Hidden among rolling hills and verdant vineyards, the Adelaide Hills region is not only renowned for its exceptional cool-climate wines but also its outstanding culinary experiences.

Not sure where to start? The best winery lunches in Adelaide Hills utilise their surroundings – think fresh meat, cheese, and olive oil in abundance. Many wineries in this region boast restaurants and cafés that celebrate the farm-to-table ethos with seasonal menus that change with the landscape. 

Here’s our guide to the best places to dine: from casual, lazy nibbles to sophisticated lunches in leafy surroundings.

Want to visit some of the wineries mentioned in this guide? Check out our Epic Hahndorf & Adelaide Hills hop On Hop Off Tour .

Winery Lunches in Adelaide Hills

Hahndorf Hill Winery

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Don’t skip the pinnacle of Adelaide Hills: Hahndorf Hill Winery. While they don’t operate a full restaurant, Hahndorf’s snack selection pairs perfectly with their boutique wines – an ideal way to enjoy a relaxed lunch.

The ChocoVino experience is a fan favourite, pairing premium chocolates with their estate wines, particularly their Austrian varieties like Grüner Veltliner and Blaufrankisch. Or, for something savoury, their generous grazing platters feature locally sourced cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal produce – enough to fill the gap until dinner.

If you’re a beginner in the world of wine, we particularly recommend one of Hahndorf Hill’s wine flights. Create your own sampler or opt for a white, red, or mixed flight. You might just discover your new favourite tipple.

Specialties: Austrian-inspired grazing platters, ChocoVino experience, artisanal cheese selections

Shaw & Smith

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Shaw + Smith offers a refined tasting experience inside a space peeled straight from a Pinterest board. Their expertly curated wine flights come paired with a selection of premium local cheeses and artisanal accompaniments.

For a light lunch, order a couple of dishes from the cold larder menu and sample one (or three) of their modern expressions. Not sure where to start? Their signature Sauvignon Blanc and M3 Chardonnay are incredibly popular. And for good reason – they’re divine.

Specialties: Premium wine flights, local produce tasting plates, seasonal grazing options

Sidewood Estate

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When it comes to winery lunches in Adelaide Hills, you’ll struggle to find better than the offerings at Sidewood Estate. The restaurant embraces a farm-to-fork philosophy, with a menu that showcases the best seasonal produce from the Adelaide Hills region. The team even uses vegetables and herbs harvested from the gardens that morning.

Better yet, the venue is particularly family-friendly, featuring an outdoor playground and spacious lawns. A long, leisurely lunch overlooking a stunning vineyard, anyone?

Specialties: Contemporary Australian cuisine, estate-grown produce

Bird in Hand

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Bird in Hand is one of the most popular spots for lunch in the region. It’s easy to see why; the LVN restaurant (helmed by the talented Jacob Davey) serves toothsome dishes inspired by the winery’s three homes: Woodside, Finniss, and Tasmania.

The restaurant’s beautiful courtyard setting among manicured gardens is an idyllic place to sip their incredible sparkling Pinot Noir. The menu changes seasonally to showcase the best of Adelaide Hills produce. Standout dishes include their house-made pasta and practically anything featuring their estate-grown olive oil.

Want to truly immerse yourself in the winery experience? Bird in Hand also boasts the exclusive ‘O’ Quarters, where restaurant guests can stay overnight in either the Sparkling or Garden Suites. A delicious Aussie breakfast is included the next morning, too.

Specialties: Italian-Aussie cuisine, estate-grown olive oil dishes

Golding Wines

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Rustic yet refined, lunch at Golding Wines‘ Ginkgo restaurant is certainly one of the best in Adelaide Hills. The menu focuses on seasonal share plates cooked in their wood-fired oven, with the likes of pizza and meatballs complementing their estate-grown wines.

If time (and budget) allows, Golding’s signature “Nido” (nest) experience is unmissable. Where else can you enjoy intimate private dining in unique nest-like structures nestled among the vineyards?

Specialties: Wood-fired dishes, “Nido” nest

Pike & Joyce

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If you adore dreamy views, don’t skip the lunch on offer at Pike & Joyce. Perched at one of the highest points in Adelaide Hills, the winery serves breathtaking panoramic views alongside exceptional dining. 

The menu showcases modern Australian cuisine with a heavy focus on seasonal ingredients (we’re talking fresh fruit, homemade bread, and locally sourced seafood).

The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the spectacular vista, the perfect backdrop for enjoying refined dishes paired with cool-climate wines. Opt for the Chef’s tasting menu and full wine pairing for an incredible experience you’ll be eager to repeat.

Specialties: Modern Australian cuisine, locally sourced seafood, seasonal tasting menu

Lot 100

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Lot 100 is one of the coolest spots in Adelaide Hills. This collaborative concept brings together Mismatch Brewing, Ashton Valley Fresh, 78 Degrees, and Hills Cider under one roof. The venue is spacious and contemporary, perfect for families and larger groups looking for a laidback meal.

Lot 100’s onsite restaurant, fronted by head chef Jack Winfield, serves up some seriously tasty South Australian produce. The outdoor patio area features exceptional wood-fired pizzas, house-made charcuterie, and hearty shared plates designed to complement their diverse beverage offerings.

Specialties: Wood-fired pizzas, paddock-to-plate cuisine

Nepenthe

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Want incredible wine from a B-Corp winery? Nepenthe is an Adelaide Hills gem where sustainability is just as important as the grape. The winery’s recently renovated cellar door provides a cosy space to enjoy its renowned cool-climate wines, particularly the exceptional Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

Nepenthe offers a more casual dining experience focused on grazing options to complement the wine. Their expertly curated cheese and charcuterie platters feature the finest local producers, while seasonal small plates highlight the region’s produce. Or, for something truly special, enjoy a gourmet picnic hamper on their picturesque grounds.

Specialties: Artisanal grazing platters, local cheese selections, gourmet picnic hampers