South Australia… WOW!
Vern and Merle didn’t know what to expect from the South Australian countryside, turns out it is amazing. So different from the eastern states, with stunning coastlines, an abundance of beautiful historic houses, fabulous wineries and very cool eateries. In other words, right up their alley!
First stop was the Fluerieu Peninsula, including the McLaren Vale wine region – and the must do D’Arenberg winery, art gallery and restaurant.
The gallery is housed in an architectural cube in the middle of the vineyards, and is currently hosting the Dali exhibition…
Words can’t do this place justice, from the entry…
To the surreal artwork…
And even into the men’s toilets! 😳
After all that culture (and weirdness) it was time to leave the Cube and head for the restaurant in the old homestead.
Merle and Verne agreed that the entree of lobster medallion with blue swimmer crab, prawn ravioli and lobster bisque was basically the best thing they had ever eaten… 😋
The duck that followed wasn’t too shabby either… 🍷
The other great thing about the Fluerieu Peninsula is the beautiful coastline around Victor Harbour and Port Elliot.
Back at Victor Harbour, Vern and Merle took the long walk on the bridge out to Granite Island…
There was an opportunity to get the tourist bus back – but considering how much eating and drinking had been happening, getting exercise was deemed more important!
Vern and Merle wanted to do their bit to support Aussie farmers, so it was off to more wine country!
First stop was the Barossa and the pretty, and historic, village of Tanunda. Vern was happy that there was some lunch and some wine tasting to be done, while Merle was impressed with the facilities available to support a woman while she visited the shops!
Another day, another wine tasting… this time Murray Street Vineyards, on a beautiful Barossa day…
There are many beautiful historic buildings in the Barossa and the Adelaide Hills, often reflecting the original German settlers from the late 19th century who established the areas as some of the greatest wine regions in the world…
On to the Clare Valley, home to some of the best rieslings – wines that Vern and Merle enjoy greatly.
As well as wine there is a wonderful historic village at Mintaro…
On the outskirts of Mintaro is Martindale Hall, a heritage listed, Georgian styled sandstone mansion.
It was built by a wealthy pastoralist – so wealthy that when it was built there were 14 servants to look after the 2 occupants… 😳
The hall featured in the film “Picnic at Hanging Rock”, where it was set up as “Appleyard Girl’s School”. It is now owned by the SA government, and can be seen as it was in its heyday…
The rooms are beautifully decorated, it’s like stepping back in time…
Exploring historic buildings can build up an appetite, so onto the Magpie and Stump pub in Mintaro – where they have been quenching traveler’s thirsts since 1851! 🍻
On the way back from lunch, Merle was fascinated to find the Shmerl Estate. She is now convinced that the estate was established by her long lost ancestors…
Vern is not so sure… 🤔
Sadly, it was now time to bid SA farewell – so it was decided a celebratory lunch on their last day was the way to go. The venue was the stunning wine cellar at the Sevenhill Hotel.
Goodbye SA, we will miss you! 🍷
Gotta love the husband day care centre ……. possibly cheaper option than a golf club membership !
Pleased to see the Vern and Merle theme continue with fabulous food and wine.
Not sure about the urinals at the Cube. A tad off putting perhaps ?