I went for a trip to South Australia at the end of last year, with only one thing in mind: visiting as many wineries in the McLaren and Barossa as I possibly could.

So I thought I would post some of the highlights here for anyone interested in good Aussie Wines.

Barossa:

Best Cellar Door Experience: Winner was Kabminye on Krondorf Road. The people at Kabminye were wonderfully accomodating, and seemed like they were placed on this earth to explore all of the wonderful varietal wine varieties that can be found. They were never content for you to just try 1 or 2 wines, and sent you on a journey through upward of 15 different varieties and vintages. Whilst their wine is by no means Iconic, it is certainly worth the trip.

Worst Cellar Door experience: Saltram. These guys make one of my favourite wines, the Pepperjack Shiraz. Unfortunately they were so focussed on trying to peddle an 8 or 9 variety bottom of the barrel blend “Pepperjack Stylus” (which was undrinkable) that they were not even interested in trying to taste or sell any of their other wines. A great disappointment.

Best Wines: Yalumba “The Scribbler” Shiraz. Kambinye 2006 Zinfandel, Schild Estate Riesling Murray Street Vineyard Viogner.

Surprises: Wine: Yalumba’s quality has improved in recent years. Food: Vintners. the food was awesome, and we even got a half bottle of Basket Press to have with our meal.

Mclaren Vale:

Best cellar Door. D’arenberg. This place is amazing, and a must visit. The people, the restaraunt, and the tasting experience were all first class. A close second was lloyd Brothers, which was also near by, and included an olive grove; truly nice people.

Worst Cellar Door. Serafino. These guys didn’t even have any of their cheaper second label Shiraz to taste. They really weren’t interested in doing a tasting at al.

Best Wines. Hugo Clean Skin (Red Blend) at $8 a bottle ! D’Arenberg 2005 D’arry’s Original Shiraz Grenache, Lloyd Brothers 2006 Shiraz, Kangarilla Road Primitivo.

Surprises: Wine: Hugo Wines. Cheap high quality reds.