This Tasting Australia, feast your way through the culinary heart of South Australia on RAA Travel's 5 Day Epicurean Way. Explore four of the iconic wine regions, including McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, and Clare Valley on a five-day road trip featuring delicious local produce, beverages and spectacular scenery.
Your ticket includes mentioned meals, experiences, coach transportation, a knowledgeable tour host and accommodation in each region. Airfares, items of a personal nature, meals not mentioned and beverages with some meals are excluded.
An epicurean adventure awaits. Discover highlights from the below five-day itinerary and book your tickets here.
Day one
Board a private, chartered bus from Adelaide CBD to the heart of McLaren Vale: A wine lover and foodie’s paradise on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Enjoy a visit to the Willunga Farmers Markets, where you can browse and buy fresh, seasonal produce from over 80 local producers. Head nearby to Shottesbrooke Winery for a behind-the-scenes tour, learning about its history and wine-making processes, with a wine tasting to follow. Next, wander to the award-winning restaurant The Currant Shed for a regionally inspired 3-course lunch with spectacular views of the vineyard. A trip to The d’Arenberg Cube follows, including a visit to its onsite Alternate Realities Museum and a wine-tasting while soaking in the panoramic views of the region. Complete the day with a visit to The FruChocs Shop for a taste of the iconic South Australian confectionary.
From here, board the bus to the Adelaide Hills and begin your two-night stay at The Manna of Hahndorf.
Day two
The picturesque Adelaide Hills is home to leafy lanes and villages dappled in light, all within an arms reach of Adelaide.
Day two begins in Woodside where you’ll discover the town’s delicious local produce. Start at Woodside Cheese Wrights for a taste of their superb hand-crafted cheese, followed by Melbas Chocolates & Confectionary Factory, home to iconic old-Australian sweets. Stock up on sweet supplies while browsing the working factory. A visit to the Adelaide Hills is not complete without a stop at Beerenberg Farm, where you’ll enjoy lunch and ice cream. Beerenberg is known for its iconic jams and preserves, which can be found in 24 countries and more than 300 hotels! Make sure to stock up while you’re there. The day concludes with a visit to Shaw + Smith Winery in the nearby township of Balhannah. Take a seat on the terrace or cosy lounge to enjoy a wine-tasting and artisan produce plate.
Enjoy the evening at your own pace, wandering the main street or trying a local restaurant before retreating to your hotel.
Day three
Board the bus to the iconic Barossa – one of the world’s best wine regions – for day three.
Visit the Whispering Wall, a 140-metre long retaining wall of the Barossa Reservoir known locally as the ‘acoustic miracle’. The remarkable acoustics allow you to speak from one end in a normal voice while being heard clearly on the other end. The next stop is at the iconic Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, where you’ll learn about the renowned and much-loved Barossa figure and enjoy a cooking demonstration and tasting. Next, make your way to St Hugo Wines for a Riedel Masterclass & Dining Experience, exploring why varietal-specific wine glasses are critical to enjoying wine to its fullest. Taste through St Hugo favourites, before enjoying a four-course shared lunch with wine at the onsite restaurant. The final stop is the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company to enjoy their signature pairing experience, consisting of five Barossa wines with different types of handmade, premium chocolates. Finish the day by soaking in the incredible panoramic vistas, and weird and wonderful sculptures at Mengler Hill Lookout.
Check into your accommodation at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort for the evening.
Day four
Day four will take you to the beautiful Clare Valley, home to unbeatable Riesling and more than 50 cellar doors.
The first stop is Pikes Wines for a wine-tasting and beer experience. Next, take in the sweeping views of the Polish Hill River Estate at Paulett Wines. Stroll through their Australian bush food garden and enjoy wine tastings with canapes, combining the best local produce and unique Australian flavours. Check into your accommodation at Clare Country Club and take a moment to relax on the resort grounds, complete with pool, spa, sauna, and tennis courts. In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner at the Watervale Hotel. Experience the Six Senses Penobscot Farm Tour & Six Course Degustation Dinner where you’ll learn about organic, bio-dynamic and permaculture farming. Activity on the farm is dictated by the moon, sun and seasons. Enjoy the full and fresh flavours of the six-course degustation dinner with matching wines.
Retreat to your hotel for the night, ready for your final day.
Day five
After a late start, enjoy one last Clare Valley experience on your fifth and final day. Discover the best Kilikanoon Wines has to offer before a leisurely lunch at the Watervale General Store (own expense). From there, board the chartered bus back to Adelaide, with fond memories and newfound friends.
Ready for an adventure? Book your tickets to RAA Travel – 5 Day Epicurean Way.
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