For those looking for romance in wine country, South Australia is a perfect destination. Rolling hills of lush vineyards and golden wheat, wildlife and luxury boutique hotels await you in this pristine destination. To help enhance your enchanting experience, here are three romantic wine hotels in South Australia.
Kingsford Homestead, Barossa Valley
Located on the edge of the Barossa Valley, Kingsford Homestead is a 5-star boutique homestead with decadent epicurious offerings. The ambiance is old-world country meets contemporary luxury, which becomes clear as soon as you and your beau walk through the slate flagged entrance, through tiles originating in Edinburgh and a cedar buffet dresser featuring a hidden entrance into the property’s intimate stone wine cellar. The homestead showcases seven individual decorated and cozy suites, each with fine linens, an array of pillow choices and lush bath products. Those looking for romance may want to get clean in Kingsford Homestead’s outdoor Bush Bath, a claw footed tub set in the middle of the forest where you both can sip a glass of wine and enjoy the sounds of nature. While beautiful, the property is most noted for its epicurious offerings, a gourmet canape happy hour at sunset on the veranda, nightly degustation dinners and wine pairings, homecooked breakfasts and an expansive wine cellar. Make sure to try one of their ‘Barons of the Barossa’ bottles, wines crafted by the valley’s best winemakers exclusively for the homestead. And for dinner, take note of their ‘Kingsford on a Plate’ offerings, which focus and reflect upon ingredients from the 1856 history of Kingsford. Inspired by Chef Stuart Oldfield and his team, the signature dish is a 6 hour slow cooked beef daube made modern with a Barossa Shiraz reduction. Activities offered include candlelit dinners in the wine cellar, wine tours and tastings, hot air ballooning or gliding over the Barossa Valley and golfing.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Sitting peacefully on the Southern Ocean on Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge is the epitome of opulence. The all-inclusive cliff-top eco-resort does a superb job of blending into the untouched wilderness of the area. Their 21 organic suites showcase locally-made furnishing of recycled wood, hand-cut limestone walls and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you and your partner to sip South Australian vino while gazing out at the waves lapping onto the beach.
The rooms have a feeling of seclusion and privacy, perfect for a romantic bath or cuddle on the patio. You and your beau may also want to take a dip in the outdoor infinity edge plunge pool, a great spot for watching the sunset.
In the kitchen, Executive Chef Tim Bourke takes a locavoure approach, trying to provide a ‘sense of place’ using fresh, local ingredients in the dining room and bar. To prove how fresh their meals are, menus are changed daily and depend on what’s available from Kangaroo Island artisans and producers. Highlights of the menu include Island Beehive Ligurian honey, sustainably produced seafoods including marron, abalone, lobster and oysters, the new ‘Rare Breeds’ pork farm, Island Pure sheep milk dairy, Southrock lamb, Fryars eggs and free-range chicken, Kangaroo Island saffron, olive oil and salt from the mineral-rich Bay of Shoals. When you and your sweetheart want to imbibe, you can help yourself to a carefully-selected South Australian beer or wine. If you’re feeling curious, ask a staff member to show you around the walk-in wine cellar, with an impressive selection of local vintage vinos. And for some ethical and epicurious pampering, the spa uses locally-sourced ingredients, some of which include Kangaroo Island Ligurian Honey used in their hydrating Ligurian Honey And Almond Wrap.
Arkaba Station
For those who want to experience luxury in The Outback, Arkaba Station is a chic 1850s homestead featuring hiking safaris, gourmet meals and premium local wines. Set in 60,000 acres of untouched wilderness, the focus of the property is their guided treks where you and your partner can learn about native flora and fauna, spotting kangaroos, emus, wallaroos and wallabies.
At the homestead, four traditional Flinders bedrooms feature charming bathrooms, plush bedding, 500-thread-count sheets and a scenic verandah where you can watch the glowing pink sun rise over the Elder Range each morning. There’s also a fifth guestroom in the form of acoachman cottage with en suite bathroom.In the kitchen, Chef Richard Cocoran creates culinary masterpieces from locally-sourced ingredients, perfectly paired with South Australian wines. Enjoy a quiet drink in the library, or sit out on the veranda with your partner and sip local varietals while enjoying unobstructed views of The Outback. At night, the stars shine bright and you and your love can easily make out constellations like Scorpio, Orion and the Southern Cross.
