Chardonnay May to showcase one grape in style

The month of May sees wine producers in the Adelaide Hills promoting local chardonnays with tastings, lunches and dinners all featuring the classic white grape for Chardonnay May.

Many of the cellar doors will host curated tastings, new-release showcases, museum and back-vintage pours, and immersive wine experiences.

May will see more than 30 chardonnay-themed experiences, with a Chardonnay Trail Passport available to help guide your trek.

“Chardonnay is the flagship white grape variety for the Adelaide Hills, with examples produced within the region rivalling the very best,” says Adelaide Hills Wine Region president Alex Trescowthick.

“Chardonnay May puts a spotlight on our region’s ability to produce world-class chardonnay, as well as the growing recognition for our Sparkling Blanc de Blancs. 

"For the month of May, we are all things chardonnay as we celebrate the different styles produced throughout the Hills. We invite everyone to come and discover Adelaide Hills chardonnay.”

One of the showcase events is the The Chardonnay Collective on May 16, featuring four courses of food, eight producers and eight wines over one evening.

The event will see some of the Adelaide Hills’ leading chardonnay producers joining together.

Chef John Simpson-Clements at Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard will created the four-course degustation showing off seasonal South Australian produce.

Each dish will be served alongside two premium Adelaide Hills chardonnays, showcasing the diversity of the region, from Lenswood to the Piccadilly Valley and beyond. And every wine will be poured blind.

No labels. No hints. Not even the producers know what’s in the glass. Which sounds a lot of fun.

Producers include Ashton Hills , Gentle Folk, Koerner, Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard, Murdoch Hill, Shaw +Smith, Sidewood Estate and Vella Wines.

The event costs $245 per person. Book Here.

Another highlight of the program is the Tasting Australia event Adelaide Hills Chardonnay Heroes, to be held on May 9 at Mount Lofty House.

This special dinner will feature a line-up of the region’s top award-winning chardonnays.

Further details on individual events and offerings can be found at adelaidehillswine.com.au Chardonnay May

Image: Duy Dash 

Arthur or Martha? The choice is all yours

There is a new fine dining experience in the Adelaide Hills with spectacular views over Piccadilly Valley. 

Martha Hardy's Kitchen is the new a la carte restaurant at Mount Lofty House, and is open daily for lunch and dinner.

It is named after Martha, the wife of Arthur Hardy, who was the historical custodian of the estate in the 1850s. The couple was known for hosting grand social events, with Martha regularly roasting whole sides of lamb in her kitchen to feed guests.

The menu is a tribute to Martha Hardy’s home-style cooking with slow-cooked lamb (17 hours and served with served with caramelised pumpkin puree, confit turnip, heritage carrots and garlic jus) as the signature dish.

Dining at Martha Hardy's Kitchen is more casual than what is described as the "decadent formality" of Hardy's Verandah restaurant, which is also at the estate.

Both, however, share the vista over the Piccadilly Valley and its vineyards.

The menu focuses on fresh South Australian produce including Port Lincoln yellowfin tuna, Coonawarra beef, and Murray Bridge free range chicken. The wine list features local stars like Shaw + Smith, Deviation Road, Casa Freschi, Barrister's Block and Murdoch Hill - with a wide selection by the glass. 

Vegetarian dishes include Mediterranean stuffed eggplant, chimichurri cauliflower and lemongrass and turmeric pumpkin soup.

Martha’s is located on the lower level of Mount Lofty House. See https://www.mtloftyhouse.com.au/