Parents, we hear you. "I’m bored" are two words you never want to hear as you’re lifting that amazing glass of vino with your friends. Luckily, you’ll find a barrel load of family friendly cellar doors in the Adelaide Hills Wine Region that not only offer plenty of space for kids to run around, but also enough activities to tucker them out while you’re tucking in.
Naturally, like any parent you’ll still need to be on top of your game! Before you let your rug rats loose, remember our local wineries and vineyards often have farm equipment, machinery and dams on-site, so it’s important to keep the kids supervised at all times.
Barristers Block in Woodside is a genuine hotspot for wine-loving families, and with acres of manicured gardens, letting the kids go free-range as you sip and savour a delicious tasting platter is almost a tonic for the soul. Whether you’re rolling out a picnic blanket or perched next to the giant sandpit, the farm animals are sure to be a hit for all creatures… big and small!
Sidewood Cellar Door & Restaurant in Hahndorf is living proof that it’s not just adults that get to have fun at a cellar door! Families flock to its awesome nature playground, amazing restaurant and wholesome Hills hospitality. With deck chairs, day beds and a prime patch for picnics you’ll also find it hard to stay away from petanque and lawn bowls as the kids climb, swing and jump their way through your visit!
Golding Wines in Lobethal is a firm favourite for adults and kids alike, with a year-round calendar of live music and themed events, and a luscious acreage of lawn to keep your whole tribe happy. If you can pull them away from games amongst the greenery, Gingko restaurant has plenty to offer your hungry horde, with tasty treats for under-thirteens including house-made pizzas and gelati they’ll rave about on your roll back home.
Anderson Hill has always had family at its core, having been started by Ben Anderson and his father Brian in 1994. With Ben, his wife Clare and their two sons continuing the tradition, it’s only natural they’ve extended the same philosophy to guests. In fact, dropping in at the Lenswood cellar door feels a bit like catching up at a friend's place, and while you’re clinking glasses and feasting on pizza and tapas, the kids will find ample room to let off steam.
Cobb’s Hill Estate in Oakbank is both a gardener's and gourmand's dream, with acres of farmland and vines stretching from a stunning cellar door set in a botanic wonderland. With lush grass, shady trees and undercover decking, you’ll find plenty of sneaky spots to tuck into a gourmet platter, picnic basket or flat baked Flammekueche with your family in tow.
Howard Vineyard in Nairne is family owned and operated with a cool country vibe, crisp hills air and kid-friendly comforts. With terraced lawns just perfect for the little ones to kick a ball around, you’ll find sanctuary amidst towering gum trees and a perfect patio, where fine food and wine is matched by manicured gardens and a generous splash of Howard hospitality.
Keen to explore? Other family friendly wineries in the Adelaide Hills Wine Region to check out include:
Artwine in Woodside
Ashton Hills in Summertown
CRFT in Carey Gully
Elysian Springs in Mount Pleasant
Glen Ewin Estate in Houghton
Greenhill Wines in Summertown
Karrawatta in Meadows
La Prova in Hahndorf
Mt Bera Vineyards in Gumeracha
Murdoch Hill in Oakbank
Nepenthe in Balhannah
Ngeringa in Mount Barker Summit
Paracombe Wines in Paracombe
Pike & Joyce in Lenswood
Sinclair’s Gully in Norton Summit
Tapanappa in Piccadilly
Vinteloper in Hay Valley (Lot 100)