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McLaren Vale vineyards
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Samuels Gorge Cellar Door
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A chook’s view
From Ben Lanyon, Lodge Manager
Being avid motorcycle enthusiasts, Lou and I look for any excuse to jump on the bike and head off on the road. On this occasion we left the Lodge late afternoon and caught a late ferry across the channel into Cape Jervis. With little more planning than the general direction in mind and our bed booked for the night…away we went!
After a recommendation from a helpful and friendly local chap on the ferry, our first stop was decided 40 minutes away at The Victory Hotel. We found a beautifully restored pub right on the main road heading to Adelaide with very smart restaurant and extensive wine list. Being dinner time, as a couple of dishevelled bikers we thought it more appropriate we sit in the public bar in preference to the busy restaurant and the more well-dressed crowd. We enjoyed an ice cold Coopers beer and the best burger I have had in a long time (which I hear they are famous for), “The Victory Burger”.
Back on the bike, warm and cosy it wasn’t long before we arrived at our accommodation on the main street of McLaren Vale, the McLaren Vale Studio Apartments. An ultra-modern group of six “apartment style” self-contained new accommodation suites, all very well appointed.
Ours was called ‘The Dancing Fig’, which just happens to be the name of Coriole Vineyards wines. This vineyard is a must for any visit into the region; their wines are fantastic and they are also well known for their olives and olive products.
After a good night’s sleep, my thoughts immediately turned to breakfast and a good coffee. The local tourist guide was right on the pulse and pointed us just up the road to Blessed Cheese. Walking in the front door I felt like a kid in a lolly shop. All the fabulous aromas, a huge selection of regional produce and a mouth-watering breakfast menu ticked all the right boxes.
Satisfied, and back in the saddle we headed out along McLaren Flats to Kangarilla and Kangarilla Road. With orders from the boss stored on the back, it was time to head back for a hot chocolate at Bracegirdle’s.
From there we rode out to Samuels George Winery – one of our current favourites is the Grenache; their Riesling, available at cellar door was new to us and it was superb too.
Lloyd Brothers Wine & Olive Company is somewhere we haven’t been before but the wines rate highly, and they have a large edible product range as well as body product range that incorporates the olive oil. In addition the shop features an Alpaca clothing range with fleece from their own farmed-animals.
Time was flying by but we still had time for lunch at the iconic D’Arenberg Winery restaurant before the journey back to Cape Jervis and back to Southern Ocean Lodge.
