Food and Wine News in Adelaide You Need to Know About

South Australia may be home to excellent beaches, stunning National Parks and charming country towns, but we know the food and drink draws a crowd. From premium establishments and cosy bars to wineries throughout the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley and Clare, there is no shortage of hospo hotspots.

In a cut-throat industry that can see businesses flourish or fail in a flash, the best eateries and bars in South Australia constantly bring their A-game, making headlines for new openings, rebrands, awards and recognition of excellence.

Because we know it can be hard to keep up, we're rounding up the food and drink news in Adelaide you need to know about. 

Simon Tolley Wines Secures Two Prestigious Awards at 2024 Adelaide Hills Wine Show

Simon Tolley has long been adored for its classic cool climate wines, exceptional service, Pinot & Pooch events and quaint cellar door tucked amongst vineyards and gum trees. The team has proven their passion pays off at the 2024 Adelaide Hills Wine Show. For the second year, Cellar Door Manager Malou Helder received the Chanticleer Award, honouring her exceptional customer service and deep knowledge of the winery's heritage.

Owner Simon Tolley was honoured with the Grower Award by the Grape & Environment Committee. This recognition highlights his dedication to sustainable viticulture, including the installation of vineyard solar panels, bat boxes, and native plantings. If you're looking for another winery to tick off the list - make it Simon Tolley!

278 Bird in Hand Road, Woodside

Amadio Wines: World's Best Cab Sav

South Australia's Amadio Wines was awarded 1st place in the AWC Vienna 2024 (the world's largest officially recognised wine competition) with their Sebastian's Reserve Cabernet 2021. With over 10,000 varietals from 41 countries submitted to the international competition, this is no small achievement.

Sitting across 326 acres in the Adelaide Hills, Amadio Wines has been crafting delicious drops since 1936, so it's fair to say they know a thing or two about great grapes. Pop by the cellar door for a tasting (bookings essential), or indulge in an Italian feast at their Kangaroo Island establishment - Vino e Cucina.

461 Payneham Road, Felixstowe

Two Adelaide Hills Wineries Recognised as 'Global Chardonnay Masters'

In news that would not come as a shock to the winemakers of the Adelaide Hills wine region, but perhaps to those not aware of the unique climate, geology and soil that makes this area so special, two vineyards have taken home the top honour as Global Chardonnay Masters with their impeccable wines.

Not only this, with just seven wines earning recognition this year in Drinks Business UK's global wine competition, three of the wines were from the Adelaide Hills, beating the high-end Chardonnay region of Burgundy in France, which had two wines earning the top honour.

If you're keen to try the Chardonnay that has made a lasting impression on the judges, visit Tapanappa Wines in Piccadilly Valley and sample the Tiers and Tiers 1.5 Vineyard Chardonnay, or Penfolds for a taste of their Reserve Bin A Chardonnay. Cheers!

Dandelion Vineyards Recognised for Outstanding Design

If you've ever visited the Wonder Room at Dandelion Vineyards, it will come as no surprise to hear the stunning space was just awarded the 2025 Best of Wine Tourism Award for Architecture and Landscape.

The McLaren Vale cellar door was recognised for blending innovation with natural beauty to create a memorable wine-tasting experience for all visitors. Converted from an old tractor shed into the cellar door it is today, the Wonder Room is the brainchild of Elena and Zar Brooks, and is well worth a stop on your next wine-tasting tour.

191 Chaffeys Road, McLaren Vale

South Australian Venues Win Big in Wine List Awards

The annual Australian Wine List of the Year Awards took place in NSW this September, and while a South Australian venue didn't take home the gold medal (that went to Melbourne's Gimlet at Cavendish House), a few venues did receive recognition for their expertly curated drinks menus.

The Best Wine List in South Australia went to the Salopian Inn, while Restaurant Botanic took home the Best Food & Wine Matching List and Best Nob-Alcoholic List. The Crafers Hotel took home the top spot for Best Pub Restaurant Wine List. So, next time you're looking for a stellar selection of wines to go with your meal - you know where to go.

Adelaide Hills Wine Wins Best Wine in Show at ICCWS

For the third consecutive year, wines from the Adelaide Hills have claimed the prestigious ‘Best Wine in Show’ title at the International Cool Climate Wine Show (ICCWS) in Melbourne. Sidewood Estate’s 2023 Mappinga Chardonnay took home the top honour in 2024, following in the footsteps of Wicks Estate’s 2022 Pinot Noir and Sidewood’s Chloe Cuvee 2015 Chardonnay Pinot Noir, making it a Hat Trick for the Adelaide Hills. 

Sidewood Estate's Chardonnay also won ‘Best White Wine in Show’ and ‘Best Australian Wine,’ while Vinteloper’s 2023 Pinot Noir was named ‘Best Red Wine in Show.’ This consistent success highlights Adelaide Hills' emergence as a world-class cool-climate wine region and solidifies the region's reputation for excellence. 

Check out the winners list here.

Cottage Kitchen

Cottage Kitchen is North Adelaide’s newest all-day dining spot serving Mediterranean flavours with a South Australian twist within a gorgeous, heritage-listed and oh-so-charming cottage. Tucked off Wellington Square, this beautifully renovated 1885 gem blends charm and sustainability, offering a menu designed to delight, from early morning breakfast bites to cocktails on the deck.

Head Chef Justin Lee has crafted a menu featuring fresh, regional produce to create dishes like maple-glazed pumpkin, Cottage eggs benny, and a moreish cinnamon brioche. With gluten-free and vegetarian options to boot, an SA-exclusive wine list and signature cocktails, Cottage Kitchen calls for slow brunches and long lunches.

