5 city cellar doors to visit
South Australia may have some top wine regions, but you don’t have to venture far for a good drop – experience these cellars and distilleries closer to Adelaide.
Prohibition Liquor Co.
Take a tour of the only fully functioning distillery located in the heart of Adelaide, watch how gin is made in their still — named Mary — and chat and meet the makers in a very interactive environment. Drop in for a gin flight such as the classic flight with Prohibition Original, Juniperus and Navy Strength gin. Or try some of the best gin cocktails in Adelaide such as their Prohibition Martini — served dry or dirty. Order some antipasto, tapas, platters or one of their delicious toasties including the Shroomy Halloumi.
National Wine Centre
It’s the perfect place for wine experts and lovers right in the heart of the city with more than 120 of Australia’s most diverse wines on offer. The Wine Centre offers a wine discovery journey, where guests can explore interactive exhibits, engage in sensory tastings and immerse themselves in the world of winemaking. Head to the Wined Bar and enjoy a glass of wine with some snacks, or a cheese and charcuterie board. Or allow 1.5 hours for the ultimate dining experience and let the chefs take you on a food journey across their diverse menu. And enjoy the centre’s expert sommeliers collection of extraordinary wines to perfectly complement every course.
East End Cellars Norwood
For more than 20 years, East End Cellars in Vardon Avenue has been the go-to for Friday night drinks and weekend catchups, and their suburban offshoot in Norwood again offers an exceptionally curated collection of the best local and international wines. It’s South Australia’s first and only Krug Champagne embassy so enjoy a glass — or bottle — of the award-winning bubbles. Share a selection of snacks and small plates, from scallops and lemon butter to their famous shoestring fries smothered in truffle, parmesan and mayonnaise or indulge in a larger plate such as fresh campanelle pasta, green sauce and stracciatella. While you’re in Norwood, look up the local council’s website for more ideas on what to do while you’re in the vicinity.
Tomich Wines
The Tomich family has a rich history in winemaking, viticulture and farming stretching back three generations, and owns 320 acres of vineyard in the Onkaparinga Valley. Their City Cellar Door in a gorgeous turn-of-the-century bluestone villa on King William Road is open by appointment only and you can enjoy a guided wine tasting, accompanied by seasonal cheeses. They can also host your next function, from a stand-up cocktail style event, through to an intimate guided tasting for your group.
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Penfolds Magill Estate
It’s hard to go past the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of one of Australia’s oldest, most iconic wineries. Situated on one of the world’s few urban single vineyards, the spiritual home of Penfolds is a mere 15 minutes from the CBD. While there’s a number of decadent and indulgent experiences to be had at the award-winning restaurant, or the more casual dining at Magill Estate Kitchen, why not enjoy the $35-a-ticket heritage option? Take a guided walk through the original working winery, explore the vineyards, and uncover the historic tales of the underground drives. End it with a wine tasting at their cellar door where you’ll be free to taste and purchase a wide selection of wines from The Penfolds Collection and the diverse and limited Cellar Reserve range.
The article originally featured in the 2024 issue of SALIFE Food+Wine+Travel magazine.
