Image Credit (above): Solemate Studios
Those in the know know that Ekhidna Winery is nothing short of perfection. The McLaren Vale favourite, whose restaurant Ekhidna Kitchen earned a chef’s hat earlier this year, has just added another accolade to its growing list, named South Australia’s Best Restaurant Wedding Venue at the 2025 ABIA Wedding Awards.
It’s an incredible achievement for the family-run business, which only opened its doors two years ago.
“Never in our wildest dreams did we think we were going to actually win,” says co-owner and wedding coordinator Erin Mutton. “The venues in our category are all incredible … it was such a ‘pinch me’ moment. I was shaking — so proud of our team.”
Ekhidna Kitchen sits on Branson Road, framed by vineyards and rolling hills of the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges. It’s equal parts winery, restaurant, and event space, with a contemporary Australian menu that leans on global inspiration and locally grown produce, much of it from the property’s own gardens.
Food, unsurprisingly, is what most couples rave about. “There’s nothing worse than leaving a wedding and having to do a Macca’s run on the way home,” laughs Mutton.
“We’re both avid foodies, and after winning a Chef’s Hat in January, we hold ourselves to a high regard in the food department. It’s amazing to hear guests compliment the food, then come back weeks later for lunch.”
But what truly sets the venue apart and leaves a lasting impression is its people. The tight-knit team of ten – including Mutton’s daughter, niece, and co-owner Kane’s family – has built what she calls a “warm, comfortable, and fun” environment.
“We really are like family, and that’s how we treat our couples. Building trust for our couples is at the forefront of our minds, always,” she explains.
“We have such a dedicated team, they know our couples by name, and they really feel like they are a part of the entire journey. They just never cease to amaze me with the amount of care they take week in week out, being the absolute best versions of themselves for our couples and their friends and family,” she adds.
That approach has clearly resonated. The ABIA recognition came from verified couple reviews, and Ekhidna also placed runner-up in both Function Coordinator and Ceremony Venue categories.
“It’s just wild,” Mutton says on being awarded Function Coordinator.
“From running pubs 2 years ago and having never worked (or organised) a wedding in my life – to being runner up in the wedding industry awards… it really felt like all the sacrifices we have made have been worthwhile.”
Ekhidna offers an all-in-one experience. Following extensive renovations last year, the venue itself offers a blank canvas to suit all kinds of celebrations. Ceremonies on the main lawns overlooking the vines, outdoor cocktail hours under gum trees, a boogie under the festoon lights, and receptions in the courtyard and main bar. The restaurant seats up to 140 guests for a sit-down celebration (or 200 cocktail-style), while the cellar door offers tastings, beer flights and gin experiences five days a week.
Mutton gives full credit to Ekhidna’s sweeping views and manicured grounds (maintained by the kitchen team themselves) for the Ceremony Venue award.
“The view is incredible, we have our ceremonies out on the main lawns overlooking the vines and rolling hills behind,” she says.
“I’m such an advocate for the region, I just think McLaren Vale is so beautiful and we really are spoilt for choice, you’d be hard pressed not to find a beautiful setting visually wherever you go.”
So whether you’re chasing an exceptional food and wine experience, scouting the perfect backdrop for your big day, or simply want to sip a glass of Halliday-rated five-star wine overlooking the vines, Ekhidna Winery is the place that has it all – and this award serves as a well-deserved reminder.
“Kane and I are so fortunate to have this business, we are even more fortunate to have the team we have behind us,” Mutton gushes.
“It really takes a village (in our case, albeit a small one)! So we dedicate this award to the team.”
Ekhidna Winery named South Australia’s Best Restaurant Wedding Venue
When: 2025 ABIA Wedding Awards
Where: 67 Branson Rd, McLaren Vale
For the website, click here.
@ekhidnakitchenandwines
For the full list of ABIA Wedding Industry Award winners, click here.
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