Epicurean Way

Prepare to feast your way around the culinary heart of South Australia. The road trip along the Epicurean Way is, first and foremost, a trip for the tastebuds.

The way to a traveller's heart is through their stomach, so we do not doubt that you will fall in love with one of the most iconic of South Australia's drives, the Epicurean Way.

First things first. What the heck does epicurean mean? It's defined as having luxurious tastes or habits, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. And we reckon there's no better word to sum up this region.

The Epicurean Way seamlessly connects four of the most iconic wine regions in the country: McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, the Barossa Valley and the Clare Valley. There are more than 500 wineries and almost half as many cellar doors within these four wine regions. Luckily though, you don't have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy Australia's top wine regions - just join some of the many tasting experiences and you'll learn all you need to know.

If wine isn't your cup of tea, the Epicurean Way will still be a delight for the tastebuds. As well as some of the best wine in the country, this region also delivers fresh and flavour-packed produce, thanks to its fertile soils and cool climate.

One of the best parts about this blessed part of Australia is it pairs all those delectable delights with some pretty gorgeous scenery.

Duration 1 - 2 (or more) days
Distance 226km (140mi)
Key Places
McLaren Vale, Hahndorf, Birdwood, Angaston, Auburn, Clare
What to expect

Expect to taste some of Australia's top wines, frolic through vineyards, cycle between artisanal food stores and cellar doors, sample fabulous cheeses and enjoy picturesque picnics. It's probably not the best idea to come here if you're on a diet.

McLaren Vale (A) to Adelaide Hills (B)

46km (38min)

Start your journey about 40 minutes drive south of Adelaide Airport in the birthplace of South Australia's wine industry: McLaren Vale. Best known for its shiraz, this region is home to more than 80 cellar doors and vineyards and is a cornucopia of fine wine, food, art and nature. One of the most iconic wineries in the region is d'Arenberg because of the striking structure that houses its tasting room and cellar door.

Start your journey about 40 minutes drive south of Adelaide Airport in the birthplace of South Australia's wine industry: McLaren Vale. Best known for its shiraz, this region is home to more than 80 cellar doors and vineyards and is a cornucopia of fine wine, food, art and nature.

One of the most iconic wineries in the region is d'Arenberg because of the striking structure that houses its tasting room and cellar door.

Some of the region's other top wineries include Hardys Tintara, which has a history stretching back over 165 years, and Lloyd Brothers, a winery that also produces olive oils and other artisanal condiments.

After tasting your way around McLaren Vale, hit the road for the 40-minute drive to the Adelaide Hills.

Due to its elevated location in the Mount Lofty Ranges, the Adelaide Hills is unlike other South Australian wine regions as it produces excellent cool-climate wines. The Adelaide Hills is home to over 60 wineries and 40 cellar doors, many of which offer personalised tastings.

Take your time and sip and swill your way around as many as possible. If you love sipping with a view, stop by The Lane, where the epic vistas from the cellar door will rival the delectable drops. For something different, head to Hahndorf Hill Winery, which grows some unique Austrian grape varieties. Another traveller favourite is Sidewood Cellar Door and Restaurant, the largest eco-sustainable winery in the Adelaide Hills.

Want something to pair perfectly with all those sumptuous drops? Stop by Udder Delights, where you'll find heaven in the form of a motherlode of cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, Melba's Chocolate and Confectionery Factory produces the best kind of sugar rush, with lollies and treats made on site.

One of the top places to base yourself while exploring the Adelaide Hills is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement. The heritage-listed town of Hahndorf is warm, welcoming and brimming with historic charm. Wander down the tree-lined main street, where you'll find German bakeries, pubs and shops selling traditional crafts like cuckoo clocks. There's also plenty of accommodation options in Hahndorf, with everything from B&Bs and boutique hotels to cosy cottages and lodges.

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Discover: The Shiraz Trail

The eight-kilometre Shiraz Trail follows a primarily flat former rail trail, winding through McLaren Vale's most gorgeous scenery. Enjoy views of rolling farmland, vineyards and glimpses of the coast, all while walking or riding between some of the region's best cellar doors.

Discover: d'Arenberg Cube
d'Arenberg Cube Image: Tourism Media

This five-storey multi-function structure looks like a giant Rubik's Cube floating over the surrounding vineyards. Inside is the d'Arenberg tasting room, a restaurant, a private function area and heaps of fascinating art pieces.

Discover: Willunga Farmers Market

Stock up on local produce and other delicious goodies at South Australia's first farmers market. The market's motto is "meet the grower and taste the region" and you'll be able to do just that at more than 60 stalls selling fresh produce from farms in the area. As well as flavourful fruit and veg, fill your basket with meat, fish, cheeses, olives, artisanal condiments, freshly baked bread, pastries, cakes and, of course, local wine.

Discover: Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden Image: Tourism Media

The Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is a delight to explore no matter the season. Spring is particularly special, with vibrant displays of rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias. If you visit in winter, the gardens transform into a misty wonderland. In autumn, expect to see a stunning kaleidoscope of ruby, auburn and gold foliage.

Adelaide Hills (B) to Barossa Valley (C)

76km (1hr 6min)

From the Adelaide Hills, follow the highway north to the Barossa Valley, the third wine region on the Epicurean Way. The Barossa produces 21% of Australia's wine and is home to 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors. To get your bearings, stop by the Mengler Hill Lookout, where you'll be treated to sweeping views of rustic vineyards, world-famous wineries and traditional farmhouses. If those sweeping views aren't enough for you, take it up a notch with a scenic hot air balloon flight over the valley.

