10 of my favourite spots on the Epicurean Way, South Australia

If you’re looking for the best way to eat and drink your way through some of the best wine regions of South Australia, then you need to grab a road trip map for the Epicurean Way.

The Epicurean Way is named Australia’s great food and wine touring route and when you see what’s on offer there’s no questioning why.

Encompassing four of the best wine regions- McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and the Adelaide Hills, the tour gives you a taste of some of some of the best SA wines and lets you indulge in some seriously good food. If you do the whole tour it can take up to four days- but it could easily be turned into a few weeks as these regions have so much to offer.

I’ve picked 10 of my favourites off the map, so if you don’t have a full 4 days you can still have a sneaky taste of the Epicurean Way.

Wirra Wirra Cellar Door and Harrys Deli

Mclaren Vale Wine Region

Wirra Wirra winery in located in the heart of McLaren vale, surrounded by lush vineyards and rolling hills. Their newly renovated cellar door boasts a long tasting list and some of the best shiraz’s in the vale. If you are after fabulous locally sourced fare, then check out Harrys Deli. Their produce platters are deliciously big and their coffee, by local roasters Dawn Patrol Coffee, are worth driving for.

The Salopian Inn

McLaren Vale Wine Region

Long lunch lovers unite, the Salopian Inn needs to become your new go-to. Their dishes have a strong focus on seasonal produce and are packed full of flavour. Their pork buns and gnocchi are to-die-for, as is their mouth-watering desserts. If gin is your thing then you’ll drool over their bar- with over 200 gins on offer you’ll be in for quite the lunch.

Willunga Farmers Market

McLaren Vale Wine Region

Fresh, seasonal produce and handmade goodies are one of many reasons to visit this market. You’ll get the change to buy veggies straight from the grower and meet the faces behind your favourite cheeses and baked treats. Must visit stalls include From Humble Grounds for their coffee, Harvest The Fleurieu for their strawberries and Bull Creek Bakery for the best pies.

Beerenberg Farm

Adelaide Hills Wine Region

This place is perfect for families, tourists and strawberry lovers. Beerenberg farm is more than just a strawberry farm, it has makes and sells some of the best chutneys, sauces, dressings and relishes in SA. In season you can wander the strawberry fields and pick as many berries as you want to buy- such a great activity with the kids (perfect for big kids too).

Woodside Cheese and Melbas chocolates

Adelaide Hills Wine Region

Edible flowers, goats chevre in saltbush, melty brie- have I got your attention? Woodside cheese is an award winning cheesery, stocking cheeses that need to be on your platter. Next door at Melbas Chocolates you will find a full-functioning chocolate factory, with a retail area that is filled to the brim with chocolate-everything, lollies and gift packs. If you have time stay and indulge in one of their hot chocolates- you won’t regret it.

Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard

Adelaide Hills  Wine Region

If you’re after a winery with a view, this is it. Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard in Lenswood has fabulous wines and a restaurant in the most picturesque location. It’s the perfect place for a long lunch, but if you are after a more casual affair order one of their platters with a glass of Pinot Noir and nestle in out on the deck overlooking the vineyards- it’s the best seat in the house.

Maggie Beer Farm Shop

Barossa Valley Wine Region

I have a not-so-secret crush on Maggie Beer, so her farm shop is of course a must visit on this list. Her farm shop stocks all of your Maggie Beer favourites- salted brandy caramel, verijuice, icecream- the list goes on. It’s the perfect place to stop in and pick up supplies for Barossa picnics, but if you want to dine in then try their Pheasant Farm Pate picnic basket on the deck by the dam.

Casa Carboni

Barossa Valley Wine Region

If you have cravings for next level Italian food paired with a international wine list then book in with Casa Carboni in Angaston. This Italian cooking school and wine bar comes highly regarded by tourists and locals, and there’s no doubt why.  Open all day from Thursday to Sunday, offering breakfast and lunch, as well Chefs Table Dinners and Sunday Italian Long Lunches- the long lunches are based off of produce purchased from farm gates and the Barossa Farmers Market. That’s my kinda lunch. If you love a tipple, pop in on a Friday night from 6 – 10pm for their Friday Night Wine bar. You’ll be able to enjoy a flight of 4 wines, or wines by the glass or bottle, paired with Italian style tapas and fresh pasta.

Skillogallee Cellar Door and Restaurant 

Clare Valley Wine Region

 Wine and incredible food underneath an olive tree. Yes please. This was one of the first restaurants I visited in the Clare Valley and it was love at first sight. Dabble your way through their long list of wines, or wander out onto the porch overlooking the perfectly manicured gardens and soak in the view. The food is incredible and a long lunch is the best way to experience Skillogalee. This place is not to be missed if you’re in the valley.

Knappstein Enterprise Winery and Brewery

Clare Valley Wine Region

If you love a frothie then pop this one of your list of places to stop. Knappstien’s Winery and Brewery cellar door is nestled in the heart of Clare in a National Trust building oozing history and good vibes. It’s open every day including public holidays, and offers both beer and wine tastings (their wine is pretty damn amazing!). While you’re there you can also have a peek at their micro brewery in action- so cool!

What’s your favourite places to visit on the Epicurean Way? I’d love to know!

Want a copy of the map? Click here!

Photo credits- Knappstein Enterprise Winery and Brewery and Casa Carboni