Escape to Willunga Bed & Breakfast

Latest and Greatest for Escape to Willunga

2011-08-11T15:24:00.000+09:30

Some special things happening in our area in the next few months. Details of these are:

THE SAGRANTINO SESSIONS

Discover a rare red gem like no other. Complimented by delicious cuisine.

Book for either Chalmers and Fino - Saturday 3rd September, 2011 Phone: 8556 4488
OR
Oliver's Taranga Sunday 18th September. Phone: 8323 8498

Details here The Sagrantino Sessions

DON'T DRIVE HOME, BOOK ESCAPE TO WILLUNGA!

WOODSTOCK WINE ESTATE PIZZA FRIDAYS

Enjoy tasty wood fired gourmet pizzas and live entertainment on friday nights. Over the next few weeks the following gigs are lined up:

19th August - Gean Wagland
26th August - The Chines
2nd September - Shannon Lloyd

Pizzas all night at $35 per head .. includes a little starter, lots of pizza and something sweet to finish.
Book now by calling Sara on 8383 0156
then call us to make your booking, or book online, to stay at Escape to Willunga, 8556 4493

ART EXHIBITIONS

Some of the fantastic art happenings are:

Landscapes, beaches and Hollywood this sala at Chapel Hill (More Info)
Wirra Wirra cellar door gallery Violet Cooper, mosaics and other stuff (More Info)
Bird @ Red Poles (More Info)
Finding the meaning of harvest (More Info)
Sala @ Dogridge (More Info)
Sala @ Hardys Tintara (More Info)
Fox Creek, Artist: Samra Teague - India India (More Info)

DON'T FORGET TO BOOK ESCAPE TO WILLUNGA SO YOU CAN RELAX AFTER SUCH A BUSY, ARTY DAY!

News Around the Traps. And a Great Idea for your Consideration!!

2011-07-21T13:18:00.000+09:30

Fox Creek Treasure Hunt

For all those parents who are looking for a relaxing tasting at cellar door, Fox Creek now has a treasure hunt to keep your children amused. Created in conjunction with James Seo, a cultural tourism student on placement from Flinders University, the hunt has already kept many young adventurers entertained in their pursuit of treasure. Relax with a Fox Creek regional platter and a glass of wine in their beautiful gardens, then head on back, all relaxed, with the kids to "Escape to Willunga" for a night or two. Treasure Hunt

Woodstock Wine Estate

Head over to Woodstock Wine Estate for Friday Wood Oven Pizza nights this winter....

Enjoy tasty gourmet pizzas, relax to accoustic tunes and taste our latest wine releases whilst nestled by the fire. Their 2010 "The OCTOgenarian" Grenache Tempranillo works a treat with the wood fired flavours! Read More

The Kitchen Door Restaurant at Penny's Hill and Mr. Riggs Cellars

Why not wander down to Penny's Hill and Mr. Riggs Cellars to enjoy The Kitchen Door's new winter menu. It is full of fresh, fleurieu produce. You may dine a la carte or choose to take part in their popular 4 course tasting menu with wines to match. Of course you'll then have to complete the experience by staying at Escape to Willunga

New Winter Menu at Maxwell's

Chefs Hayley Mass and Ben Doublet are pleased to announce new Quartet and a la carte menus at the Maxwell Wines Restaurant. Featuring dishes including Duck Shanks and a Beef Cheek and Chocolate Stout Pie, the signature Quartet mini-degustation has taken on a warming wintertime flavour. See here

Red Poles New Winter Menu

Red Poles has a new winter menu with a focus on Fleurieu produce and sensational new desserts too. Click Here to check out the winter menu and Here for the yummy dessert details. (I can personally recommend the Calvados Bombe Alaska w Granny Smith Apple Soup - It is absolutely superb!!!)

I have a fabulous idea for you! Book in to Escape to Willunga for a friday and saturday night. Woodstock Wines friday night, Willunga Farmer's Market saturday morning, lunch at Maxwell Wines then mosey on back to Escape to Willunga. Sunday morning hit some wineries (if you've brought the kids treat them to the Fox Creek Treasure Hunt), then lunch at Red Poles. Hmmmm ... we missed The Kitchen Door ... oh well just book Escape to Willunga for another weekend and ... here we go again!!!

Coriole Music Festival, McLaren Vale

2011-04-27T11:04:00.000+09:30

14 May 2011 to 15 May 2011

Three chamber concerts with meals and wine at vineyards in McLaren Vale? That’s the 2011 Coriole Music Festival in a nutshell, folks, so if you like your Chopin with a dash of sangiovese or your Dvorak with a splash of nebbiolo, the weekend of 14-15 May is for you.

Entry Cost: From $130 per person

Event venue: Coriole, McLaren Vale, South Australia

Event dates: 14 May 2011 to 15 May 2011

Event times: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Visit their website.

