With only the weeniest bit of coercion, I am going completely off topic, track and relevance to anything that this blog relates to cos I just wanted to give a little nod to one of the absolute joys of living in this mighty State. (Well, more specifically, this mighty town that is Adelaide but more on that in just a moment )

At the risk of stating the absolute obvious, my home state is renowned wine territory; famous for the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale amongst others. The fabulous wineries of these areas are all within an easy 40 minute drive of Downtown and languishing over a long lunch overlooking the vines is a popular way to spend a Sunday afternoon. But over the weekend, AP and I discovered (Mm, or maybe re-discovered???) that there is now another kid on the block proving to be very popular: the revamped recently renovated Magill Estates.

I have been reminded that I don’t trump the South Australian horn nearly enough and AP has warned it would be remiss of me not to talk about the Magill Estates which is a f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s winery right here smack bang in the city. Ah, okay … it’s actually what used to be the fringe of the metropolitan area but with urban sprawl nudging its way up the hill, it’s no longer the outskirts.

Anyhoo, this 173 year old winery has become a bit of an institution of this town and for anyone who has heard of Penfolds Grange, do I really need to say anymore??? … But I will … It’s just probably one of the best known drops the world over. Not only known for its absolute fabulousness but the hefty price tag that comes with it. But then, one gets what one pays for and if it’s quality one is after …

Tinerate, having neither of us not yet seen the extensive reno’s, on the spur of the moment AP and I decided to go and check it out.

The long driveway through the vines was thankfully unchanged although AP did note that there were several plantings of new vines, apparently shiraz but no idea how he knew that! But after that, I barely recognised the spectacular establishment standing before us.

Under the careful direction of architects Denton Corker Marshall, the character of the original estate had been expertly updated. Traditional stone walls of the old building now merge with the polished cement floors of the new tasting room and a surplus of huge windows bring the outdoors in, filling the space with sunlight. There is an expansive use of woods and natural materials, making it all very organic and creating a refreshing soul soothing ambience. Glorious little bit of paradise amongst the chaos of the city really

Soo, if you haven’t already had a chance to meander your way on up, I’d be pencilling in a visit to ‘the spiritual home of Penfolds,’ Magill Estates, sometime soon

Till next time.

Tipsy Pipsy xo