15 places on the Fleurieu to try in 2019

Okay, so not all of these places are new to town, but they certainly are fabulous. Maybe you have heard of them, maybe you haven’t, but either way they are well and truly on my hit list for this Summer.

From wineries and cafes, a coffee roaster, a seaside pop up and even a cellar door selling toasties- I’ve got you covered.

This is what’s on heavy rotation for the summer months.

Photo credit- Gather at Coriole Facebook page, taken by @nicgossage

Gather at Coriole

My favourite restaurant in Robe has moved into the vines and I am VERY pleased about it. Chef Tom Tilbury cooks up dishes almost too pretty to eat, with a focus on local, seasonal and sustainable produce. Meals are paired with Corioles wines, so you know you’re in for a treat. All nestled in the the stunning surrounds of Coriole, you know you are in for a treat for the eyes- and stomach.

Photo credit- Inkwell Wines

Inkwell Wines

Their newly renovated cellar door is the place to be this summer. The interior is gorgeous and is the perfect accompaniment to their fabulous single vineyard wines. You can either taste off their daily tasting menu, try a private structured tasting or have a glass or the deck. If you are thinking of staying the night in the vale, check out their accommodation- all I’m telling you is there is a gigantic bath that looks over the vineyards. Get me there NOW!

Flower Cellar Door

If you love great coffee, toasties and light brunches, raw cakes and fresh flowers, then this is the spot for you. This shipping container turned café in Whites Valley is the perfect place to start your weekend, or even for a takeaway with a bunch of seasonal flowers picked from their onsite flower farm.

Pizzateca Seaside Kiosk at Aldinga Beach

Pop up Pizzateca at the beach. OH YES I CANNOT WAIT. Kicking off on the 4^th of January and running for two weeks, the seaside kiosk will see all your favourite woodoven pizzas being dishes out of the Clarrie Eatts Reserve at Aldinga Beach. There’s also the possibility of beer and wine being served- hello perfect night out. Check out Pizzateca’s Facebook page for opening hours.

Doc Adams

Sensational DIY platters, a cracking wine list, locally made gin and a massive grassed area for the kids to burn off energy- this place has it all. Doc Adams is one of my favourite cellar doors in the Vale. There’s nothing better than sitting on the deck with a red wine flight and soaking in the view. They are also putting on a wine weekend on Australia day where you can get some hefty discounts on some exceptional vinos.

Photo credit- Beaches Facebook Page

Beaches Port Elliot

A new addition to the Port Elliot township, and the perfect place if you just can’t handle a day at the bakery (let’s face it, I love the bakery so I would be definitely be visiting afterwards). Beaches boasts that their specialty is burgers, bowls and salads. Expect everything from smoothie bowls, haloumi burgers, frittatas and seriously good looking salads- you will make friends with these salads. 

Photo credit- Forktree Brewing Facebook

Forktree Brewing

A brewery with one hell of a view at Carrickalinga. If you are rather partial to a frothie or two, pop down to this joint for a tasting paddle, bottle or even a bite to eat- I hear their burgers are SO good. Family friendly- so feel free to pop in with the kids.

Image Credit- Cabana Club Facebook

The Cabana Club

The winery we all know and love has moved their pop up cellar door/shipping container to the beach- Port Noarlunga beach that is. It’s all part of the Cabana Club at Porties, where you can expect live music, the beer and wine flowing, exceptional views of the coast and just really casual vibe. There’s also plenty of Portuguese inspired food on offer, as well as plenty of dining options from nearby food vendors.

Photo credit- Ivybrook Farm Facebook

Ivybrook Farm

If you love intimate, cosy cellar doors, then pop Ivybrook in your GPS. Nestled in a 1800’s stone barn just a stone throw away from the coast at Maslins Beach, this winery is unique and full of character. Apart from theri exceptional wines you can find DIY platter options, plenty of entertaining space and even their own Vineyard Cottage bed and breakfast equipt with spa bath and all the bells and whistles. I think a staycation is calling my name!

Dal Mare

This gem has been around for a while now, but the coffee is just as good as the day it opened. Coffee is roasted on site in their McLaren Vale café, where you will find every type of coffee on offer- filter, iced, espressos, you name it. They also sell bagels if you’re feeling peckish- and I’m always down for bagels.

Photo credit- Port Burger Facebook

Port Burger

Juicy burgers. Live music. Great atmosphere. Won’t break the bank. Port burger is ticking all of the boxes. It seems myself and the majority of the Porties community is so excited to have Port Burger at the Port- it’s always pumping. If there’s a lineup then I’ve been told to stick it out- their Smokey Bacon and Egg Burger and their Twin beef and bacon burger is on my hit list.

Lot8aldinga

I only recently discovered this place, and I was so tempted to hide it from everyone because I never want them to sell out of dumplings. But the family that runs it is SO lovely and deserve as much good press as possible. Located in the Aldinga Eco Village, expect authentic Singaporean food. The interior is small but inviting- there’s a long table, open kitchen and plenty of banter. Every week the dinner menu changes and the prices are very reasonable- I think we have found our new date night spot.

Penley Estate

This Coonawarra gem has been on the main street of the Vale for a while now, but it’s still a firm favourite in my books. A aesthetically pleasing interior, great wines (particularly the reds), lovely hospitality and toasted sandwiches if you’re feeling peckish. Because sometimes you need a bit of carby goodness to soak up all that vino.

Victor’s Place

This old stone building has been given quite the refresh, and I’m loving it. Victor’s Place is the new go to at Old Noarlunga. A great all day menu, beer and wine flights, one hell of a stout (my Pommy partner approves), brilliant views, a big lawn for the kids and on occasions there’s even live music and DJ’s. What’s not to love?

Photo Credit- Bombora Goolwa Facebook

Bombora Goolwa

Goolwa Beach isn’t just for surfing, it’s home to a cafe with one of the best ocean views. Bombora is found in the dunes, literally 25 metres walk to the beach. Breakfast and Lunch is on offer at this family friendly cafe, with options like Zucchini Fritters, Mushrooms tossed in Truffle Butter and a ‘Surfers Delight’ salad- think loads of fresh seafood and veggies. I hear it’s labelled as a ‘favourite’ for good reason. 

What’s on your must visit list this summer on the Fleurieu? I’d love to know! Drop me a line in the comments.