31 minute read
Kytons Hacks
WORDS Millie Looker
Wow your friends and family with some Kytons goodies and a few simple steps.
If you’re anything like us, you’re always looking for ways to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests. Over the years, we’ve come up with some hacks to bring that wow factor, without slaving over the stove.
The secret to these hacks is to start with the best of the best — in this case (and especially around the festive season), our top pick is Kytons Bakery Australia. This South Australian, familyowned business based in Edwardstown has been baking up a storm for over 80 years, and they’ve perfected the art of their famous lamingtons, mince pies and Christmas puddings along the way.
Husband and wife owners Darren and Sharon Sutton’s number one priority is making sure quality is at the heart of everything they do. “Our pursuit of quality means we use the best ingredients, follow traditional recipes and take great care in our baking. We select premium ingredients sourced from Australia as much as possible, knowing that you would do the same if you were baking for yourself at home,” says Sharon.
Take a load off this summer and steal a few of our Kytons hacks — we don’t mind!
Hack 1: Christmas pudding Eton mess Creating a delicious dessert by making a mess? Count us in! • Get a 700g Kytons Traditional
Christmas Pudding from your local Kytons stockist. • Crumble the pudding into small chunks, then start layering your glass with
Christmas pudding, a dollop of custard and a sprinkling of seasonal fruit. • Repeat until the glass is full, then garnish with fruit. Enjoy!
Hack 2: Mince pie ice cream It’s summer, it’s hot and there are always extra mince pies around the place. Kids and adults will love this easy dessert! • Set a tub of ice cream out to soften until almost melted, then stir through a few handfuls of chopped Kytons
Mince Pies. • Return to the freezer, and once the ice cream is solid again, serve! It’s also delicious with caramel sauce drizzled over the top. Hack 3: Mini lamington slice Pop a plate of Kytons Mini Lamingtons on the table, and your guests will be very happy. Create a dessert with a little bit of pizzazz, and they’ll be thrilled! • Grab a 12-pack of Kytons
Mini Lamingtons in the fridge section of your local Kytons stockist — you can find the full list online. • Make some strawberry jelly according to packet instructions and pop it in the fridge until it starts to set around the edges. • Lay the mini lamingtons in a baking tray and squash them down a little bit so there are no gaps. • Pour the slightly-set jelly over the lamingtons, then pop it in the fridge to set completely. • Just before serving, pipe a layer of whipped cream across the jelly, then cover with another layer of mini lamingtons. • Cut into squares and serve immediately. Hack 4: Santa’s House emergency gift or festive activity Don’t you hate it when a friend pops past with a gift for you, and you don’t have anything in return? We’ve got your back!
Just keep a few of the Kytons Santa’s Chocolate Chip House Kits gift-wrapped and tucked away for these exact moments. It’s a fun, festive gift and a nice little nod to SA. They’re also great to have in the cupboard for when the kids are getting a bit stir crazy over the holidays… set out some extra lollies and chopped fruit so they can get creative!
Give yourself the gift of extra time with your loved ones this summer by cutting some corners with Kytons. You deserve it!
@kytonsbakery kytonsbakery.com.au
A south-east summer
WORDS Millie Looker PHOTOS Chapel Studio Photography
There’s just something about a country pub!
No seaside getaway or country escape is complete without a stop in at the local. It’s a place where the community comes together, and that’s exactly what you’ll find when you road trip to the south-east.
Whether you’re exploring the township of Naracoorte or heading straight to the beautiful beaches of Robe this summer, you’ll want to know about these destinations…
Naracoorte Hotel Motel This 1850s country pub in the heart of Naracoorte is decorated with old farm gear, working pieces and trinkets adorning the walls. It’s filled with soul and offers some of the best hospitality in the south-east!
