Cellar Door Tasting – Kangaroo Island

About Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island (KI) is Australia’s third-largest island, behind Tasmania and Melville Island. Be that as it may, it only has 509km of coastline, is 155km from the east coast to the west coast, and just 55km at its widest point. Separated from the South Australian coast by a 15 km stretch of ocean, KI is one of Australia’s most incredible nature-based travel destinations. There is an abundance of Australian fauna and flora, pristine beaches and natural wonders, and exquisite local produce to discover, including delicious local wines. Click here for my A to Z of things to do on Kangaroo Island!

Australian Wines

Australia is the world’s 5th largest wine producer; furthermore, 50% of that wine comes from South Australia. Not to mention, South Australia accounts for almost 80% of Australia’s premium wine production, produced from some of the world’s oldest vines [PIRSA]. Not surprisingly, SA has a long history of winemaking, with the earliest vines thought to have been planted in 1836 by a settler named John Barton Hack in Chichester Gardens, North Adelaide [Wikipedia]. 

From delicious crisp whites, to big bold reds, South Australia produces something for everyone’s palate. In fact, South Australia has a reputation as the “food and wine state” of Australia with excellent reason.

Cellar Door Tasting on Kangaroo Island

During our stay on Kangaroo Island, we visited five cellar doors over three days. Dudley Winery and False Cape Wines, both on the Dudley Peninsula, are not too far from Pennishaw. Bay of Shoals cellar door is located near Kingscote, while The Islander Estate Vineyard and Springs Road Winery are nearby at Cygnet River.

Dudley Wines

Dudley Wines is one of Kangaroo Island’s original wineries. The cellar door and restaurant have spectacular views overlooking Backstairs Passage, ample seating inside and out, and a grassy area for kids to play. Dudley offers a complimentary tasting of up to three wines, as well as tasting paddles that can be purchased and enjoyed on the deck.

We chose to do the complimentary tasting and then purchased a bottle of wine to enjoy on the deck. Moreover, on the day we visited, there was live music, and the place was buzzing. In short, great atmosphere, stunning views and superb wines.

What is there? Wine tasting, wine-by-the-glass, grazing platters, pizzas, weddings and events. 

Wine varieties include – Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.

Our pick – 2018 Hog Bay Cabernet Sauvignon.

False Cape Wines

False Cape Wines run the largest vineyard on Kangaroo Island. With a funky new cellar door made of recycled materials, a small menagerie and a playground for kids, it is a must-do when wine tasting on KI.

False Cape Wines produce delicious wine through ethical and sustainable vineyard practices such as…

• • • They dry-grow their red varietals to ensure yields are kept low for the purpose of creating intense flavours
    • The farm is entirely off the grid and runs on solar power alone
    • They have free-range turkeys that roam the vineyard controlling the pests
    • They use sheep during winter to manage weeds and encourage soil biodiversity
    • The vineyard is netted each year before harvest to prevent damage caused by birds

False Cape cellar door is gorgeous. There is indoor and outdoor seating, including a lounge, bar stools and a shady grassed area; in other words, it is the perfect place to taste some of KI’s liquid treats. The friendly staff served us delicious wine-tasting paddles outside on the patio. Dwayne and I had a mixed paddle while our guests chose to try the whites. Unfortunately, they were out of the Cabernet Sauvignon, so we could not try that… which just gives us a reason to return!

What is there? Wine tasting, wine-by-the-glass and a small cellar door menu including – cheeseboard, deluxe platter (cheese, cold meat, dips, fruit, nut, bread etc.), handmade pies, rice noodle salads etc.

Wine varieties include – Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Rose.

Our pick – we couldn’t choose between the 2019 Cabernet Merlot (Unknown Sailor) and the 2019 Shiraz (Ship’s Graveyard). 

Springs Road Wines

Springs Road Wines opened its cellar door in December 2018. The original vineyard was established in 1994, just 7km west of Kingscote at Cygnet River. The wines are made using grapes from very low yielding vines.

We had an enjoyable visit to this winery. The staff member on the day was delightful, amiable and informative. There is indoor and outdoor seating, and with eight wines to taste, it is an enjoyable way to spend an hour. As well as their Springs Road wines for tasting, they offer some ‘Guest Stars’ from their sister wineries Battle of Bosworth and Spring Seed Wines in McLaren Vale.

What is there? Wine tasting, build your own grazing platter. 

Wine varieties include – Shiraz, Cabinet Sauvignon, Chardonnay

Our pick – Springs Road 2020 KI Terre Napoleon Shiraz

The Islander Estate Vineyard

At The Islander Estate Vineyard, you will find a blend of the historic wine region of Bordeaux and one of Australia’s most isolated and untamed wine regions. Renowned Bordeaux winemaker Jacques Lurton fell in love with the natural beauty of Kangaroo Island and now splits his time between France and Kangaroo Island. Not surprisingly, the on-site winery uses equipment imported from France, including large wooden vats and smaller Bordeaux-style barrels for ageing, settling and blending.

The wines are delicious, and the setting, which includes indoor and outdoor seating, is charming. We tasted six wines. As each wine was poured for us, the wines were described by an informative staff/owner; thus, it was a pleasant and engaging experience.

What is there? Wine tasting, food and wine experiences, personal experiences, and make your own grazing platters.

Wine varieties include – Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sangiovese, Shiraz, Grenache, Viognier and Semillon.

Our pick – 2019 Sangiovese

Bay of Shoals Wines

Bay of Shoals opened its cellar door and winery on the 15th of April 2006. The owner, John Willoughby, has a passion for sailing; therefore, it comes as no surprise that the cellar door has a maritime theme. Decorated with old timber spars, glass buoys, windlasses, masts and booms, it boasts spectacular views across the water.

The grapes are grown, hand pruned, hand-picked, and made into wine on-site at the winery, creating “Authentic” KI wines.

I tasted two whites and four reds, while my mum tasted six whites. We both agree the Arinto was delicious. Arinto, a Portuguese white wine varietal, is a grape I’ve never tried before. It is light and sweet; therefore, we imagined it would go perfect with a curry!

What is there? Wine tasting, wine-by-the-glass, and hamper lunches.

Wine varieties include – Arinto, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

Our pick – the 2020 Arinto

Sailor’s tip – Discounts and showers are available for sailors who arrive by yacht – contact cellar door staff for more information.

Photo by Bay of Shoals Wines

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