VALE ALE AND VALE DRY

2011-04-03T10:37:00.000+09:30

A new contemporary look for beer, Vale Ale stands out from its competitors with its minimalistic approach on the packaging, The contemporary type face and anything but simple, geometric finish and textured background.

"Vale Ale was developed to position the beer from one of Australian’s premier wine regions as a completely new, contemporary and different brand to the category norm. To quickly get noticed, Vale Ale had to claim its own brand space immediately. It is now joined by Vale Dry, and McLaren Vale Beer Company is the fastest growing beer company in Australia."
The Dieline, April, 2011

Why not make a weekend of it! Visit the home of Vale Ale, The Salopian Inn. Enjoy lunch or dinner there, sample some magnificent wines some of McLaren Vales fantastic wineries, then relax at ESCAPE TO WILLUNGA for a night or two. Ask about our specials or packages. Because you deserve to be spoilt!

Where one thing leads to another? McLaren Vale

2011-02-21T18:31:00.000+10:30

McLaren Vale will today welcome a fresh new look for the region with the launch of the McLaren Vale Food and Wine Guide.

Over 70 of McLaren Vale’s most recognised food, wine, accommodation and tourism businesses feature in the guide.

Distribution will be around Australia and the guide is a key communication tool to remind visitors to McLaren Vale that along with our world famous wineries, the region also offers a variety of other unique experiences!

Pip Forrester, Chair of McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association said “McLaren Vale hosts some of the Australia’s best regional restaurants; most passionate chef’s and award winning accommodation providers. This guide will bring them to the forefront of visitor minds when planning the next trip to McLaren Vale!”

Featuring a modern, intriguing image that wraps around the DL brochure cover, the new guide is consistent with the new look McLaren Vale website, at www.mclarenvale.info.

The feedback for the new branding and brochure has been outstanding. One thing leads to another is the promise for all visitors to McLaren Vale.

And keep an eye out for the billboard greeting visitors to SA at the Adelaide Airport.

Enjoy a Fino Seafood Feast

2010-12-08T18:17:00.000+10:30

IF AWARDS are anything to go by, Fino restaurant in Willunga is the best place to eat fresh Fleurieu Peninsula produce.

The small restaurant, on Main Rd, has won a swag of awards including Best Regional Restaurant for the second time at the 2010 Adelaide Food Awards last week. Head chef David Swain says 98 per cent of the produce he uses in the kitchen is sourced from the Fleurieu Peninsula.

“Winning these kinds of awards does generate more patronage,” Swain, of Aldinga Beach, says. “It reminds people that we’re still here even though we’re in the middle of nowhere.”

Swain - a former chef at Port Willunga’s Star of Greece restaurant - and business partner Sharon Romeo opened the restaurant five years ago. Despite having no formal training as a chef, Swain’s creativity in the kitchen has helped the restaurant to win numerous awards including Restaurant of the Year at the 2009 Adelaide Food Awards (see fact file).

He says his Crayfish, Fennel and Kipfler Potato Salad (see recipe) could be a perfect addition to Christmas lunches and dinners. “It’s so easy because it requires no heating. A lot of people still enjoy the traditional turkey but it’s often too hot for that. Who wants to get up at 6am to put on the turkey and then find it’s still not cooked at 2pm? Seafood is great at Christmas.”

While Swain says the restaurant doesn’t often get celebrities walking through the door, he has served up food to Packed to the Rafters star Erik Thomson, former MasterChef contestant Marion Grasby and 2010 winner Adam Liaw, and renowned food critic Matt Preston.
“Preston has a great sense of humour - he’s pretty cheeky.”

DAVID SWAIN’S CRAYFISH, FENNEL AND KIPFLER POTATO SALAD
Ingredients:
400gms of cooked crayfish, shredded
2 bulbs fennel, finely sliced
3 kipfler potatoes, steamed, peeled and finely sliced
1 tablespoon of homemade mayonnaise
1/2 cup picked chervil
1/2 cup picked dill
cracked pepper and sea salt

Method:
Place all ingredients into a bowl and toss through lightly before serving.

Southern Times Messenger

December 8, 2010

Looking for something to do between Christmas and New Year?

2010-12-05T16:14:00.000+10:30

TWILIGHT TASTINGS AT SHOTTESBROOKE

Shottesbrooke Cellar Door will hold Twilight Tastings from Sunday December 26th to Thursday December 30th. The cellar door will be open from 2.00pm to 7.00pm and will be the perfect place for locals and tourists to visit when the day cools down. On this occasion wine by the glass and delicious food by The Currant Shed will be available. Chef Kerryn Oates, named Chef of the Region in 2008, will combine the best regional and seasonal produce to give you an excellent sample of what The Currant Shed restaurant has to offer whilst the Shottesbrooke courtyard and garden will be the perfect place to indulge and relax.

