Keen to immerse yourself in the world of Australian wine for a day or two? Head for the Adelaide Hills and Longview, a stunning family-owned vineyard located just outside the historic township of Macclesfield.
Set on gently (and some not so gently) undulating slopes reminiscent of classic Old World estates, Longview has established itself as one the most-awarded vineyards in the region since its first vintage in 2001.
The range runs from the value-for-money Red Bucket wines to reserve shiraz wines with striking graffiti-style labels that are called The Piece.
Longview, originally planted by the late Two Dogs lemonade pioneer Duncan MacGillivray, is owned and run by brothers Peter and Mark Saturno, members of an Adelaide family with long-time hospitality industry roots.
The brothers were keen for a change from their big city lifestyles in New York City and moved back to South Australia to take on the challenge of producing the style of premium, cool-climate wines they themselves love to drink.
Aiming to be the best in the region they employed Yalumba wine guru Brian Walsh as a consultant and talented Ben Glaetzer as their consultant winemaker.
Longview Vineyard, on the road to Langhorne Creek, is a little warmer than other Adelaide Hills' sites but its wines are still decidedly cool - and the sensibly priced Longview wines have quickly found favour in the market place.
You could easily spend a weekend here doing tastings with the helpful and knowledgeable cellar door staff, enjoying Sunday tapas and staying in luxurious new accommodation overlooking the vineyards.
There is no doubt that Longview is one of the most impressive wine tourism destinations in South Australia.
Lazy Longview Sundays attract sellout crowds to sample the wares of chef’s Stephanie Heaven and Louise Naughton, whose Mediterranean-style platters can be enjoyed al fresco on the lawns, on the verandas, or inside in front of open fires. The platters change seasonally and feature local produce when possible.
The older-style homestead, for use as one large residence or two separate apartments, has long been a popular spot for wine lovers to kick back for a day or two and the recently opened Longview Vineyard Suites comprise 12 king rooms that offer relaxed and stylish accommodation overlooking pinot noir vines.
The suites all have private balconies - while a larger spa suite comes complete with a Jacuzzi bath tub for two looking out at the vines through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Each suite has a king bed (very comfortable. I can confirm), flat-screen TV, a self-contained kitchenette, en-suite bathroom, reverse cycle air-conditioning, free wi-fi and the latest appliances.
Gourmet breakfast provisions and wines are provided to each guest and the cellar door and function centre are just a short away, while the Three Brothers Arms and Macclesfield Hotel are just down the driveway.
With other star local cellar doors like Shaw+Smith, Nepenthe, Ashton Hills, K1 by Geoff Hardy, Pike & Joyce, The Lane, Hahndorf Hill, Deviation Road and Chain of Ponds all within a short drive away, this is a perfect base for a weekend of vinous indulgence.
Longview Vineyard, Pound Road, Macclesfield, Adelaide Hills, South Australia.
(08) 8388 9694. The cellar door is open every day 11am-5pm. www.longviewvineyard.com.au.
# The writer was a guest of Longview Wines
# The writer was a guest of Longview Wines
No comments:
Post a Comment