From the Adelaide Hills, follow the highway north to the Barossa Valley, the third wine region on the Epicurean Way. The Barossa produces 21% of Australia's wine and is home to 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors.

To get your bearings, stop by the Mengler Hill Lookout, where you'll be treated to sweeping views of rustic vineyards, world-famous wineries and traditional farmhouses.

If those sweeping views aren't enough for you, take it up a notch with a scenic hot air balloon flight over the valley. (This is a particularly good idea if you're trying to win some brownie points with your significant other.)

Some of the biggest names in Australian wine call the Barossa Valley home, including Penfolds and Wolf Blass. Stop by their cellar doors for tastings and all the expert info from the masters of the craft.

At Jacob's Creek winery, another of Australia's most famous, partake in their food and wine masterclass, where you'll learn about the history of the Barossa and taste some of the winery's finest drops perfectly paired with delectable dishes.

If you need a breath of fresh air after all that food and wine, take a tour of the Lyndoch Lavender Farm and let the sweet breezes clear your head.

The town of Angaston is a wonderful place to base yourself while exploring the Barossa Valley. It offers plenty of cosy spots to stay, as well as several vibrant markets, cafes and restaurants to check out.

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Discover: Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail

This self-guided tour will take you through the best food and wine experiences that the region has to offer. Stop by the Barossa Visitor Information Centre to collect your picnic basket and map, and then drive or cycle around to some of the Barossa's top gourmet food stops to stock up your basket. After you've chosen your handmade cheese, freshly baked bread, smoked sausages, relish and, of course, a bottle of wine, head to one of the picnic areas marked on the map, roll out your blanket and enjoy.

Discover: Barossa Valley Farmers Market
Barossa Farmers Market Image: Tourism Media

Held every Saturday in the Vintners Sheds in Angaston, the Barossa Farmers Market is the epicentre of flavour in the region. Fill a picnic basket with fresh fruit, sourdough bread, handmade cheese, pastries, olives and cured meats. There are plenty of goodies to take home, too, like freshly roasted coffee, craft gin, condiments, tea, honey and olive oil.

Barossa Valley (C) to Clare Valley (E) via Penrice (D)

76km (1hr)

From the Barossa Valley, it's a short drive into the Clare Valley, the final stop on your Epicurean road trip. This wine region is the home of Australian riesling (that's a white wine for the novices here). Most travellers make their base in the towns of Auburn or Clare while exploring this wine region. Auburn lies at the southern end of the Clare Valley and is the gateway to the area, while Clare is known as the region's heart. Both towns have fantastic accommodation options, from luxe B&Bs to no-frills motels.

From the Barossa Valley, it's a short drive into the Clare Valley, the final stop on your Epicurean road trip. This wine region is the home of Australian riesling (that's a white wine for the novices here).

Most travellers make their base in the towns of Auburn or Clare while exploring this wine region. Auburn lies at the southern end of the Clare Valley and is the gateway to the area, while Clare is known as the region's heart. Both towns have fantastic accommodation options, from luxe B&Bs to no-frills motels.

Get familiar with the flavours of the region on the Clare Valley Riesling Trail, which runs for 35 kilometres between Auburn and Clare and links the valley's top wineries and other attractions.

Stop by Sevenhill Cellars, the oldest winery in the Clare Valley, first established in 1851 to produce sacramental wine. For small, family-owned charm, call into Taylors Wines, where the winemaking revolves around "respect for the fruit". Pikes Wines is another lovely stop, perched on the gorgeous Polish Hill River. And there's good news for beer lovers: Pikes also has a brewery on site too!

Head out to the historic town of Burra. This mining town oozes old-world charm and is brimming with 1840s relics. Stop by the Redruth Gaol, where many unfortunate souls were sentenced to jail time for excessive drinking. (That's not a hard crime to commit in South Australia today, with so many fab wine regions around!) Then explore Burra Mine Site, which boomed in 1845 with an influx of Cornish migrants seeking their fortune in copper ore.

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Discover: Clare Valley Riesling Trail

If you want to explore the Clare Valley at a slower pace or burn off all those calories you've consumed so far, why not hire a bike and head out on the Clare Valley Riesling Trail? The rail trail winds past cellar doors, gorgeous vineyard scenery, rolling countryside and many of the region's top visitor attractions.

Discover: Clare Valley Art Gallery

The Clare Valley fosters a spirit of creativity, from winemakers blending fantastic drops to artisanal chefs in the many restaurants. Check out another aspect of this creativity at the Clare Valley Art Gallery, which houses an extensive range of contemporary Utopian Indigenous Art.

Ready to go? Please check government advisories before booking or travelling.

When to take your trip along the Epicurean Way

From November to February, the weather is dry and sunny, and the temperature is mild, ranging from 13°C to 27°C. If you want to see Adelaide's four premier wine regions in full bloom, consider visiting in autumn to witness the stunning gold, auburn and scarlet hues of the changing leaves. Autumn is also festival season in Adelaide, so there'll be plenty of exciting events and celebrations to enjoy.

Average monthly temperature and rainfall for Adelaide Hills

Temperature Av. Rainfall (MM)
24.8°C 24.8°C J J 27MM 27
23.9°C 23.9°C F F 38MM 38
21.8°C 21.8°C M M 35MM 35
18.9°C 18.9°C A A 41MM 41
15.5°C 15.5°C M M 55MM 55
13°C 13°C J J 53MM 53
12.4°C 12.4°C J J 56MM 56
12.8°C 12.8°C A A 70MM 70
14.6°C 14.6°C S S 56MM 56
17.7°C 17.7°C O O 46MM 46
20.9°C 20.9°C N N 49MM 49
22.9°C 22.9°C D D 50MM 50