When we think of a safari, we think of journeys across a vast wilderness, observing wild animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, and the like. But what about a wine safari?
Golding Wines is hosting a Western Branch Wine & Dine Safari, which promises to be an enjoyable wine adventure across the Western Branch vineyard, followed by a five-course dining experience crafted by Head Chef De Buys Nortier.
“We call this a safari because we take people out onto our property and into the vineyard to get up close to the vines and take in the views while enjoying our wines,” said owner, Lucy Golding.
“We think of this like a wine adventure, many people are not familiar with a lot of the viticultural techniques involved with growing wine grapes, so it is also a chance for them to learn something new along the way.
“Similar to an African safari to observe animals in their natural habitat, this is about immersing people in our landscape and seeing our vineyards firsthand, hence the name.”
As you walk through the stunning Adelaide Hills property, you will learn about the process of growing fruit and making wine in the region’s cool-climate pocket. Guided by Darren and Lucy Golding, you will be able to try a selection of fine Golding wines and learn the stories behind what makes this family vineyard so special.
“This was a family vineyard planted by Darren and his parents before Darren and I launched the Golding Wines brand, so in the early days when the vineyard was named, Golding Wines the brand didn’t exist,” said Lucy.
As an interactive event, Darren and Lucy will answer guests’ questions about anything regarding their family history in the region, winemaking, grape growing techniques, or the property itself.
“I love the fact that the Western Branch name really encapsulates our geographic location on the Western Branch of the Onkaparinga River. Growing grapes and making wine is all about the terroir of your chosen site so the name speaks very firmly of place.
“It is a unique vineyard in that there are many different aspects and elevations we can choose to plant different grape varieties on. The great thing about our Western Branch Wine & Dine Safari is that that people will learn about these nuances as we take them around the property.”
On 20 December 2019, the Cudlee Creek bushfire tore through the Golding Wines property, damaging 95 per cent of the family’s vineyards and much of their infrastructure. But Golding has risen from the ashes.
“In the time that has passed since then, we have done a huge amount of work to regenerate our vineyard and nature has done a wonderful job in regenerating the native bushland on our property,” said Lucy.
As well as vineyard regeneration, three elevated tasting platforms have been constructed around the property, providing extraordinary views of the property and its growth.
“From the different tasting platforms, you can see how this rejuvenation is taking place and just how close the fire came to our gardens and the stone barn where our tasting room and restaurant is located,” said Lucy.
“These timber tasting platforms are located at three different locations around our Western Branch Vineyard and are all at different elevations offering different views across the property.
“On our vineyard walk, we use the opportunity to pause at these platforms to taste some of our wines and match these with snacks. Whilst I don’t want to give everything a way – it is a wine adventure after all – guests can expect to taste our two sparkling wines The Last Hurrah Pinot Chardonnay blend and Marjorie Blanc de Blancs with paired cheeses from Section 28 Cheese on our first platform stop.”
After spending the morning working up an appetite, guests will return to the cellar door for a curated five-course degustation lunch and wine pairing, designed to showcase the very best produce South Australia has to offer including Confit Salmon, mussel emulsion, and fennel.
The Western Branch Wine & Dine Safari is a part of Tasting Australia – a celebration seeking to immerse locals and tourists in the wild and wonderful experiences of wine, food, and winemaking.
“I think it is always lovely to attend a food and wine event that is more of an immersive experience than simply sitting inside a restaurant space. The beauty of our event is that you really get to explore the vineyard which is where the wines you will be enjoying over the day were actually crafted,” said Lucy.
Where: 52 Western Branch Road, Adelaide Hills, 5241.
When: Saturday 7 May 2022, 10:00am
Cost: $220 per person
To find out more or purchase tickets, click here.
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