Photo Credit: Adam Bruzzone, SATC
Kangaroo Island is well known for its abundant wildlife, luscious landscapes, and superb restaurants and cafes. The third largest island of the coast of Australia also has an impressive range of cellar doors and is renowned for its locally produced wines, spirits, beer and ciders.
We have been working with our friends at SeaLink to compile this spectacular list. If you’re heading to Kangaroo Island this summer, this is the one to be working through.
WINE
Dudley Wines Clifftop Cellar Door, Dudley Peninsula
Disembark the SeaLink ferry at Penneshaw and make your way to Dudley Wines, just 12km from the terminal. Here, you can take in the incredible panoramic views across the Backstairs Passage to the ‘big island’. Taste the large selection of wines, with the Dudley Bubbly being a ‘must-try’, then order a gourmet platter or delicious pizza to munch on. This place takes lazy afternoons to a new level and is also family friendly. It features a fabulous kids’ playground and if you are feeling energetic, you can pick up a bucket of golf balls and tee off across the valley, aiming for the old dingy on the hillside. Get a ball in and you might just win a nice wine surprise.
False Cape Wines Cellar Door, Dudley Peninsula
Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and nestled right alongside the owners’ family home, False Cape Wines’ cellar door has been constructed from recycled wood, jetty timbers and locally sourced stone. Kick back in this truly rustic KI setting with their range of wines, cheese platters and light meals.
The Islander Estate Vineyards Tasting Room, Cygnet River
Located just outside of the main township of Kingscote, you’ll fall in love with The Islander Estate Vineyards Tasting Room and their French inspired wines by renowned Bordeaux winemaker Jacques Lurton. Enjoy a tasting flight and pick up a few ‘regional-style’ nibbles for a picnic on the lawn surrounded by gum trees.
Amadio Wines Cellar Door and Wine Bar, Kingscote
You’ll find the Amadio Wines Cellar Door and Wine Bar in a beautiful heritage-listed corner building located on the main street in Kingscote, KI’s main township. Make your way through their authentic Italian tapas menu, try the pasta of the day or one of their fabulous, traditional wood-oven pizzas. With a menu designed by chef Adam Swanson, it is guaranteed you will not leave hungry! Their classic wines are made from grapes grown in both their Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island vineyards.
Springs Road Kangaroo Island Cellar Door, Cygnet River
McLaren Vale locals Joch and Louise fell in love with KI back in 2016 and have since moved over to run the Springs Road Vineyard. Sitting at the top of a long dirt driveway, the Cellar Door opened in late 2018 and boasts gorgeous views from the deck. Stop by to try their small batch wines and be sure to taste the ‘Terre Napoleon’ shiraz/cabernet blend.
Bay of Shoals Cellar Door, North of Kingscote
Widely known for its unique setting above the vineyards, paired with spectacular views of the ocean is the Bay of Shoals. In a dream-team combination with Kangaroo Island Fresh Seafoods, you can now sit back and relax at this cellar door with a fresh seafood platter, paired beautifully with an award-winning white wine.
Kangaroo Island Estate Wines Cellar Door, Parndana
Located in the heart of the island, Kangaroo Island Estate wines are produced on American oak barrels for a rich and vibrant flavour. Test your tastebuds with their range of reds and find out about the island’s history with Cellar Door staff always up for a chat.
SPIRITS
Kangaroo Island Spirits, Cygnet River
The quaint Cellar Door and tranquil Gin Garden at Kangaroo Island Spirits is one not to miss for those seeking a refreshing change. Try their range of multi-award-winning gins, boutique spirits and liqueurs, then sit back with a Gin Cocktail in hand for an afternoon well spent, or book one of their Guided Tastings, tours or even a Blend Your Own Gin experience.
BEER & CIDER
Kangaroo Island Brewery, Kingscote
Kangaroo Island’s first microbrewery is located outside of Kingscote and is a great place for the whole family to relax, including any furry friends. Try their range of eight sustainably-brewed beers, enjoy a glass of wine, or visit on a Friday or Sunday for a handmade pizza.
The Drunken Drone Brewery at Cliffords Honey Farm, Haines
Try the famous honey wheat ale at Clifford’s Honey Farm, along with all their other farmgate goodies including honey ice cream, and pure Ligurian bee honey. You’ll also find the beer at selected restaurants, cafes and hotels around the island.
Colony Cove Ciders at Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, MacGilivray
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery is the place to go for Kangaroo Island Cider sales and tastings. While you’re here, look through their cute farmgate store, find out about the process behind producing pure eucalyptus oil, or stay for breakfast or lunch.
Too many to choose from? We agree. Luckily, Sealink has made it easier to discover a range of Kangaroo Island’s local wine and spirits on their brand new one-day Kangaroo Island Sip & See Escape. Perfect for visitors with limited time, but who are still seeking a relaxed experience.
Inspired to get over to Kangaroo Island? See SeaLink for your ferry travel, accommodation options and a brilliant range of holiday package deals.
You can find more info here.
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