Holiday time works differently, so it’s a relief that the Naracoorte Hotel Motel has all-day dining on Friday and Saturday from 12pm. Late lunch? No problem! For a good meal, snag a seat in Billy Mac’s open-plan bistro, or sit in the atrium for some indooroutdoor dining instead. You’ll find classics on the menu, including fish and chips, surf and turf and fresh salads. Grab a slice of the homemade pizzas (available for dinein or takeaway), or plan your visit for the weekly Steak and Schnitty nights. Not to mention, $1 from every parmi purchased on a Wednesday goes straight to the Naracoorte Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The sports bar is complete with a pool table and a sporting match always playing. It’s also the place for the Friday Night Draw, in support of local community
groups and charities, where a raffle ticket could land you a six pack, a bottle of local wine or everyone’s favourite, the meat tray! The beer garden is adorned with trees and is the perfect place to take in this easy way of life with some live music. Or, if you’re driving past, pop into the bottle shop and grab one of Coonawarra’s finest to take with you.
As for accommodation… take a load off in one of the Naracoorte Hotel Motel’s fully refurbished rooms. Choose from a queen, twin or family room — it’s the perfect overnight stop or base for exploring.
@naracoortehotel naracoortehotel.com.au
The Robe Hotel Right where the country meets the sea, this grand hotel built in 1840 sits on the foreshore and offers sweeping ocean views. Spend all day diving into the sea, then brush off your sandy toes and wander inside for a cool drink and a good feed. Choose to sit in the open-plan bistro, sports bar or outdoor drinking and dining space so you can keep one eye on the ocean.
We can’t talk about this seaside menu (created by Head Chef Nathan Cheung and his talented kitchen team) without mentioning the rotating specials — they’re updated daily as the cray boats roll in or the fish is collected fresh from the marina. Local produce is the hero of all their dishes, so alongside the plentiful seafood selection, you’ll also find classic pub food done right.
The team behind this Robe icon is local, through and through! They thrive off summer when the town is abuzz with visitors, while also relishing the cooler months, when locals and holiday-makers visit for a glass of wine. You can live like a local too by taking part in the Friday Night Draw for a chance to win a pretty speccy meat or seafood tray, or order a parmi on a Wednesday to support Robe For Recovery.
If we haven’t given you enough reasons to visit already, these local legends love to have a good time! With a drinks list filled with cold tap beers, local wines and cheeky summer cocktails, The Robe Hotel also knows how to throw a good party and is famous for their New Year’s Eve shindig. The epic outdoor event space comes to life with live bands, DJs and more!
Give yourself one less thing to think about on your next road trip, and stay at the Robe Hotel in their cosy upstairs accommodation — it’s clean, comfortable and budget friendly, but the best part is waking up to the sounds of the ocean.
@robehotel robehotel.com.au
Best of both
WORDS Em Worthington Choosing your fave meal of the day is like choosing a favourite child — it’s fraught with danger. Hello Neighbour, Artusi by Night lets you embrace it all.
When you can’t decide between two equally delicious things, I like to take Old El Paso’s advice… “Why don’t we have both!” We regularly thank the heavens that owners of Hyde Park’s Hello Neighbour, Artusi by Night think the same way. Our go-to is not only fail-proof for an all-day brunch, but at night it switches to a mouth-watering gnoccheria. They’ve been winning loyal fans since opening in early 2020, and an experience there continues to wow with the launch of their new menu.
So, how did this unique concept come about?
When local hospo icons Fillippo Ludovici, Alisha Myers and Laura Edmunds decided to plate up food that makes them tick, they came up with this deliciousness! For Alisha and Laura, brunch is where it’s at — and it made sense to switch to Fil’s passion for housemade gnocchi at night.
“Everything came together when we found this spot on King William Road. There’s a lot of pizza and pasta out there, so we decided to hero things differently. Our brunch options are generous and exciting; and for dinner, every piece of gnocchi is handmade fresh by our chefs each day. We combine this with our small plates, which are perfect to share, and nothing’s overly complicated — it’s good quality food, made really well,” Laura says.
It’s impossible to sum up the droolworthy menu on a page, so we asked the masters for their top picks… “THERE’S A LOT OF PIZZA AND PASTA OUT THERE, SO WE DECIDED TO HERO THINGS DIFFERENTLY.”
Just a taste Fil’s hot tip – “For brunch, I can’t go past the brioche French toast, burnt citrus curd, almond crumb, chocolate mousse and Pashmak (a fluffy, pink Persian fairy floss). Come dinner time, I’ll tuck into the cauliflower gnocchi, with leek, guanciale and chilli!”
