Wishing to unwind amongst gorgeous vineyards and soak up what our beloved Adelaide Hills has to offer without breaking the bank? Simon Tolley Wines at Woodside is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the company around you.
From the moment you step foot into this hidden rustic gem, you will be welcomed with sweeping panoramic views of the rolling hills, warm smiles and a wealth of knowledge as you enjoy a perfectly crafted glass of wine.
For 5th-generation wine-maker Simon Tolley, creating an inviting, family friendly cellar door was always the goal after purchasing the vineyard in 2016.
“It is a humble and intimate cellar door, nothing over the top,” Simon said. “It has a good buzz and it feels welcoming to everyone, whether you are on a wine tour with friends or coming in for a cool drink after a day in the garden. The sandstone used in the cellar door was sourced locally and we used wood from old wine barrels as a feature on the bar and window tasting benches and basically restored our old shed to a new modern rustic cellar door.”
“I like spending time at the cellar door after harvest, because I enjoy interacting with people, showcasing our wines and telling visitors about the history of my family. In the end I think that people will walk away with an enjoyable experience and perhaps a box of wine!”
Another feature of the beautiful cellar door is Simon’s gorgeous retired racehorse Gytrash. You can often find him in a big paddock on the edge of the vineyard enjoying the same breathtaking view.
“He is well looked after with brushing, hooves cleaned regularly and feed twice daily. I enjoy making him feel comfortable and I really think he is a happy horse because of it. On the weekends I sometimes bring people down to see him and he absolutely loves it! He is such a show man, and he thrives on being in the spotlight.”
Thanks to the vineyard’s elevated location – which spans over 40 hectares – and southerly aspect, this has allowed Simon to curate some of Onkaparinga Valley’s finest drops since he began managing the vineyard back in 2000. With a deep heritage of grape-growing, Simon’s knowledge is second to none.
“I chose for my particular vineyards, to grow Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. This year we are adding Pinot Gris to that list as well. I believe that these varietals suit this cool climate the best and it ensures quality fruit for the next 30 years to come.”
“I am a firm believer that great wine starts in the vineyard. The team and I take the utmost care for our vines and make sure they get everything they need during the growing season. I think due to this quality fruit you will find that our wines all share a common denominator: they all have great length, they are well-balanced, and fruit driven.”
“What I think makes our wine tastings so unique, is that you can view the vineyard where the fruit is grown, while drinking our wines. Because we are a bit smaller, we have this great opportunity we can offer our visitors. I come from a 5-generation wine-making family who started with Brandy distillation in 1872 and then the family transitioned into grape-growing in Hope Valley. There is a lot of knowledge that got passed down, and I believe you can taste this in our wines.”
Sounding like the perfect place to spend your upcoming long weekends? We thought so. With a number of exciting events coming up including Pinot and Pooch which is the ultimate event for all you dog lovers out there, be sure to add Simon Tolley Wines to your must do list. Keep an eye on their socials!
Simon Tolley Wines
Where: 278 Bird in Hand Rd, Woodside
When: Thursday – Monday 11 – 5 pm
For more information, click here.
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