Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf: Small Group Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tour

Summary

Adelaide Hills flavors, German heritage & vineyard tastings in one day

You’ll taste cool-climate wines among rolling vineyards, share a hearty German lunch in Hahndorf’s oldest pub, sample fresh cheeses and handmade chocolates, and wander historic streets with locals who love to share their stories. Expect laughter, new flavors, and those small moments that stay with you long after you’re back in Adelaide.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is our driver, Mark, waving us over outside the hotel — he had this easy way of making everyone feel like we’d already met. He asked if we’d ever tried Beerenberg jam (I hadn’t), then handed out tiny sample jars as we drove through the city’s edge into the Adelaide Hills. The air changed fast — eucalyptus sharpness mixed with something sweet from the strawberry fields. It was early but I could already smell chocolate somewhere on the breeze, or maybe that was just wishful thinking.

We stopped at Mount Lofty Summit and I’ll admit, I expected just another lookout. But standing there, wind tugging at my jacket, you could see all of Adelaide laid out below and the ocean beyond. Mark pointed out where the city ends and vineyards begin — I didn’t realize how close everything sits here. At Howard Vineyard (or maybe it was Sidewood Estate that day; they swap sometimes), we tried a chardonnay that tasted almost cold even before it hit your tongue. The winemaker told us about how the hills’ weather messes with the grapes in a good way — “keeps them honest,” he said.

Lunch in Hahndorf felt like stepping into someone’s old family story. The pub had creaky floors and heavy wooden tables; our server switched between German and Aussie slang without missing a beat. My pork schnitzel came with this mustard that nearly made me tear up (in a good way). Afterward, we wandered past shopfronts selling cuckoo clocks and hand-carved toys — I tried to pronounce “Beerenberg” properly but mostly got laughter from Li behind the counter. She gave me a tip on which chocolate to grab at Melba’s later (the honeycomb is still haunting me).

The last stop was Woodside Cheese Cellar — goat cheese so creamy it barely held its shape, paired with some kind of tart apple cider that cut right through the richness. We sat outside for a bit longer than planned because nobody really wanted to leave yet; sun slanting through gum trees, everyone just quietly happy or maybe sleepy from all the food and wine. Funny how you can feel at home in a place you’ve never been before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf tour

• Visit Mt Lofty Summit viewpoint
• Explore Beerenberg Strawberry Farm
• Wine tasting at Howard Vineyard
• Tour Melba’s Chocolate Factory
• Cheese tasting at Woodside Cheese Cellar
• Enjoy 2-course lunch in Hahndorf
• Explore shops and galleries in Hahndorf
• Wine tasting at Sidewood Estate

Top questions

How long does this Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf tour last?

This is a full-day tour departing from Adelaide with multiple stops including lunch; expect around 8 hours total.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup from selected Adelaide City or Glenelg hotels is included—choose your hotel when booking.

Are wine tastings part of the experience?

Yes, tastings at local vineyards like Howard Vineyard or Sidewood Estate are included.

What’s for lunch during the tour?

A two-course German lunch is served in Hahndorf with your choice of beer or wine included.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Vegetarian options are available; just mention dietary needs when booking.

Will we visit Beerenberg Strawberry Farm?

Yes, there’s a stop at Beerenberg Strawberry Farm for jams and unique products (no picking mentioned).

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The itinerary is gentle and suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed according to tour info.

What happens if an attraction is closed due to weather?

If venues like Mount Lofty or Woodside Cheese Cellar are closed due to fire risk or heat, alternatives may be offered or stops adjusted.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from select hotels in Adelaide or Glenelg, all entry fees for tastings at vineyards like Howard Vineyard or Sidewood Estate (subject to availability), samples at Melba’s Chocolate Factory and Woodside Cheese Cellar, time exploring Beerenberg Strawberry Farm, plus a two-course German lunch in Hahndorf with beer or wine before returning comfortably by air-conditioned vehicle in the evening.