Feature image is from Samuel’s Gorge
While luxury and glamour will always have its place, there is sometimes something so heartwarming about things that are more relaxed and simple.
We’ve put together a list of the 11 South Aussie cellar doors that will give you all the rustic and cozy vibes. While these cellar doors are the flashy, what they lack in glitz they make up for in a whole lot of heart, soul and, of course, phenomenal wine.
Check out out top picks here. While off the beaten track, they are definitely worth a trip out of the city, and we encourage you to explore all the quirks and history these cellar doors have to offer.
Hutton Vale Farm
If the rollings hills or stunning vineyard views won’t draw you in, the rustic and homey cellar door at Hutton Vale Farm will. It is like the stone cottage of your dreams, and will definitely give you all the cozy vibes.
Located in Eden Valley in the Barossa, only an hour and a half from Adelaide, this cellar door is well worth the trip. Settle down in one of the comfortable arm chairs while you sip on their delicious wine. This intimate setting is ideal for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
We recently wrote an article on the two phenomenal accommodation offerings at Hutton Vale Farm, so check that out if you haven’t already.
The Hutton Vale Farm cellar door has tastings by appointments only, so for more info, check out their website.
David Franz Wines
This hidden gem offers fantastic sweeping views of the vines, as well as delicious food offerings and, as you’d expect, exceptional wines. In fact, just a few months ago, David Franz Wines was awarded as Gourmet Traveller Wine’s Australia’s Best Cellar Door Awards for 2021.
Owner David Lehman has developed a wide variety of wines, from crisp riesling and chardonnay, vibrant rosé and sparkling shiraz, to bold mataro, grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. A lot of his wines have a touching backstory, many of which are inspired by his family, with one even inspired by his dog.
The cellar door is the definition of casual and cool. The quirky branding attributes to their fun and unconventional spirit. At the cellar door, guests can even head to the fridge and put together their own charcuterie plate!
You can find the David Franz Wines cellar door at 94 Seltzer Road, Stone Well.
For more information, check out their website.
Aunt Alice
Located in Robe’s sleepy backstreets, you would need to do a double take to know that this is a cellar door. This one is a little different from the other cellar doors on the list. The beach shack shabby-chic aesthetic is fitting for a beach town like Robe.
Run by reformed loose cannon Tom Davidson and wife Alice; a woman who describes herself as, “that loopy, left-of-field aunt who always just wants to have a good time.” One of our writers visited the cellar door late last year and was pleasantly surprised by the incredible wines and the low-key vibes.
You can find Aunt Alice at 35 Evans Cave Rd, Robe.
For more info, head to their website.
Mr Nobody
The newest cellar door to opening in this bunch, Mr Nobody has had its doors open for just a few months. Described as a “purveyor of strong wines and liqueurs,” the new cellar door (dubbed a doorway due to its small and intimate setting) aims to provide something different to wine drinkers. Serving not just wines, but also an inspired selection of liqueurs aimed to invoke a love of older varieties in a younger generation.
Located in Auburn, in the Clare Valley, the vintage-inspired fit out that will leave you charmed. The new venue is the latest project from the Shut the Gate Wines crew, spearheaded by owners Rasa and Richard Woods.If you’re in the mood to experience not only a quaint new venue, but also a style of wines that may be new to you, check out Mr Nobody in the Clare Valley’s Auburn.
For more information, check out their Facebook.
Samuel’s Gorge
This stunning cellar door will transport you to the scenic countrysides in Europe, with its views of rolling hills and the rustic yet chic converted barn setting. Originally built in 1853, the farm shed is overlooking the spectacular Onkaparinga River National Park, with visitors are encouraged to relax and unwind with us as they take you through their range of delicious red wines.
The cellar door itself is decorated with vintage furnishings and the old machinery gives it a very historic yet homey feel. This is definitely one to check out.
You can find the Samuel’s Gorge cellar door at 93 Chaffey’s Road, Mclaren Vale.
For more info, check out their website.
Heart of the Barossa
Hart of the Barossa is a family owned artisan wine brand, created by vintners Alisa & Michael Hart. Planted in 1902, the Hart block is the oldest certified organic vineyard in the Barossa Valley.
With a rustic, barn fit-out and open fires, this cellar door will definitely make you feel warm and cozy in the colder months. Built in the early 1900’s, the Tasting Shed is located in the midst of their vineyard where their wine is created.
You can find Heart of the Barossa at the Corner Vine Vale & Light Pass Road, Vine Vale.
Find out more about Heart of the Barossa at their website.
Lobethal Road
Only 45 minutes drive from Adelaide, the Lobethal Road vineyard and Cellar Door are nestled at the foot of Mount Torrens in the Adelaide Hills. Hidden amongst the gumtrees and surrounded by nature, this cellar door is the perfect place to hit up for an afternoon or just a quick tasting.
As well as being environmentally sustainable, the rustic interior and exterior will make you feel right at home.
You can find the Lobethal Road cellar door at 2254 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Mount Torrens.
Visit their website for more info.
Whistler Wines
This particular cellar door is set in virgin Australian scrub, along the iconic Seppeltsfield Road, yet tucked away from the day to day world and is the perfect spot to relax for a few hours.
While your sampling their wine, which was all made by grapes grown on the property using Organic & Biodynamic practices, you will feel right at home. You can build your own platters, and they even encourage people to BYO picnic-style chairs on the weekends or for their events when they’re at their busiest.
Find Whistler Wines at 241 Seppeltsfield Road, Stone Well.
For more info, head to their website.
Battle of Bosworth
Situated in the foothills of the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges and bound to the west by the pristine waters of the Gulf St Vincent, Battle of Bosworth is in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region.
The cellar door is an old converted chaff shed and stables that date back to the 1850s, which has elevated views over their beautiful property.
Please note that they do not take bookings or groups.
Find Battle of Bosworth at 92 Gaffney Road, Willunga.
Head to their website for more information.
Barratt Wines
Only 20 minutes from the city centre, nestled in the stunning Piccadilly Valley of the Adelaide Hills, lies the Barratt Uley Vineyard and Cellar Door.
Not only is the cellar door itself beautiful, but the grounds are absolutely worth taking a stroll around. The 25 acre property of Uley comprises 15 acres of vines, nine acres of bushland and 2 acres of stunning gardens – featuring a majestic tulip tree, claret ash, Japanese maples, silver birches, acers, dogwoods, camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas and more.
Find Barratt Wines at 2 Cornish Rd, Summertown.
For more info, head to their website.
CRFT Wines
CRFT Wines specialise in small-batch wines, using fruit sourced from a handful of blocks in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. Each wine is made from grapes picked from a single vineyard, and every bottle becomes an honest reflection of that one specific location, an untarnished sample of soil and season.
From the outside, the cellar door resembles a bit of a mish-mash shed of sorts. But upon entering, you will be welcomed by a bright and fresh exterior with amazing views of the vines surrounding the property.
Find CRFT Wines at 45 Rangeview Drive, Carey Gully.
Head to their website for more info.
