The rolling landscape sparks a sense of adventure and as the seasons change, so too do the hues of the region’s patchwork of farmland, vineyards, cellar doors, national parks, and character-packed towns full of wonderful cafes, restaurants and bars serving produce sourced from Mother Nature and the bounty that surrounds them.

Once you hit the road, it doesn’t take long for the magic to unfold. Whether you hit the Princes Highway or prefer the winding ambience of Greenhill Road, 20 minutes is all it takes to reach peak Hills heights, yet it feels a world away.

There are many towns to explore. In part one of our Adelaide Hills Day on the Road, we explore the towns and surrounds of Ashton, Piccadilly, Summertown, Uraidla, Stirling and Crafers.

First stop, sparkling wine. Greenhill Wines and Cafe serves Dr Paul and Dr Penny Henschke’s exceptional methode traditionelle (bottle fermented) creations with picturesque views over Piccadilly Valley and Mount Bonython. It’s never a good idea to drive on an empty stomach. This is also a hidden food treasure. Penny is a wonderful cook and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays the onsite café serves wonderful, fresh tasting plates.

Next, head to Ashton Hills Vineyard’s cellar door for stunning Pinot Noir served in an intimate, character and corrugated iron-packed building (endearingly shed-like) perched on the ridge just below the Mount Lofty summit. Want more liquid gold? Lofty Valley Estate is becoming increasingly well-known for award-winning Chardonnay. The high-altitude cellar door (completed late 2022) has a welcoming feel, with lofty views to match the name. There’s potential for retail therapy here, too. Co-owner and fibre artist Lani Ramsey’s artisan hand-spun textile creations are available onsite, too.

For lovers of sparkling wine, Piccadilly Valley’s Tapanappa Wines is a great place to start. The winery and cellar door’s driveway passes the famous The Tiers Vineyard, planted in 1979 by wine industry pioneer Brian Croser who paved the way for the region we know and love today. The cellar door serves spectacular Tapanappa and DAOSA drops, including the stunning DAOSA Blanc de Blanc and DAOSA Natural Réserve.

It wouldn’t be a Hills jaunt without stopping at a roadside stall or farmgate for fresh produce. Steer the wheels toward Springwood Farm Berries which reopens in October after a short seasonal break. Here, it’s all about berries. The raspberry sorbet is a must.

All Hills townships exude charm but Uraidla literally oozes community vibes. Make time to visit the new Wotton Family Wines cellar door, a sweet little gem overlooking the Wotton family’s cherry orchards. Their wine range includes a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Rosé, Pinot Gris and a Sparkling Rose (made from hand-picked Pinot grapes) created by industry legend Brian Croser. Hot tip: When the weather is friendly, the pod is great for an outdoor tipple.

Another drawcard to Uraidla is the food. There’s so much to choose from. From character-packed The Uraidla Hotel for everything from breakfast to baked Onkaparinga camembert, to a memorable Chicken Bacon Parmy. For some of the best baked goods in the state, The Uraidla Bakery is a hot spot. The bread is particularly coveted due to the old-world baking techniques used when making it.

Patch Kitchen & Garden is also a great place to settle in for a meal (especially if you love pasta) or cocktail in the leafy courtyard (hidden at the rear). The sweet little restaurant recently won Best New SA Restaurant in the 2023 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards.

Drop in to Matilda Bookshop while you’re there. The independent delight is stocked with one of the most impressive and thoughtfully curated collections of tomes in the state. It has everything from picture books to cookbooks and everything in between.

Also add newcomer Aptos to your list. The 14-seat, 16 course restaurant by former restaurant Botanic chef Justin James is set to open in late winter 2025 and the hype is real. The 156-year-old Adeliade Hills church will also be home to Bar Mary, an intimate whisky bar, and the larger Bar Cruz.

The Crafers Hotel has it all. An epic wine cellar, an expansive gastropub menu (you’ll often spot local winemakers indulging in wild mushroom pot pie or the latest butcher’s cut), and onsite accommodation. It’s all class. So too, is historic hilltop manor Mt Lofty House, home to accommodation and Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant where silver service is the vibe. For even more luxury, turn the day trip into a weekend with a night or two at Sequoia Lodge, which delivers luxury (including artesian spring-fed hot pools and the Gatekeeper’s Day Spa) surrounded by Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and native parklands. Bliss and just 20 minutes back to the city once you’re done with all the pampering.

Finally, love having your finger on the proverbial food pulse? Lobethal’s new That’s Enrico serves what is the best pizza and tiramisu in the state (and arguably the nation). Pizzaiolo Enrico Sgarbossa is obsessed with dough and it shows. The 55 a person ‘feed me’ option is stunning value and the small wine list champions local organic and biodynamic wine producers. Just as a great community-focused Hills venue should.