Image: Grounded Cru
Grounded Cru’s cellar door is turning one, and if there’s ever been a reason to grab your cru and head south for a lazy afternoon among the vines, this is it. Next Sunday, the McLaren Flat cellar door will mark its first birthday with an all-day family-friendly celebration of wine, music, wood-fired pizza and an easygoing vibe that defines a great Sunday session.
Winemaker Matt Jackman sums up the vibe in three words – “Warm, relaxed & fun,” which reflects the Grounded Cru philosophy.
The event is taking place at the McLaren Flat cellar door – and the location alone is worth clearing your Sunday for. Set along the historic Ingoldby vineyard and wrapped in more than 75-year-old vines, the space opens out to sweeping views of deep greenery and endless sky. Under the afternoon sun, it transforms into a dream spot for a family-friendly Sunday session – and a summer-eve celebration – vibrant, scenic and absolutely beautiful.
“Despite being in the heart of McLaren Flat, the north-facing, Blewitt Springs aspect makes you feel like you’re in a more remote, rural setting,” Matt says. “There’s a lush green space which is easy to supervise children and the perfect spot for lawn games or a rest with a platter and glass in hand.”
Music will set the tone on the day, with DJ Matt Horton spinning a soundtrack of “catchy pop, funk and electro hits.” And when hunger calls, resident Italian Matteo Barchiesi will be firing up the wood oven, slinging pizzas all afternoon.
It’s a family-friendly affair through and through, with plenty on offer beyond wine. Beer (including non-alc), Grenache Gin, cocktails and soft drinks will be available – and perhaps the most exciting detail for the little ones – “FREE Zooper Doopers for kids,” Matt confirms.
Grounded Cru has been one of South Australia’s quiet achievers since it had its first release back in 2017. Over the past eight years, it’s steadily built momentum for its small-batch wines crafted from both McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills. As the name suggests, the team and their approach to winemaking is grounded and down to earth, letting the grape variety and location take the reins. The result is a delicious range of drops you can confidently reach for on any occasion.
“Our style is in general speak, designed to highlight fruit, texture and more than anything, balance… wines without great fuss or pretentiousness and more about fruit purity and drinkability,” says Matt.
“We see ourselves as custodians of the site and strive to create the best wines possible with the old vine material we have at our disposal.”
It’s a philosophy that has even earned them a five-star Halliday rating, and one that now extends to their cellar door.
Reflecting on the first year, Matt says, “I think there was an inherent curiosity from locals at the beginning, having set up business on the historic Ingoldby vineyard in McLaren Flat.”
And the community and their continuous support have become a core part of Grounded Cru’s story.
“Having the support and engagement from the community here is so important to us and with the cellar door aspect more recently, we hope the community feels they’re a part of it too.”
This milestone event for the cellar door is a chance to celebrate the Grounded Cr(ew), the surrounding community, and a small but mighty producer that continues to shape South Australia’s thriving winemaking scene. Whether you’re a long-time fan, a Sunday session devotee, curious to try the drops that’ve wowed the critics, or simply looking for an excuse to head south, this might be the most laid-back (and delicious) way to spend your weekend.
“Together our team (or Cru!) has worked to create a welcoming space that gives guests a relaxed environment to enjoy our wines amongst the old vines here in McLaren Flat,” adds Matt.
“We may be a little biased but feel this Sunday at cellar door is an amazing way to spend an afternoon and we look forward to hosting everyone whether they be old or new to the Cru.”
The event is free, but bookings are essential (and filling fast). To secure your place, head to their booking platform, select Sunday 30/11, choose Casual Visit, and tick the 1st Birthday button.
Grounded Cru 1st Birthday Celebration
When: Sunday November 30, 11am-5pm
Where: 49 Ingoldby Road, McLaren Flat
Price: Free entry
For more info and to book your spot, click here.
Find the Grounded Cru website here.
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