Alisha’s pick – “My favourite treat is the buttermilk fried chicken served on waffles, with maple syrup and sriracha mayo for a delicious brunch. It’s hard to choose between the gnocchi dishes, but I’m a big fan of the beef cheek ragu, topped with fresh rosemary and pancetta.”
Laura’s order – “There’s plenty of refreshing brekky options, like the watermelon salad, served with halloumi, puffed rice, labna and herbs. And I’ll never say no to a big bowl of basil pesto gnocchi, topped with confit garlic, chilli and stracciatella!”
The menu is mostly vegetarian based, and everything can be made gluten-free or vegan, too. “Pop it with one of our hearty Bloody Marys, an Italian or local beer, an SA wine, fresh juice or coffee, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a good time!” Laura says.
As for our recommendation… take your lover, your friends and all your children (even the non-favourite-ones). The best way to brunch or dinner-dine here is by sampling as many dishes as you can — the more the merrier!
@helloartusi_gnoccheria helloartusi.com.au
WORDS Em Worthington Say goodbye to quick-fix food guilt — Bowlsome is here to save the day!
Sometimes, life gets crazy busy and the need for convenience outweighs good food choices. We’ve all been guilty of grabbing a cheeseburger, a bucket of fries or a muffin on the run — you know, those quick lunches between meetings, a late dinner when the kids’ sport finishes after dark. But we’re shimmying, now knowing that there’s a better option.
Bowlsome’s range of fresh, wholesome, locally grown food that’s full of flavour makes eating mindfully easier than ever. Even better? You can grab their tasty bowls when you’re doing your supermarket shop, so there’s no need for separate stops. THE WHAT You won’t find any nasties in this unbelievably convenient range — that means NO preservatives, NO additives, NO numbers — it’s just real food that’s good for you and tastes great. We’re talking Cold Bowls and Heat & Eat Bowls, complete with homemade dressings, plenty of locally grown produce and lots of vegan options.
When you’re looking at an Asian Chicken Slaw Bowl, packed with protein and antioxidants, you can’t help but get excited about its nutrition. Finished off with a housemade ginger, soy and sesame dressing, it’s a perfect lunch-onthe-run option.
Or, perhaps a Roasted Harvest Bowl with quinoa, three-bean and prebiotics, Omega 3 and B vitamins, all topped off with a delicious housemade spicy seed and cranberry crunch, and turmeric, cashew and dill dressing. This baby’s delicious warmed or as a side dish… did someone say the perfect shortcut when you’re entertaining over summer? We hear you!
And for a taste of their Heat & Eat range, wrap your head around the soul-warming Chicken Curry Bowl (with sweet potato, carrot and pumpkin on a bed of coconut rice); or the Vegan Mushroom Ragout Bowl, which is cooked with a hint of miso and contains a colourful range of health boosting, prebiotic fibre vegetables served on a bed of rice noodles. THE WHY Chatting to the creator of Bowlsome, Danielle Elia, it’s clear that these chef curated bowls have been meticulously thought out. They include a mix of healthy fats, carbs and protein to sustain you throughout the day, so you won’t find yourself reaching for sugary treats to get you through. Thank you, ma’am!
“We don’t believe in adding anything artificial in any of our meals — it’s just clean, wholesome food with zero preservatives, all made right here in South Australia. We work closely with local growers so that where possible, every ingredient is brought in, cooked in house and packed fresh,” Danielle explains.
“I’ve always been passionate about clean eating, and I have certain food allergies, so I used to find it frustrating that I couldn’t find convenient food that was good for me. Then, when my son was three-years-old, he had a reaction and had to be put on a dairy-free, gluten-free diet. Our family’s not the only one to face these sorts of challenges, so when I started Bowlsome, I made sure to be mindful of various dietaries and people’s different needs.”
As for our own commitment to looking after ourselves better on a day-to-day basis, Bowlsome’s just made that one heck of a lot easier, and that’s totally awesome!
THE WHERE These little bowls of convenient goodness can be found all over SA in independent supermarkets, selected convenience stores and OTRs, as well as via the easy-touse online store.
@bowlsome_au bowlsome.com.au
WORDS Millie Looker PHOTOS Trim Photography
When it’s too hot to handle, we know where we’re heading…
There’s more than meets the eye at the Brighton Metro Hotel — hiding behind its walls is an oasis to help you escape the summer heat and live your best beachside life.
