PPH- Perfect Platter Hunting 1.0

Platters.

 I like love them.

And i’m forever looking for new places that serve the heartiest, cheesiest, pickle-iest platters in Adelaide. Platters to me are the perfect kind of lunch. It gives you a taste of everything and generally is packed with local goodies that you can share. Plus they’re generally teamed with wine. And we all LOVE wine.

So i’ve decided to start a list on the blog called PPH- Perfect Platter Hunting. What can you expect? A list of amazing platters in Adelaide and surrounds; tried and tested by me. I’m a picky platter eater so if its on the list it’s a winner.

Know a place that sells a mean platter that you think I should know about? Comment below or send me a email, i’d love to know about it! Bring on the platter hunting and enjoy the first list!

Leconfield Winery, Cnr Main & Johnston Roads, Mclaren Vale

A warm open fire, a long wine list and friendly cellar door staff; what more could you ask for? In the warmer months your invited to enjoy the beautiful patio and get lost looking into the vineyards that are lined with ruby red roses.

Their platters are huge and even bigger on flavour- think sourdough and dukkah, sticky balsamic, ham, pickles, pate, a range of hard and soft cheeses, quince paste, crackers and these super tasty seeded crackers that make you feel healthy with every bite.

Maximus Wines, 195 Foggo Road, Mclaren Vale

I’ve mentioned these guys before on my blog. We headed there with a groupon voucher in hand and sampled some delicious wines. Settling on a glass of pinot gris, my partner and I sat on the balcony and soaked in the views that extend as far as Willunga Hill.

We snacked on a cheese platter boasting a variety of crackers, grapes, pears, blue cheese, dried figs, brie, cheddar and pear jam.

Gemtree Wines, 167 Elliot Road, McLaren Flat

A sustainable cellar door offering organic wines, a gorgeous view and their own alpacas and veggie patch, this winery had me SOLD. This winery ticks all the boxes- play equipment for the kids, friendly staff, farm animals, decking overlooking the vines and a grassed area to kick a ball or indulge in a Gemtree picnic pack.

We ordered the regional platter, and for $35 we couldn’t ask for more. Dukkah, chutneys, bread, home grown cherry tomatoes, curd, salami, brie and cheddar and home made shiraz jelly (you could eat it by the bucket load). I had to unbutton my jeans after this one and roll out the door.

Woodside Providore, 69 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Woodside

After stumbling across a voucher for this little gem in the entertainment book, we jumped in the car and headed up to the Adelaide Hills. I’ve driven past this house a hundred times on the way to my mums house but have never stopped. But i’m glad this time we did.

This platter is stacked with giant olives, delicious dip, prawns with aioli, chorizo, hard cheese, arancini balls and lamb with tomato chutney. Along with a cute little pot of tea and a fresh juice, we sat out the front and watched the world go by.

Johnston Oakbank, 18 Oakwood Road, Oakbank

Surrounded by 170 years of history and nestled in bluestone stables, Johnston Oakbank cellar door is a open space where you can taste a variety of wines, their famous cordials and local produce and platters.

We tasted, and bought, several bottles of their cordial and sat down on the lounges inside and snacked on this beauty of a platter. It was topped with crackers, gourmet salad, mettwurst, leg ham, olives, brie, curd, prosciutto, chutney, roasted capsicum, pickles and caramelised onions. The staff at the cellar door also make a mean coffee!

Saltrams Wine Estate and Restaurant, Nuriootpa Road, South Australia (Barossa Valley)

We originally headed to the Barossa to buy a dozen Rockfords Allicante. By the time we got there we were very hungry, and after taking a recommendation from a friend from work we stopped into Saltrams. This cosy yet modern cellar door and restaurant has a mouth watering menu and dishes out some incredible looking wood oven pizzas.  Lucky we got there when we did because it packed out fast.

We had a extra cheese, quince and crackers on our platter (not pictured) for another $9 but I honestly don’t think you need it. We snacked on warm rolls, pickled veg, feta, twiggy sticks, turkey, crackers, olives and raisins, mustard pickle, salami and a variety of other cured meats. I’d happy go back and eat this all over again.