Vineyard Heaven

South Australia has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to wine regions.   We've now spent time in McLaren Vale, The Clare Valley and the Barossa Valley.  Suffice to say we have done our best to visit as many wineries as possible but 3 tastings a day was all we could manage without pushing the driving rules.  Our strategy quickly became sharing one taste between us, buying a bottle (oh alright maybe 2) and eventually settling back at the campsite at the end of the day (or as they say here caravan site) after meandering around the gorgeous backroads to enjoy our purchase.   It is a tough assignment but someone has give it a try.  

McLaren Vale

Yangarra Winery -received the 2015 Winemaker of the Year award. 

Took a wrong turn and ended up on this beautiful little road showing there's no such thing as a wrong turn. 

Same wrong turn.....

D'Arenberg Winery - usually tastings are free at the vineyards but occasionally you can pay to taste the really,really, really good stuff.  The pours are always generous and they were happy to let us share. In fact the server suggested we do so.  Price list below in case you want to buy a bottle. Then the tasting is no charge.   They had opened a special bottle not on the list the night before for someone 'in the trade' so gave us an extra glass.  

Many of the wineries support local artists.  No shortage of money in this 'hood. 

We finally figured out a way to leave the rear door open by using clothes pins to secure a mosquito net.     

It made sleeping much more comfortable 

Next up - The Clare Valley

Stopped in Auburn for a classic pub lunch before hitting the wineries.  Turns out it has been featured in a coffee table book on great pubs in Australia. 

Evening view from caravan site 

Reilly's - one of favourite stops in The Clare - it had been recommended by the friendly waitress in the pub the day before.  Only available for purchase at the cellar door. 

Caravan site amenities are often pretty impressive. This one had recently installed pizza ovens in the communal BBQ area. 

The Barossa

Charlie Melton's - we were here 16 years ago and he was sold out of Nine Popes.  This time it was available for tasting but The Father-in-Law was long gone.  Guess we'll have to return to give it a try...

St. Hallett's - creative use for old wine barrels. 

Bird in Hand Winery in The Adelaide Hills.  Another estate with lots of art installations. 

Like this one...

Which honours one of their flagship wines - Nest Egg.  You can't see it but the white label gives this a number of 2040 of 14,200.   Yum yum yum. 

We had two nights back in The McLaren Vale as it made for an easy drive to the place we had to return  the campervan.  Plus if we were forced to pick a favourite spot, among many favourites, this would be it.  The cavaran site was nestled amongst vineyards, it had the glamping ensuite feature, the weather was great, the wineries and backroads lovely, and it this beach was a short 10 minute drive away.  

Made time for a beach visit on our last day in the area.  It was Australia day and Aussies do love their beaches and do love fishing.  

Us attempting a selfie on Aussie Day.  Had a lovely swim and then it was back to the caravn site to enjoy one of our purchases. 

We're now in Adelaide and are heading to Perth tomorrow.   For a nice change of pace from wine research we've taken in several museums and even the state library which was stunning. As usual pictures don't do it justice.   This wing is called The Mortlock Wing which was Brian's Mom's maiden name.  We keep hoping we'll find some family connection for either of us here in Oz. 

The Jubilafos