Drink Archives - FIFTY+SA

Evening’s out: Adelaide’s best rooftop bars and wine spots

Staff Writer — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 03:52:31 +0000

Adelaide’s bar scene has been quietly but confidently stepping things up, with new rooftops, refreshed coastal favourites, and intimate wine bars that feel made for unhurried evenings. For those who enjoy a good drink, good company and a setting that doesn’t demand shouting over a crowd, the city is full of choices that cater to every pace and mood. Soda Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Glenelg Set above The George Hotel on Colley Terrace, Soda is Glenelg’s first true rooftop bar, and it embraces the position beautifully. With views stretching from the beach across to the hills, it’s a dream at

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Nick Stock’s wine notes: Penfolds Collection 2025

Nick Stock — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:41:14 +0000

Nick Stock is one of Australia’s most well-known and highly regarded wine critics. He co-owns McLaren Vale’s favourite beach front bar and restaurant the Silver Sands Beach Club and The Old Bush Inn Hotel, Willunga’s “top pub.” Penfolds Collection 2025 Whether you collect Penfolds reds religiously, drink the odd bottle or simply follow the form guide of the star reds like Grange and Bin 707, there’s no more significant annual wine release from an Australian winery cellar. I ran some 2024 collection highlights in this column last year and, on the back of some enthusiastic feedback, here’s a more in-depth

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Tea House experience at Adelaide Botanic Garden this October

Staff Writer — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:30:05 +0000

Running 1–5 and 11–12 October, Tea House is a daily, interactive experience designed to slow you down, reconnect you with nature, and invite calm reflection. Open from 10am to 3pm, this thoughtfully curated installation blends nature, art, and culture in an intimate setting beneath the trees. A ritual of stillness and connection Tea House is more than just a cup of tea—it’s a sensory experience that reimagines the everyday ritual of tea drinking as an opportunity for presence and connection. Guided gently by attendants, guests are served specially crafted teas in a shared act of mindfulness and care. Tea, one

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South Australian wineries to visit this spring

Staff Writer — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:25:06 +0000

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

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Katie Spain: I like your old stuff better than your new stuff

Staff Writer — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:14:52 +0000

By Katie Spain, National Drinks Writer During a recent chat with esteemed Treasury Wine Estates fortified winemaker James Godfrey, the fortified king said he’d opt for a vintage Port with a great steak or slow-cooked beef cheek. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be an old one,” he said. “Everybody always thinks fortified wines have to be really old but young, fortified ruby-style (fresh, vibrant and not fully sweet) shiraz is one of the joys of life.” For his pre-dinner drink, Godfrey would opt for a great Madeira with cheese. “I’ve got one I’m hanging out to drink. It’s an 1827

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Rediscover McLaren Vale’s deep roots and new horizons

Staff Writer — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:31:47 +0000

Long renowned for producing exceptional red wines, today’s McLaren Vale is a region that honours its heritage while embracing its bold, progressive spirit. Recognised globally for its distinctiveness and forward thinking, McLaren Vale’s willingness to explore new frontiers continues to attract some of the world’s most talented and creative winemakers. These producers marry deep-rooted craftsmanship with contemporary thinking, resulting in wines that are expressive, refined, and attuned to modern palates. This spirit of innovation is evident in the constant evolution of the region’s wine styles. Alongside world class expressions of iconic Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, a new wave of

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South Australia in a glass: The regions, icons, and fresh faces worth knowing

Staff Writer — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:32:14 +0000

A South Australian Wine Tour curated by Jared Brown. Barossa Valley The VibeA place where the reds are deep, the vines are old, and everyone’s nan has a Shiraz opinion. Barossa’s legacy is big and bold, but a new generation is finding grace in the power and detail in the density. Tradition runs deep here, but it’s not stuck in the past. Classic Pick Kaesler – The Bogan Shiraz 2021: Dense, dark and dripping with Barossa swagger. Classic in the best sense of the word. One to WatchSven Joschke – Das Klaus Syrah 2022: A sleeker, finer-grained Barossa Syrah with

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South Australia’s first family of wine and their gold rush side hustle

Staff Writer — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 03:09:58 +0000

The latest film in the acclaimed WineLine documentary trilogy, WineLine 3 Gold, premiered at The Capri Theatre on 10 May 2025. Produced and narrated by Dr Richard Hamilton himself, this 55-minute film uncovers the family’s bold quest for fortune during the Australian gold rush – an era that forever changed the country. Faced with drought and depression at home, the Hamiltons trekked across the Coorong, a scorching 90-mile desert, and flooded rivers to reach the goldfields around Amherst and Daisy Hill. The film retraces their journey, revealing the grit, danger, and sacrifices of life on the diggings, as well as

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Grenache & Gourmet 2025: A celebration of taste and place

Staff Writer — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:39:59 +0000

This spring, indulge in curated experiences that celebrate the synergy between McLaren Vale’s world-renowned Grenache wines and its acclaimed culinary scene. The Grenache & Gourmet ‘Sip & Savour’ series showcases elegant wine and food pairings that highlight the region’s depth of flavour, while ‘Learn & Explore’ events take you behind the scenes with immersive tastings and winemaker-led experiences. Or, discover the ‘Relax & Unwind’ events; your invitation to soak up McLaren Vale’s laid-back charm, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality. At the heart of it all is Grenache: vibrant, fruitful, and unmistakably McLaren Vale. Whether savoured as a single variety, revealed

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Celebrate him this Father’s Day at Neat Sips

Staff Writer — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:10:59 +0000

Looking for a Father’s Day celebration that offers something a little bolder? Neat Sips—Australia’s only dedicated fortified wine festival—is back this 6–7 September 2025, promising a weekend of rich flavours, live fire cooking, and world-class wine in the heart of McLaren Vale. Held at McLaren Vale Distillery, this immersive festival is all about celebrating the depth, complexity and charm of fortified and aromatised wines. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or simply curious, Neat Sips offers a relaxed yet flavour-packed experience perfect for wine lovers looking to discover (or rediscover) the pleasures of this time-honoured style. This year’s lineup includes standout

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