Located in Adelaide’s south-west, this time-tested venue has been loved by locals for decades. In the last couple of years, it’s had a facelift and joined the ranks of SA’s best pubs in the biz.
Here’s a whole list of reasons why you should definitely be spending balmy summer evenings at the Brighton Metro Hotel. 1. THE PLACE TO BE This one’s a no-brainer. Just minutes from some of the very best beaches in Adelaide, you can wrap up a day by the ocean with dinner and drinks at this easygoing destination.
2. DON’T SWEAT OVER THE STOVE Who needs to be on dinner duty, cooking for picky eaters? No one! Head along to the Brighton Metro Hotel and let the littlies pick their dinner from the huge buffet. And with a kids’ zone right there, you’ll be able to eat your dinner in peace without fidgety hands at the dinner table. If a buffet isn’t your vibe, you might find your new fave dish on the refreshed menu, which is available in the beer garden and sports bar. Our mouths are watering just thinking of the classics that are done oh-so-well, like the fried chicken burgers, rump steak fresh off the grill, calamari and pizzas.
3. A DRINKS MENU TO MATCH Our perfect summer is filled with cocktails and mocktails that make our hearts sing! Refresh your palate with a pink gin sour, passoã sangria or the berry tiki for a zeroalcohol option. If cocktails aren’t your jam, then pour it up from the frosty beer taps filled with local and international brews, or order a bottle of vino and an ice bucket to sip the day away.
4. A PUB FOR PUPS Don’t leave your pets to swelter at home! Bring them to the Brighton Metro Hotel, where they can receive pats from passers-by and hang out in the shade while you enjoy a drink and a meal. We’re all about celebrating life with our besties and that definitely includes our doggos!
5. THE FUN KEEPS FLOWING The newly renovated beer garden is the ultimate summer base, with a big screen playing the big games, an open-air roof to make the most of cool breezes, umbrellas to shield you from the sun, and the best part — the Mr Yum app so you can view the menu and order snacks, meals and drinks right from the table with just a few taps.
After a freezing winter, it’s time to embrace the warmer weather and make the most of the summer vibes — and we can’t think of a better place to do that than the Brighton Metro Hotel.
@brightonmetrohotel brightonmetrohotel.com.au
Unexpectedly local
WORDS James Worthington There are CIBO Espresso stores all over Adelaide, so you’re guaranteed to find your favourite coffee whenever you need it!
When you hail from the City of Churches, it feels like CIBO has always been there — like an old friend. But you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a national chain because there seems to be a CIBO Espresso around every corner and in every shopping mall, with that bright red signage and familiarity, no matter which one you’re at.
In reality, you’ll only find CIBO in SA, and all 24 stores are owned and run by South Australians. Maybe that’s why so many people go there — to support local? Or, is it because the coffee is so damned good, and you won’t get another one like it anywhere else?
That’s no exaggeration. The coffee at CIBO Espresso is found exclusively in these exceptional local coffee houses — nowhere else. D’Angelo Coffee in Thebarton has been supplying CIBO Espresso since day dot. Their unique blend of coffee was created for the flagship store on the corner of Rundle Street and Frome Road in the city back in 2000; meaning it was created for South Australians, just like fritz, Crows’ Footy Milk, Haigh’s Chocolates and the infamous Pie Floater.
D’Angelo Coffee’s special blend for CIBO comes from not one, but three different flavour profiles found across New Guinea, Ethiopia and Indonesia. As it lands in South Australia, each batch of coffee beans is roasted separately, before being blended with precision to ensure it’s the same quality cup of coffee. Every. Single. Time.
We’re not talking about estimations. The signature coffee blend for CIBO Espresso is done according to the recipe perfected many years ago, and is something Croweaters quickly loved because of that full-bodied flavour and reliability, no matter which store you order from. “We blend the three after roasting to make sure the coffee is the same high quality in each store,” says Tony D’Angelo, Head Roaster for D’Angelo Coffee. CIBO barista training includes a compulsory class at D'Angelo Coffee. Tony also has ongoing dialogue with the baristas at store level to ensure quality and consistency.
