There’s nothing quite like the decadent harmony of rich chocolate and fine wine and, with winter on the way, resisting a sweet treat gets harder by the day. Add Maxwell Wines’ exclusive Mother’s Day chocolate fest into the mix, and you’re bound to surrender to the sweetness.
In a rare collaboration with chocolatier Adixions, Maxwell’s cellar door will host a once-off tasting experience this Sunday, ideal for spoiling mum and your sugary senses.
Initially conceived as a private event for Maxwell’s wine club members, the pairing proved too exceptional to keep under wraps.
“We originally designed this for an exclusive event for our wine club the day before. But it turned out so incredible—the way the flavours worked together—that we thought, well, we’ve got to open this up to the general public,” explains General Manager Jeremy Maxwell.
Led by Maxwell’s expert tasting team and chocolatiers, the day will showcase four wines alongside four chocolates, meticulously paired to ignite your palate and take you on a flavour journey.
You’ll be guided through each offering, learning how every bite and sip work together to create the perfect match.
Adixions owner Vicki has been a lifelong chocolate lover. Her passion has seen her travel the world, learning from some of the industry’s finest and channelling that knowledge into her premium, artisinal brand.
For this event, she plans to offer a little bit of everything. From classic bonbons to 74% dark chocolate, there’s a treat for every taste.
“One of the chocolates we’re featuring is my signature Raspberry Blush bonbon. It’s a beautiful hand-painted dark chocolate dome with a really indulgent raspberry chocolate ganache centre,” she explains.
“There’ll be more on offer, but I’ll leave a few surprises for the day!”
For wines, expect velvety, spice-laced drops and Maxwell’s signature, bold flavours including a mead-style liqueur and some beautiful reds in between.
“We’re starting off with a Grenache. It’s got a lovely raspberry element to it, so that kind of led us down an obvious path with the chocolate pairing,” Jeremy admits.
In an interesting revelation, the full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon found its match with a passionfruit ganache, proving that opposites really do attract.
“One of the real surprises was the Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a rich, full-bodied Cab, and it actually paired perfectly—you wouldn’t believe it—with a passionfruit ganache,” he laughs.
“I think it’s because Cabernet Sauvignon is a relative of Sauvignon Blanc, so maybe some of those floral characters came through. It really worked, and it was a big surprise.”
And here to debunk assumptions, the pairing wasn’t as easy as some might think.
“It’s funny, because not all chocolate goes with all wine – pairing them takes a lot of thoughtful preparation,” says Jeremy.
This unique collaboration between two leading South Australian brands is the perfect excuse to celebrate Mother’s Day in McLaren Vale. Indulge, learn, and take in the beautiful surrounds with mum and the whole family. Open all day, guests can enjoy the sweet treats before or after lunch at their award-winning restaurant.
WHAT: Maxwell Wines and Adixions
WHEN: Sunday May 11
To book, click here
