Sip the Alphabet at Alpha Box & Dice in McLaren Vale
Housed in a heritage-listed barn surrounded by the rolling vineyards of McLaren Vale, the Alpha Box & Dice cellar door is a must-visit for wine lovers seeking something a little different.
Guests can book in for a guided premium tasting of the brand’s signature ‘Alphabet of Wine’; a bold collection where each letter represents a unique winemaking project. You’ll also find casual tastings available over the bar, or you can settle in for a more relaxed experience with a glass, bottle, or shared platter on the lawn.
Groups of up to 30 are welcome with prior booking. The ‘Alphabet of Wine’ is more than a clever concept. It’s a constantly evolving expression of South Australia’s rich winemaking heritage. Every letter stands for an individual wine style or varietal, crafted with a sense of adventure and creative spirit. Expect everything from classic drops to experimental blends; all showcasing the incredible diversity of regions like McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills, and the Barossa Valley.
At the heart of Alpha Box & Dice is a philosophy of exploration. With each vintage, their winemakers push boundaries, trying new techniques and honouring the uniqueness of every harvest. Whether it’s reviving traditional methods, embracing sustainable practices, or trialling unexpected blends, there’s a genuine sense of curiosity in every bottle.
The cellar door itself mirrors that spirit; welcoming, unpretentious, and designed for visitors to enjoy at their own pace. Whether you’re in for a quick taste, an in-depth guided session, or a long afternoon grazing on the lawns, Alpha Box & Dice invites you to discover South Australian wine through a fresh lens. A little playful, a little unconventional… and always memorable.
ALPHA BOX & DICE CELLAR DOOR
8 Olivers Road, McLaren Vale
alphaboxdice.com
Smell the roses at McLaren Vale’s Richard Hamilton Wines
When Richard Hamilton and his family arrived in South Australia in 1837, just one year after the colony was founded, the population was barely 2,500. Yet among their first priorities was the planting of vineyards, laying the foundation for what would become one of the state’s most enduring wine legacies. Today, that pioneering spirit lives on through Richard Hamilton Wines and their sister label, Leconfield Coonawarra, offering a wine experience deeply rooted in South Australian history.
Located in McLaren Vale, the Richard Hamilton Cellar Door is surrounded by vineyards and framed by striking rose gardens, with uninterrupted views of the Willunga escarpment. It’s a peaceful and picturesque setting that invites visitors to linger longer, whether you’re revisiting a favourite drop or discovering something new.
Wine lovers can sample the full Richard Hamilton range through seated Wine Flights ($15, redeemable with purchase), showcasing wines that reflect the unique character of the McLaren Vale region, known for its Mediterranean climate and fruit-forward varietals.
The cellar door also offers wines from Leconfield Coonawarra, famous for its rich reds, and Syn Sparkling Wines, providing a full spectrum of styles to explore. A visit isn’t complete without staying for a light lunch or one of the venue’s Gourmet Regional Produce Platters; a thoughtful selection of local fare that pairs perfectly with a glass of your favourite vintage.
It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, the chat comes easy, and the smell of roses hangs in the air. Open seven days a week, the cellar door is ideal for a relaxing outing with friends or family, and a chance to experience firsthand the legacy of South Australia’s first winemaking family.
RICHARD HAMILTON WINES
439 Main Road, McLaren Vale
richardhamiltonwines.com
Discover Sidewood Estate: Stylish escape in the heart of the Adelaide Hills
Just a 25-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD, Sidewood Estate offers a perfect blend of sophistication and relaxation in the historic town of Hahndorf.
Nestled among majestic eucalyptus trees and set within beautifully landscaped gardens, this award-winning cellar door and restaurant has quickly become one of the Adelaide Hills’ most stylish destinations.
Sidewood’s contemporary architecture complements the natural beauty of the surroundings, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors seeking an exceptional food and wine experience. On weekdays, indulge in a refined à la carte menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the best of modern Australian cuisine.
Weekends bring a relaxed vibe, with options to enjoy a curated two- or three-course set menu or gather casually on the lawn for wood-fired pizzas. Perfect for families, couples, and groups alike, Sidewood Estate caters to every visitor. Sip on a glass of premium wine or cider in the elegant tasting room, unwind on a day bed, or try your luck at lawn bowls or Bocce.
For those keen to explore the region’s cool climate wines and ciders in more depth, Sidewood offers tasting paddles and exclusive VIP experiences, including private masterclasses and hosted food and wine pairings.
Planning a function or event? Sidewood’s flexible indoor and outdoor spaces are ideal for everything from casual catch-ups to elegant celebrations. Children are well looked after with a nature play area that keeps young guests entertained while adults relax and enjoy.
Whether it’s a leisurely lunch, a special occasion, or a full-day wine adventure, Sidewood Estate promises an unforgettable experience surrounded by some of South Australia’s most picturesque scenery.
SIDEWOOD ESTATE
6 River Road, Hahndorf
Restaurant: Wed & Thurs & Sun 11.30am-5pm,
Fri & Sat 11.30am-late
Cellar Door: Mon-Sun 11am-5pm
Phone: (08) 8388 1157
sidewood.com.au
Lou Miranda Estate: Wine, food & legacy in the Barossa
In the heart of the Barossa Valley, three sisters are honouring the past while shaping the future of winemaking. Lou Miranda Estate, a proudly family-owned and operated winery, is run by sisters Lisa, Angela and Victoria Miranda; the third generation of Mirandas continuing a legacy built on passion, resilience, and old-world charm.
The estate is home to some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the Barossa, with blocks dating back over 100 years. As dedicated custodians of these centenarian vineyards, the sisters hand-tend each vine and craft wines that are a true expression of the Barossa’s rich terroir and their family’s heritage. Whether you’re an avid wine lover or simply seeking a scenic escape, Lou Miranda Estate invites you to slow down and savour the moment.
Their warm and welcoming cellar door offers a tasting experience that doesn’t require wine expertise, just a willingness to enjoy. Each of their acclaimed wine ranges tells its own story: the Heritage Series is nuanced, intense and layered, designed to be lingered over; Fierce III is bold and vibrant, ready for you to dive in; while Leone is approachable and food-friendly, the perfect companion to a relaxed meal with loved ones. These are wines made to be shared, savoured, and remembered – over long lunches, late conversations, and everything in between.
After sampling the wines, settle in for a meal at Lou’s By Horizon, the on-site restaurant offering a Mediterranean inspired menu crafted with seasonal ingredients. It’s a destination in itself – rustic yet refined, with dishes that pair beautifully with the estate’s wines and views that feed the soul.
For over 50s seeking authenticity, connection and memorable flavours, Lou Miranda Estate is a must-visit. Experience the charm of the Barossa through the hands of three remarkable women who are not only making wine – but history.
LOU MIRANDA ESTATE
1876 Barossa Valley Way, Rowland Flat
Open daily for wine tastings
Restaurant Open: Thurs–Mon for lunch, Fri–Sat for dinner
Bookings via Lou’s By Horizon: lousbyhorizon.com.au
loumirandaestate.com.au