198 Tynte Street, North Adelaide

Vinteloper

Turning tragedy into triumph, Vinteloper has transformed its 1920s farmhouse into a stunning new cellar door and tasting room after it was destroyed in the 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfire. Near Lobethal, the latest, architecturally-designed space (by Detail Studio and Melbourne's Studio Beal) blends modern design with the site's history, featuring the charred beams and original red bricks that survived the fire.

With a strong ethos of sustainability, solar power, EV charging and rainwater harvesting are integrated into the build, however, the biggest drawcard may be the immersive experience - perfect for wine lovers in a stunning space that feels homely and inviting.

Now open.

589 Cudlee Creek Road, Lobethal

The Lodge

There's something so tranquil about enjoying a meal surrounded by lush greenery and foliage, and you can now do just that at The Lodge, which has recently opened its doors in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.

A laidback sibling to the award-winning Restaurant Botanic, you can expect to find a venue that is proud of its offering, from a seasonally changing menu that reflects the bounty of the surrounding gardens, to hand-crafted plates and a serene ambience.

Open 7 days a week, stop in for coffee and sweet treats or dine a little longer with lunch served from 11.30 am.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide

Station Road 

Adelaide's Festival Plaza has gained a chic new dining destination in the form of Station Road. In a prime location on the ground floor of Festival Tower by Walker, this central city spot is set to elevate Adelaide's already booming restaurant offering, with a French-inspired, modern Australian menu.

Led by Head Chef Baine Stubbs (who has worked in Melbourne's Vue de Monde) who brings a refined yet unpretentious menu, expect a world-class wine list, lobster cannelloni and wagyu 9+ eye fillet. With venue design by Studio Nine Architects, this exquisite space shines with a marble bar, intimate wine room and alfresco seating. 

From casual walk-ins to private events, Station Road promises an unparalleled experience and premium service in the heart of Adelaide.

Festival Plaza, Adelaide

Roma Adelaide

A modern Italian eatery and deli has opened in Adelaide's CBD, and the hype is hard to ignore. Roma Adelaide is the new venue taking over Eleven Restaurant (which closed its doors on August 3rd this year), breathing new life and Italian flare to the city location.

The rebrand from Sprout Food Group introduces a more casual atmosphere where customers become friends and a Rome-inspired alfresco becomes the perfect spot for mates, colleagues and family to unwind over great food, with all-day dining from Monday to Saturday.

Now open from Tuesday - Saturday

11 Waymouth Street, Adelaide

Rosé and Dumpling Festival Returns to Howard Vineyard

A firm favourite on the overflowing festival calendar, the Rosé and Dumpling Festival is back at Howard Vineyard this January. Promising a weekend of flowing rosé, sparkling, wine, beer and cocktails, plus a delicious lineup of dumplings, bites and live music to set the tone, it's the perfect way to enjoy the sunshine with friends in the picturesque Adelaide Hills.

January 25th - 26th

Tickets from $15, book your spot here.

53 Bald Hills Road, Nairne

Chalk Hill Wines: Sensory Odyssey

In a first for McLaren Vale, Chalk Hill Wines is introducing a unique and immersive tasting experience like you've never seen before. A one-time event in the SummerVines program, the Sensory Odyssey is designed to allow guests to explore the sound, smell and texture of Chalk Hill's wines. A set of headphones will play a curated playlist, thoughtfully chosen to pair perfectly with each drop to enhance your experience.

January 22nd, 10.30 am or 1.30 pm

56 Field Street, McLaren Vale

New Menu and Masterclasses Elevate Dining at Stem

Stem is on a mission to become one of the West End’s most bespoke venues, with a fresh new wine list and menu crafted to delight discerning foodies. Alongside notable menu changes, an introduction of intimate, limited-seated events and masterclasses in their custom-built cellar are perfect for wine lovers to explore local and international vineyards.

Stem’s sommelier, Henry Bampton, will guide you through exclusive experiences, showcasing the artistry of winemaking from some of the best in the industry. Head Chef Cain King has crafted a modern Australian menu to compliment the wine, celebrating local produce with a global twist. Expect standout dishes like tuna with kimchi, wild rice and spring onion oil, and Bangalow pork belly with macadamia ajo blanco and asparagus.

Stem’s six unique dining spaces cater to every occasion, from casual meals to intimate gatherings. 

188 Hindley Street, Adelaide

Bottomless Lunch Launches at Paper Tiger

Adelaide's favourite Southeast Asian Fusion hotspot has officially launched its new offering - bottomless lunch! Paper Tiger is hosting two bottomless sessions every Saturday, where customers can enjoy a three-course menu featuring prawn toast, DIY pork belly bao, laksa dumplings and coconut mango mousse.

To make the deal even juicier, your two-hour sitting includes free-flowing sparkling prosecco, Paper Tiger Spritz and wines from Alpha Box & Dice, we'll cheers to that.

Every Saturday, 12.30 pm & 2.30 pm sittings

285 Rundle Street, Adelaide

Culinary Excursion at SkyCity

Have you heard the news? A flavour-packed foodie journey takes place every Thursday evening at Adelaide's SkyCity - and you're invited! Running until May 2025, this four-course progressive dinner takes diners through four premium participating restaurants in the complex, complete with drink pairings.

While the menu is subject to change, expect your experience to begin with champagne and small, fresh fusion bites at Madame Hanoi followed by rustic entrees inspired by modern Australian dining at The Kitchen. For mains, it's all about pizza and pasta at iTL, and your evening will come to a dazzling finish with dessert and city views at Sol Rooftop. 

We recommend booking ahead for this in-demand event. Oh, and wear your stretchy pants!

Running until May, 2025. Book your ticket here.

SkyCity, North Terrace, Adelaide

Now that you're across the most important food and wine news in Adelaide, it's time to start seeing what the hype is about! Start with our guide to the best fine-dining restaurants, followed by the best wineries to sip and swill your way through.