clubs for a swing on the driving range.

Gemtree Wines is a family-owned winery in McLaren Vale, South Australia, dedicated to organic and biodynamic winemaking. Focused on sustainability, Gemtree nurtures the land by replacing chemical sprays with natural soil improvers, ensuring healthier vines and premium-quality grapes year after year.

Gemtree’s Tasting Room is a model of sustainable design that’s built using recycled materials, powered by solar panels and reliant solely on rainwater. Food scraps are even composted in the worm farm. Don’t miss the eco-trail, a biodiverse wetland and sanctuary for native birds, plants, and animals.

In 1988, the Hastwell and Lightfoot families planted the first vineyards on what is now 40 acres of certified sustainable vineyard, alongside 4 acres of olive trees. Today, the second generation of the Hastwell family continues to run the vineyard, producing fresh, vibrant wines typical of the region and experimenting with European grape varieties.

Their award-winning, small-batch wines are known for their fresh, vibrant and fruit-forward flavors. They offer classic Maclaren Vale varieties such as cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, plus Spanish and Italian varietals such as fiano, tempranillo and barbera. Visitors can enjoy guided fireside tastings in the winter and relaxed platter lunches in summer. The winery is also dog-friendly, welcoming both visitors and their 4-legged friends.

Pike & Joyce Wines offers crisp and delicate cool-climate wines in a modern tasting room with panoramic views of the Adelaide Hills. Situated 593 meters above sea level, this winery favors varieties such as sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, chardonnay, gruner veltliner, rosé, and pinot noir.

Settle in with a bottle of wine and a regional cheese board in the sleek modern dining room or, weather permitting, outside in the garden. Enjoy an upscale dining experience in the award-winning restaurant and enjoy a menu of fresh, local, in-season ingredients prepared with skill and creativity. Keep an eye out for art exhibitions or simply savor a long lunch with a regional platter and scenic views.

Ashton Hills Vineyards was started in 1982 with a clear goal to produce the finest pinot noir in the country. The small, 3-hectare vineyard became the foundation for the region's rise as a renowned wine destination. After decades experimenting with clones of European varieties, cuttings of pinot noir, chardonnay, and riesling, 5 clones were chosen to make the winery’s acclaimed Reserve and Estate pinot noirs, as well as a host of award-winning sparkling and still wines.

Appreciate a quiet, scenic tasting experience on the deck overlooking the Piccadilly Valley. Ask about their Museum Release pinot noirs, limited-edition older vintages that showcase how well these cool-climate wines age.

Rymill Winery, a popular destination in Coonawarra, is known for its excellent wines at good value. The winery welcomes you with a striking statue of 2 dueling steeds over a tranquil pond. Enjoy a personalized tasting experience led by passionate and knowledgeable staff, offering curated wine and food pairings featuring local South Australian produce. Don’t leave without exploring the art gallery or the scenic grounds.

Rymill is certified sustainable with EntWine accreditation, embracing eco-friendly techniques, nurturing local biodiversity, and using the unique Terra Rossa soil and cool climate to craft excellent wines. Be sure to try their Brut sparkling wine and check out the seasonal events like the Art & Wine Festival and Pick & Snip tours.

Located in the heart of the Barossa Valley, Turkey Flat Vineyards is home to some of Australia’s oldest vines, including a shiraz vineyard that’s over 170 years old. For 4 generations, the Schulz family has embraced their role as custodians of the land, working in harmony with the changing climate and local ecosystems to cultivate exceptional grapes.

Renowned for its shiraz, grenache and refreshing rosé, Turkey Flat crafts wines that reflect the region’s terroir. The cellar door, set in a charming 19th-century bluestone building, offers bespoke tastings led by enthusiastic staff who bring the winery’s rich history to life. Relax on the lawns with a glass in hand or indulge in a seasonal food and wine experience.

Down The Rabbit Hole Wines offers a blend of rustic luxury, crisp, young, and vibrant wines and tasty bites in a whimsical setting. The beautiful grounds, complete with a renovated double-decker bus for tastings, give the place a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere.

The Pizza and Wine experience is popular, and visitors rave about the fresh, handmade pizzas. For an elevated dining experience, the Mangiamo ‘Let’s Eat’ set menu in the Italian restaurant is a must-try. Every course is thoughtfully presented, highlighting local ingredients and flavors that reflect the region. Set aside several hours to fully soak in the ambience, enjoy the food, sip the wine, and unwind. And bring your furry friend because the winery welcomes dogs.

Artwine, located in Adelaide Hills, was founded in 2008 by a couple who share a passion for both art and wine. Specializing in alternative and Mediterranean-style varieties, they focus on sustainably growing fiano, albariño, tempranillo, Montepulciano, and grüner veltliner, which thrive in the region’s cool climate.

Despite its relatively short history, Artwine has already collected 41 awards, a testament to its commitment to quality. The architect-designed cellar door is modern and stylish, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breath-taking vineyard views. Treat yourself to a wine tasting paired with regional produce platters or drop in for a glass, it also operates as a wine bar serving small snack plates, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.