Star chef rings in the changes in the Barossa

 

Star chef Jake Kellie has rung in the changes following his recent appointment as culinary director at Orleana, the signature dining space at historic country house estate and hotel Kingsford The Barossa. 

Kellie's first à la carte menu invites diners to explore the next chapter in the estate’s story with Kellie showcasing some of South Australia’s best growers, farmers and producers.

Open to both the public and residents, the restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows and a modern, elegant interior.

“At Orleana, our approach is deeply rooted in South Australia’s seasonal ingredients, and our menu showcases the distinctive flavours of the Barossa," Kellie says. 

"By celebrating the incredible produce on our doorstep and creating an immersive dining experience, we’re able to share the story of this beautiful region. 

"I’m proud of what we’ve created for our guests and excited to continue evolving our offer with new wedding menus, special offers for locals and so much more."

The chef honed his craft at Burnt Ends in Singapore before founding arkhé in Adelaide in 2021.



Think starters offerings like Barossa crudité with smoked eggplant and macadamia; zucchini flowers with Spencer Gulf prawn and sauce diavolo; and Two Gulfs crab with brown butter sauce and warmed brioche. 

Highlight mains include Mayura Station Wagyu rump cap with house-made mustard; roasted Lyndoch duck with caramelised orange and choux farcis; and Ferguson Rock lobster with shio koji beurre blanc and shellfish oil.

Desserts, meanwhile, include a chocolate macaron filled with pistachio ganache and pickled cumquats, and a Comté cheese tart (although the Jura is not exactly local).

Orleana’s beverage program features Barossa wines alongside wider Australian and international favourites. So names including Seppeltsfield, Penfolds, Henschke and Langmeil.

“This menu showcases Jake’s technical expertise and creativity, grounded in a deep respect for the region’s finest offerings," says General manager Martin Hamilton said:

" We’re excited for what’s ahead in 2026, with the team already preparing a raft of special events across the estate, which we look forward to sharing with both locals and visitors to South Australia.

Orleana is open for lunch Saturday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday to Sunday.

If Kingsford Homestead looks familiar, it was known as Drover’s Run over eight seasons of popular Australian TV series McLeod’s Daughters.   

See www.kingsfordbarossa.com.au

Meet the latest ultra-luxe gourmet destination in Australia

The newest ultra-luxe retreat and conference centre in the Barossa Valley may just look a little familiar to those with good memory recall.

Kingsford The Barossa, now completely refurbished, was for many years the homestead Drover's Run on the popular Australian TV series McLeod's Daughters.

Over the past three years, the luxury property that dates back to 1856 and is under an hour from Adelaide Airport, has been transformed by owners Stefan and Leanne Ahrens.

Contrast of the old and new. The original sandstone house with the brand new events section and pool.

The Ahrens family hopes Kingsford The Barossa will quickly become recognised as one of Australia's premier food and wine destinations - with an impressive wine cellar already being stocked with names including Henschke, Penfolds, Yalumba, Rockford, Peter Lehmann.

Ahrens says he anticipates Kingsford The Barossa will appeal to both local and out-of-state visitors as a “new tourism drawcard, corporate retreat, wedding location and special events venue, whether as a space for celebration just for two, or a group looking to use Kingsford as a base to explore the region.

“Leanne and I, along with the Ahrens family, believe we have created something really special,” he said. “Kingsford is a place we really want the region to be proud of and a destination we can all share with the world.

“We’ve taken the heart of the Barossa and embodied that at Kingsford. You come to Kingsford to share all of the Barossa experiences in one place, where you have privacy and exclusivity whilst savouring the best collections of food and wine we can offer."

Guests can choose to stay in the Homestead Suites, View Suites, three-bedroom Meg’s Cottage or the Stonemason’s Cottage.

Just one section of Kingsford's extensive wine collection.

Room features include LCD TVs, complimentary minibar Items, Nespresso coffee machines, pillow menus, wifi. in-suite safes, hairdryer, robe and slippers.

There are 16 rooms and suites in all, all beautifully furnished, as I saw when I took a sneak peek a few weeks ago.

View suite interior. Part of the brand new addition.

On-site attractions include The Orleana Restaurant, which has a focus on local Barossa produce and is overseen by consultant chef Stuart Oldfield, alongside three bars – the 1856 Lodge Bar, the Peppertree Bar and the Kegelbahn, which features a custom-built authentic German indoor bowling alley - something unique and reflective of the Barossa's history.

Owner, Stefan Ahrens and his unique German Kegel (skittles) alley.

There are also an outdoor saltwater pool, picturesque walking trails nearby and the exclusive Kingsford ‘Bush Bath' al fresco bathing experience in a remote spot on the 225-acre property.

Prices range from $895 to $2000 per couple per night, including hosted luxury accommodation with daily housekeeping and country breakfast.

For full details and bookings visit www.kingsfordhomestead.com.au - although be warned the booking system is fiddly and annoying.