Gourmet Bits n’ Bites

You could have the chance to rub shoulders with one of Australia’s most prominent foodie personalities in July during Winter Reds. Food critic, writer and former MasterChef judge Matt Preston is the Adelaide Hills’ official Winter Reds ambassador and will be out and about over the weekend of July 25 to 27, enjoying the best of the region’s red wine offerings. He will also host a long lunch in conjunction with the region’s wine producers on the Sunday.
adelaidehillswine.com.au/events/winter-reds

Former Restaurant Botanic chef Justin James is set to transform a 156-year-old church-turned-gallery at Stirling into a 14-seat, three-storey restaurant, offering a 16-course immersive dining experience. Restaurant Aptos is set to open this season at 147 Mt Barker Road, Stirling, the former home of Aptos Cruz Galleries.
restaurantaptos.com

Looking for the best wine in Australia? It’s right on your doorstep! That is according to the Frankfurt International Wine Trophy 2025 competition, which recently named Hahndorf Hill Reserve Gruner Veltliner 2023 the best wine from Australia. Fifteen years since Hahndorf Hill co-owner Larry Jacobs introduced the Austrian variety to SA, the local wine held its own against other gruner veltliners from around the world, achieving the highest rating in that category, even outperforming wines from Austria.
hahndorfhillwinery.com.au

Looking for a cosy hot chocolate or a selection of truffles on a cold winter’s day? Look no further! Bracegirdle’s House of Fine Chocolate has come to the Adelaide Hills. Claiming the title of Australia’s most awarded chocolate company, the family-owned business began in 2005 when owners Sue and Garry opened a chocolate-focused cafe at Glenelg. They now have four locations across SA, the latest at Hahndorf, where they offer rich hot chocolates, specialty coffee, a range of chocolatey desserts and handmade chocolates. What more could you want? Find them at 102 Mt Barker Road, Hahndorf.
bracegirdles.com.au

Route 9 Distillery, based at Balhannah, has just released the first whiskies under its Adelaide Hills Whisky Co brand – a Madeira and a bourbon. Launched at an event in May alongside another pre-release whisky, they mark a new era for Route 9 Distillery, with more barrels expected to be released every few months. Bottles of the first releases are limited, but you can also try their whisky at the distillery at Balhannah. Also look out for Route 9 Distillery’s unique collaboration with Sidewood Estate – a Pinot Noir gin, which was launched at a dinner at Sidewood Estate in May.
route9distillery.com.au