Twilight Tasting menu by - The Currant Shed

Mixed Crostini Plate

Trio of toasts topped with local delights

Hindmarsh Valley Cumulus with Willunga Olive tapenade

Ellis Butchers smoked kangaroo with beetroot relish

Fig, Gorgonzola and Prosciutto

Shottesbrooke Winery

Bagshaws Road,

McLaren Flat

RED POLES

Set in an ambience of vines and natural bushland. Red Poles is open Wed to Sun 9-5pm with Brekky available on weekends from 9.30-11am. Red Poles chef Nat Wilson offers a delicious selection of local and imported produce, at reasonable prices. The ever-changing menu is a delight, enjoy the quiet surroundings and sample the wines for which the Southern Vales are renowned.

Live music every Sunday is a special feature. Red Poles is also the ideal location for a private function and all enquiries are welcome. So visit Red Poles soon.

December 26th (Boxing Day) Relax and enjoy "Nice Verdes" Live Music.

Last Willunga Quarry Market for the year.

2010-12-02T11:02:00.000+10:30

Why not get a head start and stay at Escape to Willunga Friday night so you can be first there!!

On Saturday 11th December from 9.00am to 1.00pm visit Willunga and enjoy a leisurely Christmas shopping experience at the Willunga Quarry Market.

For children there will be an activity stall where for $3 they can make an instant badge as a gift or a treat for themselves. The committee will be giving away sugar-free dried fruit snacks, sponsored by Natures Fruit. Larger packs of this healthy snack are available from Jeff and Ilsa Hobby. Ask for directions at the information tent. You will find gifts for the entire family from babies to the most mature. Hand made baby shoes and rugs, functional household gifts such as granite lazy susans, cheese platters turned wooden pepper and salt shakers, pottery mugs and salad bowls, children's clothing, potted plants for the keen gardener, jewellery, fine food for a gourmet food hamper and there is much more for you to discover.

The market is expecting a new honey stall, gourmet foods, musical instruments and advanced heritage apple trees.

The market is located on the Willunga Recreation Park oval grounds. Enter from Main and Aldinga Roads, and Railway Terrace.

On the Coast, December 2010

New Fleurieu Art Trail launched

2010-11-07T13:58:00.000+10:30

Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism launched the new Fleurieu Peninsula Art Trail on September 23 at Red Poles Gallery & Cafe in McLaren Vale, celebrating the successful collaboration between artists, studios and galleries across the whole Fleurieu Peninsula tourism region and cementing the region's reputation as the state's arts capital.

The project - initiated and facilitated by Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism - showcases the region's artistic talent through five distinct self-drive touring routes covering 62 of the region's top art spots. "We are thrilled to be launching the fourth edition of the Fleurieu Peninsula Art Trail which has grown from 19 art tourism participants in 2005 to 62 today," Fleurieu Peninsula Regional Tourism manager Debra Pietsch said.

Fleurieu Peninsula Art Trail creator and chair, Ros Miller, said this is the first time the project has been self-funded by the participants themselves, demonstrating a solid example of a Regional Tourism Organisation working in direct partnership with the industry to maximise existing opportunities. "When I created the Trail in 1995 we started out with no funding and relied heavily on the support of local council and Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism, so it is a significant achievement to be completely self-funded for the first time in the Art Trail's history, and we believe the model can be used as an example for future trails in regional areas," she said.

"The Art Trail features diverse creations across a fantastic mix of galleries, B&B's, restaurants, cellar doors and studios where you can see the artists in work, with everything from painters and jewellers, to rug making and musical instruments, print makers and etchers providing a great variety for people to see."

More than 150,000 Fleurieu Peninsula Art Trail brochures have been printed and distributed to meet demand.

On The Coast - October 2010

Margo Kellett is outstanding cellar door person!

2010-11-05T18:25:00.000+10:30

Ninety people attended the Celebrating The Face Of Cellar Door dinner at Our Place @ Willunga Hill on October 27, marking it as a very important event for the wine industry community in the region. The SKILLED Outstanding Cellar Door Person of the Year competition has been held each year for the last 25 years and major sponsor SKILLED provides the prize of a trip to another wine region, with air fares, accommodation, car hire and meals included.

In 2010 the committee reinstated the Best Cellar Door of the McLaren Vale Region award after a long absence, as well as continuing the tradition of the Clive Simmonds Memorial Trophy for the Best Ambassador for McLaren Vale in the Hospitality Industry. The Cellar Door awards this year were judged over the last six months by a group of four Cellar Door staff from the Barossa Valley: Mel Maschio from Whistler, Craig Butcher from Kabminye, Rachael Duncan from Rockford and Paul Gaster from Richmond Grove.

