News from The Adelaide Hills Wine Region

Harvest is underway with the first grapes picked for sparkling wine earlier this month. Some of our most sought after varieties (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) may be in short supply this vintage. So, if you see vines with nets over them, you know why. We can't let the birds get a single precious grape! GROOVY GRÜNER One feather in our cap is that Adelaide Hills is the hub of Grüner Veltliner wines in Australia. It's a grape variety from Austria which produces delightful aromatic, food-friendly white wines. Highly desirable on restaurant wine lists, except people are fearful of pronouncing it. Never fear! Just say 'grooner velt-leaner' and the sommelier will give you a thumbs up. Young Guns of Wine did a deep dive into Grüner Veltliner. Here are six wines they recommended from Artis, Hahndorf Hill, Mt Bera, CRFT, Tomich and Artwine. What's it like? Think citrus, star fruit, and white pepper aromas with crisp minerality on the palate. Find a list of Adelaide Hills producers who make Grüner Veltliner here, but more are joining the fray all the time.  ONDEEN WINE ROOM Ondeen at Verdun has incorporated a Wine Room into their offering of premium spirits and exquisite food by Chef Kane Pollard. The wine room is open 7 days from 10am where you can taste a curated selection of wines from four boutique producers, namely Silver Lining, Jericho Wines, Artis, and Turon Wines. ACSCEND TO THE HILLS Imagine visiting three wine regions in one day by helicopter. A new luxury wine experience has been created which includes a tasting and lunch at Golding in the Adelaide Hills, bookended by visits to Olivers Taranga in McLaren Vale and Kimbolton in Langhorne Creek. For info www.ascendwine.com SA WINE GUIDE If you haven't already, you can check out all the top rated Adelaide Hills wines reviewed by trusted independent wine writers in pages 12 to 59 of the South Australian Wine Guide (free download). SPARKLING SOUNDS After the sell-out success last November, Bird in Hand are bringing back their DJ and dance event Sparkling Sounds Sunset Edition in March, with outdoor bars and a designated Spritz Station serving sparkling and rosé spritzers. ON THE FRINGE Did you know that there are 15 Fringe Festival events being held in the Adelaide Hills? Lots of music, some visual art, and a comedy show. Complete your day of culture with a wine tasting visit to some cellar doors. WHAT'S ON IN THE HILLS Adelaide Hills winery events February 23 Feb, Vista Pizza Sunday, Longview Vineyard $45 28 Feb, Phantom in the Forest, Sinclair Gully Wines, $35 March 1 Mar, Phantom in the Forest, Sinclair Gully Wines, $35 2 Mar, Afternoon of Wine and Song, Sinclair Gully Wines, $20 9 Mar, Sunday on the Hill, Nepenthe, $14+ 15 Mar, Acoustics in the Forest, Sinclair Gully Wines, $20+ 22 Mar, Acoustics in the Forest, Sinclair Gully Wines, $20+ 29 Mar, Sparkling Sounds at Bird in Hand, $45 30 March, Vista Pizza Sunday, Longview Vineyard $45 Visiting the Adelaide Hills Wine Region?  Find the cellar doors by using our interactive map or download the pdf