I may have mentioned before (Mm, thinking … thinking … ) that Adelaide is a city surrounded by some of the best wine districts, not just in the country – move over Hunter Valley – but the world! (check the link and you’ll see what I mean!)

We have the Clare Valley a mere two hours north along with the renowned Barossa Valley up that way as well. The Barossa is also a good hours drive but totally worth the trip, if only to visit Rockford! (love love love their sparking shiraz!)

Down south there is the noted McLaren Vale district with its soon to be internationally famous D’Arenberg’s cube. Inside this forward thinking creation you will find not only the expected tasting rooms, bars and restaurants but a fog room where wine is inhaled (uh huh ), not sipped and many art installation rooms representing a virtual fermenter into which one will “fall.” No idea ’bout that but it sounds like loads of fun

Tinerate, the chief wine maker, Chester D’Arenberg, says that this mass of towering glass inspired by Rubik’s cube, is the first in the world in more than just design. I’m yet to see it but by all accounts, it does sound very impressive. Maybe next time AP is in town, we’ll get down there?

Anyhoo, not to be missed and a bit closer to home, we have the wines of the rolling Adelaide Hills and it was waaaaay up the winding road to Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyards that we lunched recently to celebrate great mate, LJ’s, birthday.

Down a long thin table with spectacular views over the vines of the vineyard sat 15 excitable ladies, all in competition with each other to be heard … and, just an aside, don’t you just out-loud-groan when a large group sits down at the restaurant you’re eating in?

Tinerate, in keeping with the feeling of the country, the table was made of wooden floor planks – apparently recycled by a friend – and the interior decor, minimalism at its finest so as not to compete with the stunning views outside the panoramic windows that were the walls of the restaurant. All very stunningly rustic but what I was really loving  was the completely undone simple centrepieces that adorned the tabletops. On some, stood little wispy shrubs …

… Whilst for tables such as ours, a big-brother bushier succulent had been placed along the centre (not much of a green thumb and forgot to ask what they were Oy Vey …) For the country chic vibe the winery had going on, I thought the whole less is more approach worked brilliantly!

Anyhoo, loads of fun with a great group of gorgeous girls and so chuffed to be here to celebrate a very special day.

Happy Birthday LJ

Till next time.

Tipsy Pipsy xo