No doubt about it, South Australians are familiar with the bright red signage and everything that comes with it: 1) Expert knowledge about real coffee; 2) Toasted banana bread, croissants, chocolate and vanilla custard cannoli; 3) Take-home bags of CIBO beans, ground coffee and pods for their machines at home.
Keep an eye out for the bright red signage all over Adelaide. Molto bene!
@ciboespresso ciboespresso.com.au
WORDS James Worthington
Gin’s trending. Big time.
Know what you like but aren’t sure why you like it? If that sounds like you, your answers lie right in the heart of the city, at the home of one of Australia’s most awarded distilleries — Prohibition Liquor Co. What’s fast becoming everybody’s favourite tipple can be enjoyed yearround; with the warmer months the perfect time for a refreshing “shower in a glass”.
The name’s a throwback to the way of the world in the 1920s. Nearly 100 years later, what started as a side-hustle in 2015 for Wes Heddles and Adam Carpenter in a backyard garage, went from small-batch craft gin distillery to taking the world by storm. A truck full of international gin and spirits awards in New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas and London created serious demand for their product — and in turn, an urgent need to upsize from their garage to a commercial site on Gilbert Street. “Now, it’s a city-based distillery that you can visit and get to know everything there is to know about gin,” says Adam.
Gilbert Street has become a destination for people wanting something different. “It’s a great little community, and we have a lot of first-name conversations,” says Wes. But don’t start picturing an episode of Cheers, with only the occasional new face walking in the door. They host weddings, cocktail classes, gin masterclasses, painting classes, gin blending classes, gin and yoga classes, and even ping pong tournaments where members can fight it out for a bottle of top-shelf Prohibition Gin. They also do gin flights and masterclasses aboard the iconic Popeye on the River Torrens over summer. Now, there’s an idea for a staff catch-up or end-of-year party!
The cafe attracts people earlier in the day, when the distillery and tasting room aren’t open. A tasty menu of light bites accompanies your coffee and, of course, your gin. Think pastries, croissants, cakes or sweet treats, salads and sandwiches.
And when the tasting room opens, staff can walk you through the history of the gin, the botanicals and how to garnish them all — from their classic Bathtub Cut Gin, Shiraz Barrel Aged Gin, Navy Strength and brand-new Juniperus; to their dark pink Moonlight Gin, and the vibrant Blood Orange Gin and Blood Orange Cello featuring fresh juice that goes from Loxton orchard to bottle in four days flat! The tasting room menu is the perfect pairing, featuring sliders, toasties, cheese platters, antipasto, tapas and more. “It’s an education centre, and not just for our gin, but for gin in general,” says Wes. You can book any of their distillery experiences via the website.
Above: Slingshot Studios.
Photo: Meaghan Coles.
Photo: Meaghan Coles.
Photo: Simon Casson.
@prohibitionliquor prohibitionliquor.co
WORDS Hayley Pearson Betcha didn’t know this… just around the corner from Marion Shopping Centre is Adelaide’s only remaining 100 percent family-owned, fully operational urban winery!
Patritti Wines is tucked away on a residential street in Dover Gardens, and it’s quite possible you didn’t even know it was there. Making wine since 1926, it’s an SA winery steeped in family history. There are a gazillion reasons to visit, but we don’t have all year, so here are our top six… 1. One of a kind Patritti started almost one hundred years ago by Giovanni Patritti, and remains Adelaide’s only 100 percent familyowned, fully operational suburban winery, with third-generation Senior Winemaker James Mungall carrying on the family tradition. “I started helping out in the winery around the time I learned to walk and have worked in my family’s business ever since,” smiles James. “My grandpa, Giovanni, boarded a boat in 1925 and ended up on this piece of dirt here in Dover Gardens. Back then, it was all about growing veggies and selling pigs — and like in his
Raise your glass homeland, he started to make wine. As more immigrants arrived in Australia over the next 30 years, the wine really flourished and he started selling it to Europeans all over Australia.” 2. Grape to glass Literally! Patritti grow their own grapes, then crush and process their wine, all at the Dover Gardens winery. It’s bottled and packaged up beautifully, and from there, your order is shipped straight to your front door or cracked open for you in their gorgeous cellar door. “Within hours of the fruit being picked, it’s back here at our Dover Gardens facility being crushed — it’s literally that quick,” says James.
