Part 3. McLaren Vale
The last leg of my latest tour of Adelaide was to McLaren Vale – where the vines meet the sea and life for those that live there seems blissful and amazing. We arrived late on a Sunday afternoon, and whilst walking to the main street to find some cheese, it dawned on me that I had a tough decision to make. If I ever get to return home where would I live? Whilst I dream of a cottage in the Barossa with a couple of acres I also contemplate life in McLaran Vale - being so close to the sea and wonderful little towns like Willunga, it is a stunning part of the world and not a place you can miss if your in Adelaide for a visit.
We stayed at ‘The Marlene’ one of the two 3 Diva’s holiday accommodation choices – very relaxing and cute, The Marlene is perfect for a weekend escape.
’The Marlene’ 3 Diva’s
Enjoying our cheese from the wonderful store Blessed Cheese and drinking our complimentary wine – bliss!
The Marlene (3Diva’s) has two bedrooms, one of which is loft style and there is a gas fire as well as a lovely little kitchen. Breakfast provisions included local yogurt, cereal, fruit and crusty white bread plus there is also complimentary wine and port for you to consume as the sun goes down over the vines.
Unfortunately for us, d’Arenberg’s restaurant, d’Arry’s Verandah, was closed on this occasion but it is known for being one of the best restaurants to dine in the Vale so it is a must try for next time. Some wines we tried here and loved were - The Derelict Vineyard & The Cadenzia.
Coriole Winery has been a favourite of mine for a long time. I love the gorgeous cellar door, the wines and their olive oil! On my first day back in Brisbane after this trip, I was having Adelaide withdrawals and sat in my old recliner dumping crusty bread into my Coriole extra virgin olive oil, sipping wine and watching a re run of McLeod’s Daughters on tv and feeling mighty sorry for myself and homesick. Wines I liked – Fiano & The Dancing Fig.
Duck fat potato wedges
Vale Dark braised beef cheek open pie, seeded mustard mash and pea puree - very delicious on a cold day and perfect with a glass of MV dark ale of course!
Hugh Hamilton Winery
The ‘black sheep of the family’ Hugh Hamilton winery is very picturesque with a stunning cellar door. As well as the wines, they have lots of black sheep merchandise to match their wine names. Favourite – The Floozie .
