Tour Adelaide’s beer and wine icons

Posted 16 January, 2019 David Nankervis and Samuel Smith

Behind the doors of Adelaide’s wineries and breweries runs a deep, rich history. From Penfolds to West End, join us on a journey discovering some of South Australia’s biggest names in beer and wine.    

1. Embark on a Penfolds Magill Estate Heritage Tour

Secrecy, courage, a disregard for authority and ultimate triumph – this is the story of how one man’s passion became Australia’s most iconic wine. Located just 8km from Adelaide’s CBD, Penfolds Magill Estate winery was established in 1844 by Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold, who brought vine cuttings with them on their voyage from England to Australia. By the 1920s, Penfolds was producing a third of South Australia’s wine and in 1948, the legendary Max Schubert became the firm’s first chief winemaker, aged just 33. The Magill Estate Heritage Tour takes 45 minutes and immerses you in the history of one of the nation’s oldest and most iconic wineries. Available in English and Mandarin, the tour begins at the cellar door, offering up beautiful vineyard views, before heading to bluestone buildings where you’ll view winemaking vats and the barrel maturation cellar. Your guide will take you deep into the underground tunnels where Max Shubert once hid his elusive Grange. You’ll then return to the cellar door where you can sample a selection of wines from the iconic Penfolds Collection.    

2. Follow your senses on a West End Brewery Tour

Ever wondered how one of the world’s oldest and most-loved beverages was made? A tour of Adelaide’s iconic West End Brewery will answer all your questions about beer, and provide you with a few coldies to celebrate your new-found knowledge. The tour begins at the Thebarton brewery, which was redeveloped at a cost of $70 million in 2015. You’ll then go on to visit the Port Road brew house where you’ll get to explore a massive bottling hall and grab a drink (or two) at the in-house bar. Before you’re shown the property’s impressive draught-brewing equipment, you’ll learn just how many thousands of years beer has been around for and who invented it. Top the day off with tastings of various plant-produced brews, matched with a selection of cheeses.    

3. Experience the National Wine Centre of Australia’s Wine Discovery Journey

Smack-bang in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, the National Wine Centre of Australia is an encyclopaedia of iconic Australian wine. Here, you can sip and savour over 120 varieties including the famed Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace. A trip to The National Wine Centre of Australia wouldn’t be complete without embarking on a Wine Discovery Journey. The interactive, self-guided tour teaches wine-lovers about the winemaking process from start to finish, including the role wine has played in Australia’s history, the impact Australian wine has on the global industry and, of course, the intricacies of food and wine pairing. Finish off the tour with a wine tasting and gourmet cheese platter, then take a stroll through the sprawling Adelaide Botanic Garden or head to a vibrant East End bar.