How’s that for a schmick process?
3. Taste with a twist To get the full Patritti experience, we recommend booking a tasting flight on site. “We make over 30 wines, including sparkling, white and red; and we want our guests having a tasting to feel the authenticity of our brand. Everyone that does the Urban Vineyard Collection Tasting Experience gets a fun pictorial map of the local area — a postcard you can take away with you.”
Between the historic vats in Cellar II, you and your friends can try their magnificent wines — served best with an Italian-style antipasto platter.
4. TGIF Set your alarm for knock-offs at Cellar II! The Miami kinda vibe, food trucks and live music will set your weekend off a treat. “We welcome you into our family home, where there’s great food and wine by the glass,” says James.
The feel-goods continue with a more family-friendly atmosphere on a Saturday or Sunday. The grounds are perfect for sips and giggles with a glass of Patritti and a side of antipasto. 5. V.no Way ahead of its time, Patritti has been making non-alcoholic juices for decades and now, they have a range of alcoholremoved wines. “With the V.no range, we make wine just like normal, and then take the alcohol out and blend that wine back up and get it ready to bottle. So, it's a real wine with alcohol removed,” says Winemaker Ben Heide.
6. In da club Say hello to your new friends, Club. 1926. If you love wine and you’re over 18, then welcome to the club. Members get access to special discounts on wine orders and packs, complimentary tastings for you and three friends (twice a year), and an invitation to their annual 1926 Vintage event.
Open every day, Patritti Wines is the place to be any day of the week!
@patritti_wines patritti.com.au
WORDS Millie Looker PHOTOS Sam Tabone
What if your afternoon pick-me-up served a greater purpose?
Sometimes you just need something sweet to get you through the day — re’drinks is all about a refresh and reset, all wrapped up in a colourful can of fizz. re’drinks is one of the leading functional softies, which means that each sip aims to do more than just taste great. Each drink in their range has a purpose — from increasing your skin elasticity and hydration to helping you wind down or get your mind laser focused. And they harness some of nature’s secret weapons like ashwagandha, caffeine and collagen to do it.
Answering our prayers for an exciting alternative to soft drink, they’re glutenfree and contain zero sugar. Sounds too good to be true, right? Let’s introduce you to the A team…
RE’LAX Purpose: This green, vegan-friendly sip is perfect after a yoga or pilates class when you want to freshen up while winding down. Tastes like: Peach tea. Secret weapon: It’s filled with ashwagandha and magnesium oxide to work on relaxing your body and mind. Level up: Pour in a tall glass with ice and lemon slices.
RE’FOCUS Purpose: Lovely in yellow, this elixir aims to help you focus on reaching your goals. Tastes like: Tropical crush. Secret weapon: re’focus aims to extend your cognitive performance and brain power with natural phytolin. It ain’t for dummies! Level up: It’s best enjoyed with brain food, like a soul bowl or fruit platter.
These brews are popping up in local supermarkets, here, there and everywhere — so keep your eyes peeled for their sparkle of colour!
RE’NEW Purpose: This pink number aims to improve your skin elasticity and hydration from the inside out. Tastes like: Wild fruits. Secret weapon: re’new contains 15g of hydrolysed collagen, which can help skin, hair and nail cells to shine. Level up: Add a splash of gin and garnish with strawberries and mint for one hell of a cocktail.
Results may vary. Speak to your health professional to decide whether this product is right for you.
@re.drinks.co redrinks.co
Wine without borders
WORDS Em Worthington Wangolina has you set for international adventures right here in SA.
We sure enjoy a wine or two, but we’re no experts — we just know what we like! And boy, do we love what comes out of Limestone Coast’s Wangolina, headed up by wine guru Anita Goode.
Apart from feeling out of our depth when chatting to a sommelier, delving into a new variety leaves our heads spinning. That’s what Anita and her team are determined to flip on its head, making it more interesting and less daunting to branch out from your regular vino order.
