In the heart of the Adelaide Hills, a unique new cellar door experience is inviting visitors to explore South Australia through scent, taste and story. Sensory House, the latest creation by acclaimed winemaker and distiller Rose Kentish, is a place to sip and savour—it’s a deeply personal project that brings together decades of craftsmanship, connection and creativity.
“I’ve always felt that the uniqueness of a place is discovered through the senses,” Rose says.
“The source of botanical aromas in the air are floating out of the gardens and farms, infused in the food and drinks, worn on the skin. These aromas and flavours are memory making.”
That idea sits at the heart of Sensory House, where every wine, spirit, liqueur and soon-to-be-released perfume tells a story rooted in place and purpose.
Visitors can explore Rose’s Full Circle Spirits, Grace Whisky and Rose Kentish Wines, each crafted with the intention of sharing a sense of what makes South Australia so special.
Rose’s winemaking journey began when she walked through her husband Sam’s family vineyard in McLaren Vale.
“I could imagine what the wines made from the fruit growing on that vineyard would taste like. I just needed to learn the science behind the making process.”
She did just that. Studying winemaking at night while raising four children, and learning from a talented technical winemaker by day.
Her career took a bold turn in 2010, when her family moved to France so she could make wines in Provence and Corsica. It was there she first learnt to distil, an experience that would eventually inspire her to return to the Adelaide Hills and launch Full Circle Spirits.
“I felt that through spirits and liqueurs I could share what excited me about this place—South Australia—and that’s been an incredible journey.”
At Sensory House, the fig liqueur has quickly become a favourite among visitors. Made using fruit from a 100-year-old fig tree on Kangaroo Island, it captures the essence of a rugged and resilient place.
“I pick, scorch on my stove top and then plunge the figs into spirit,” she explains.
“In small batches, I make the liqueur, adding special honey and a few other aromatics. It’s a wonderful way to taste figs from a tree that’s lasted through fires and still manages to produce thousands of figs despite growing right by the sea.”
Her commitment to sustainability is evident throughout her work. The business is about to launch a “drop and collect” initiative, encouraging customers to return bottles and stoppers for reuse, receiving refills at a reduced price.
“Full Circle is about seasonality, but also careful use and reuse of resources—whether it’s foraging in abundance, using excess produce, or recycling our bottles.”
The experience at Sensory House goes far beyond a typical tasting. Through cocktail classes, food pairings, masterclasses and storytelling, Rose is creating a space for education and sensory exploration.
“Language is empowering. I want to bring people into their own power to enjoy sensory experiences on a deeper level,” she says.
By August, the final piece of the sensory puzzle will be revealed: Rose’s first range of perfumes. Having studied perfumery in Grasse, France, she’s been crafting personalised scents for years. This new collection will further connect visitors to place through fragrance.
“I’ll have a small range of perfumes ready to release that take the idea of memories and our connection to ‘place’ to a whole new level. I cannot wait.”
For Rose, Hahndorf is the perfect home for Sensory House.
“My mum lives in Hahndorf, and my dad, who passed away three years ago, was a really dynamic leader in the community. The locals are passionate about their town, and I am so honoured to be a part of that town with Sensory House.”
Whether you’re a wine lover, cocktail enthusiast, or simply seeking something beautiful and thoughtful, Sensory House offers a heartfelt, handcrafted experience that lingers long after the last sip.
Having honed her craft both in South Australia and in France’s famed winemaking regions of Provence and Corsica, Rose brings a unique perspective to everything she creates. From small-batch wines and artisanal spirits to a soon-to-be-released line of perfumes, every product at Sensory House is infused with intention and care.
One of the highlights of Rose’s work is her fig liqueur, now available at the new cellar door, made using fruit from a resilient 100-year-old fig tree on Kangaroo Island.
“Each year I pick the figs, scorch them on my stove top, and then create the liqueur in small batches with special honey and aromatics,” Rose shares.
“It’s a wonderful way to showcase the beauty of that place on KI.”
Visitors to Sensory House are invited to embark on a sensory adventure. Through carefully curated masterclasses, blending classes, and collaborations with local chefs, Rose is passionate about helping people explore flavour on a deeper level.
“Language is empowering,” she says.
“I want to bring people into their own power to enjoy sensory adventures on a whole new level.”
In keeping with her strong commitment to sustainability, Rose has also introduced a ‘drop and collect’ initiative, encouraging customers to return bottles and stoppers in exchange for refills at a lower price.
And there’s more on the horizon. Later this year, Rose will launch her first perfume collection, meshing her love of aroma and storytelling into a new fragrant journey.
“By late winter, I’ll have a small range of perfumes ready to release that take the idea of memories and our connection to ‘place’ to a whole new level. I cannot wait.”
Whether you’re drawn by the craftsmanship of small-batch spirits, the romance of fine wine, or the allure of scent, Sensory House offers a destination where beauty is bottled and every visit lingers long after the last taste.
Sensory House
Where: 81 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
When: Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am-5 pm
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