Who says you need to go to the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale to get good wine in South Australia? The Adelaide Hills is home to some of South Australia’s best wineries, some of which are only a quick scenic drive from the city. Head east of Adelaide towards the Mount Lofty Ranges, and in just 20 minutes you will be in the heart of Adelaide Hills wine country. Here you will find over 90 wine labels and 48 cellar doors.

The Adelaide Hills is one of Australia’s best cool climate wine regions. The higher altitude and good rainfall makes the landscape perfect for producing high quality premium grapes typical of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir.

Whether you’re looking for a cellar door tasting, to linger over lunch or to just to enjoy spectacular views, there are hidden secrets over every hill of the region. Here are five of the best wineries:

The Lane Vineyard

One look at the beautiful view of the vineyards and the rolling hills of Ravens wood Lane is enough to fall in love with the Lane Vineyard. And that’s even before you have tried some of their wines. The Lane is one of the newest vineyards in Australia, producing some of the best single vineyard wines in the region.

If you can’t get a spot at their busy tasting table, then opt for the front terrace overlooking the spectacular hill views. If you’re after a fuller gastronomic experience, don’t miss the Vineyard  Restaurant which is open for lunch every day. The outstanding menu is influenced by the very best of regional seasonal produce. Bookings are essential at the weekend.

http://www.thelane.com.au/

Golding Wines

Golding Wines is a family run vineyard in the heart of the Lenswood region. Drive down the winding entrance, past the beautiful lake and rose studded gardens and you will find a magical place full of charm and character. The vineyard was established by Darren Golding together with his parents, Connie and Greg, who always make the winery a warm and friendly place to visit.

Boasting over 50 acres of vines, the property produces Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Savagnin varieties. Enjoy one of their sumptuous regional platters in the garden in the summer months or retreat indoors to the cellar door and cosy up to the open fire with a glass of red.

https://www.goldingwines.com.au/

Bird in Hand

Bird in Hand is one of the most popular wineries in the Adelaide Hills for their award winning wines. The original barrel hall is full of old world charm, as is the cellar door, with its roaring fireplace in winter time. The alfresco terrace area is a perfect spot to relax and admire the rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see. If you’re looking for a nice spot for lunch, The Gallery restaurant is a light and airy space, offering diners a menu which is designed for sharing with an optional wine pairing journey.

http://www.birdinhand.com.au/

Lobethal Road Winery

Take the road less travelled to Lobethal Road Winery in the pictureque Mt Torrens region. The family owned vineyard was established by the charming Dave and Inga in 1998 and produces an award-winning range of elegant cool climate white and red wines under the Lobethal Road and premium Bacchant labels.

Lobethal Road embraces an environmentally sustainable approach to vineyard management and uses solar energy throughout the property.Their Bacchant Chardonnay 2012 is a fantastic drop and recently won the trophy for Best Wine in Show in the Adelaide Hills Wine Show 2013. Grab yourself a wine and cheese platter and watch the world go by in their beautiful courtyard.

http://lobethalroad.com/

Longview Winery

Head towards the undulating hills of Macclesfield and you will find Longview Winery – an impossibly picturesque vineyard in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. The family owned vineyard is not a stranger to awards, winning some of the best wines in the region since its first vintage in 2001. Like most wines of the region, they are typically cool climate in style. However its location and the natural gradient of the vineyard is a perfect base to grow both white and red varietals on both the north and south side of the vineyard.

With 360 degree views of the surrounding hills, you will be hard pressed to find a winery with nicer views in the Adelaide Hills. No wonder it is such a popular location for weddings with its gorgeous barn and restaurant overlooking the sweeping views.

http://www.longviewvineyard.com.au/ 

Other special mentions go to K1, Hahndorf Hill Winery, Rockbare and Nepenthe.