“Our big focus over the last few years has been growing more small parcels of rare things — and we’re now proudly the leading producer of alternate varieties on the Limestone Coast. It’s more making wine from passion, rather than following a recipe — it’s having a play around to create something more interesting, and our focus is on wines made outside our region or South Australia,” Anita says.
She’s well aware that it can be tricky to deviate from what you know, so Anita gave us a little crash course on her latest alternative varieties…
Photo: Ockert Le Roux.
Wangolina Grüner Veltliner The OG of Anita’s alternate varieties, it’s the only Grüner Veltliner made on the Limestone Coast. International trivia: Austria’s most popular white wine. Tastes like: A savoury type of wine that’s like a cross between the bright freshness of a Riesling and the texture of a Pinot Gris. Drink with: Chicken and a bit of spice.
Photo: Ben Macmahon.
Malvasia Istriana This crisp, lighter feeling wine retains its natural acidity and benefits from minimal intervention. International trivia: Originally from Friuli and Slovenia. Tastes like: This one’s exotic and versatile, with fruit and interest on the palate. Drink with: Fish pie.
Stay tuned as they continue to expand their (and your!) horizons with several other alternate varieties in the works.
And if that’s all too much, Anita encourages you just to take a punt and have fun! “At the end of the day, it’s about sitting around with a bunch of friends, enjoying each other’s company and sharing a wine that will complement that moment. When that comes together, it’s the best part of life and exactly what we think about putting into every bottle!”
When you head to Wangolina’s awardwinning cellar door, the crew is excited to run through a tasting and chat wine with you, no matter how in depth (or not) you want to go! “We think of ourselves as a casual and welcoming cellar door. We want you to explore, enjoy and ask all the questions. As long as you’re smiling and loving the experience, that’s as fancy as we need it to get!”
@wangolina wangolina.com.au
Perfect partner
WORDS Em Worthington
Exploring delicious McLaren Vale is plain sailing with your new partner in wine!
With over 80 cellar doors, distilleries and breweries, the Fleurieu Peninsula is a mecca for good times. We’ve all done the wine tours on a grander scale or drawn reluctant straws for designated driver, but an affordable option for small groups has us giddy with excitement.
Partner N Wine is a new tour group by Moana couple Sarah Hughes and Paul Bidmeade, offering flexible tours for up to seven guests from as little as $35 per person. Get ready to make unforgettable memories with McLaren Vale wine tastings, lunch or day trips made easy. “We’re in love with where we live — there are so many great local wineries, distilleries and breweries to explore. We just want to make it accessible for others to share our incredible community,” Paul says. Here’s what’s on the cards…
Designated driver You’ve planned a day of wine tastings (and maybe a little lunch) in McLaren Vale, but you’ve lost rock, paper, scissors, and now you’re driving. Say hello to the eighth member of your group and the one to take the pressure down — the Designated Driver! This option gives you return transport for four to seven peeps, so you can visit up to four venues for as little as $35 per person. The peace of mind in itself is worth every penny.
“This is a goodie, especially if you’re on a budget! You pay your own tasting fees at up to four wineries, and either pay as you go at a lunch stop or BYO the goods and we’ll take you to a top spot for a picnic,” says Paul. The transporter It can also be as easy as needing a set of wheels to get you where you’re going. Partner N Wine also offers a cost-effective alternative for trips for up to seven people travelling between McLaren Vale and Adelaide. It’s a great option for airport transfers, wedding guest shuttle runs, access to the footy and cricket from down south, and more.
Next time you’re tossing up whether to do tastings at Oliver’s Taranga, SC Pannell, Samuel’s Gorge; maybe Smiling Samoyed, Swell Brewery or Kick Back in Aldinga; or perhaps you’ve got the taste for a couple of cheeky gins at Never Never or Ginny Pig, grab yourself a partner who’ll make it a day to remember. Partner N Wine — you’re oh-so-fine!
Above: Never Never Distilling Co, Fleurieu Peninsula. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission. Event planner Sometimes you need someone to take the reins! The Event Planner includes return transport, tastings at three venues, and pizza or platters for $150 per head. It can be catered to your fave drops; and best of all, you can just take your lover, your bestie or up to six others. It’s great value and a stress-free way to explore!
@partnernwine partnernwine.com
Oliver’s Taranga, Fleurieu Peninsula. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone.
