RUN TO THE HILLS

With its magical setting, paddock-to-plate dining, and some of the best wineries in the country, the Adelaide Hills ticks all the boxes for a memorable escape, writes KARLIE VERKERK.

- KARLIE VERKERK

Ask any Adelaide Hills local what makes the region special and most will say its close proximity to the city. “When you’re in the Hills it feels like you’re hundreds of kilometres away from anything, but it’s only 20 minutes’ drive up the freeway,” says Aaron Fenwick, co-owner of The Summertown Aristologist.

The Adelaide Hills sits to the east of the city and is one of 18 wine regions in South Australia. “Its physical location and the fact that it gets a lot of rain are the main reasons it has an edge,” adds Fenwick. “It’s lush and green; it’s an absolutely stunning place. There are vineyards, wineries and market gardens right on your doorstep.”

Winding roads canopied with oak trees and towering gums connect one quaint town to the next, each with its own personality and charm.

“The Hills are full of magic and romance. I didn’t realise that until we bought our property in Mylor about five years ago,” says chef-restaurateur André Ursini. “The wood fires in winter, the cabins, the greenery.”

No matter the time of year, the region is a feast for the eyes – and stomach. “Each area of the Hills is really different,” says chef Emma McCaskill. “And each season is so distinct – especially autumn when the trees are coloured intense reds and oranges.”

For a weekend or week-long escape in South Australia’s most scenic region, the options are endless. “When you’re driving through the Hills there are plenty of ‘pinch yourself’ moments,” says Fenwick. “Not just when it’s clear and sunny, but also when it’s stormy and misty and the sky is thick with clouds.”