The winner of the Outstanding Cellar Door Person award was MARGO KELLETT of Minko Wines. Finalists included Annabel Fitzpatrick (Hugh Hamilton), Bob Pearce (Kay Brothers Amery), Ellen Smith (Settlement Wine Co.), Jennifer May (Tapestry), and Mark Van Gestel (Primo Estate). Winner of the Best Cellar Door in the McLaren Vale Region was Woodstock Winery. Finalists were Tintara, Shingleback and Minko Wines. Winner of the Clive Simmonds Memorial Trophy was Ben Vandeleur of The Barn Bistro.

On The Coast - November 2010

FLEURIEU FARE TAKES TOP SPOT ON FINO MENU

2010-10-26T23:10:00.000+10:30

Chef and restauranteur David Swain is a champion for the Fleurieu Peninsula, where the support of local farmers has helped his business to achieve widespread acclaim on the national stage.

As co-owner and head chef of Fino Restaurant at Willunga, David's strong regional food philosophy saw him honoured at the national 2010 Produce Awards for Outstanding use of regional produce by a chef.

The accolade follows success at last year's Adelaide Food Awards, where Fino was named both Restaurant of the Year, and South Australia's Best Regional Restaurant. Working alongside restaurant co-owner and front-of-house dynamo Sharon Romeo, David achieves his ultimate aim of showcasing what the Fleurieu has to offer.

A strong relationship with growers enables David to source whatever he requires locally, to create a menu that is truly regional and seasonal. "If you build a relationship with farmers they will grow what you need." he said. David believes an increase in diversity of locally-available produce has been facilitated by a shift toward organic and biodynamic viticulture, resulting in the cultivation of inter-vine crops, and the formation of the Willunga Farmers Market, which has enabled growers to expand their businesses and diversify production.

Fino's ever-evolving menu reads like a map that weaves its way across the Fleurieu, taking diners across the peninsula and down to the Coorong, where the rabbits are trapped, yellow-eye mullet are sustainably fished, and Richard Gunner from Feast! Fine Foods raises grass fed Angus cattle. Fino Restaurant combines a relaxed ambience with a dinner-party atmosphere. "We tailor the whole meal around what people want on that particular day - what foods they like, how long they are able to stay, and what wines they are drinking," David said. "Cooking for people and looking after them is just something we really love doing."

The region's winemakers are among those who regularly sample from the restaurant's multi award-winning wine list. Named Australia's Best Small Wine List at the Gourmet Traveller Wine List of the Year Awards for three years running, Sharon's carefully selected range of local boutique and imported wines is successful in exciting even the most discerning of connoisseurs. Wines are the only imports at Fino, where every effort is made to source food locally, and absolutely none is imported.

David hopes that by running a successful business at Willunga, he is helping to maintain a vibrant local community. "This is a beautiful town, and the whole area is just a fantastic place to live and work in," he said. "If we can support local farmers and showcase their produce, they will support us and it's good for all."

SmartFarmer - October 2010

Spring Time is alive at Red Poles

2010-10-20T23:38:00.000+10:30

Spring is certainly here and Red Poles not only has a new spring menu but lots of events happening this month too. Come and enjoy some of chef Nat Wilson's spring choices and enjoy a glass or two of the wine of the month - during October Red Poles features Minko Winery - a boutique, family vineyard producing premium cool climate wines.

Minko practices eco-sustainable viticulture with an ethos of minimal impact on the environment and is conversion biodynamic. Their featured wines are the Pinot Grigio and Merlot. And don't forget Red Poles is open for "brekky" on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9.30 to 11.00am.

Most importantly this month is Arty Apron Auction month and the focus is to raise money for the McLaren Vale and Willunga CFS. We all rely on the CFS - so come along on Sunday October 31 and help raise some much needed funds for them. Remember every dollar raised goes to them and providing better equipment for these volunteers.

Also, enjoy many musical genres every Sunday afternoon from 12.30 to 3.30pm and relax on the verandahs and lawns.

There is a wide range of artworks throughout Red Poles on consignment representing the work of over 360 artists. Workshops continue in watercolour, life drawing, mixed media and children's art classes.

SA Folk Festival Even Bigger in 2010!

2010-10-13T19:29:00.000+10:30

The largest contingent of Generation-Y and interstate performers has been announced in the biggest program yet for the State’s premier folk festival.

Organisers of the 2010 Fleurieu Folk Festival have doubled the number of youth and interstate-based acts for the popular three-day event at Willunga on October 22-24.

With 90 acts on the program representing roots, folk, celtic, acoustic, blues and bluegrass music (up from 85 acts last year), the festival is tipped to break its attendance records yet again.

More than 7500 people attended the festival last year, up from 6000 people the previous year, making it the highest attendance since it was relocated to Willunga three years ago.

Among the headline interstate acts for this year are Senor Cabrales (NSW), Saoirse (Vic), Danny Spooner (Vic) Daniel Champagne (NSW), Richard Perso (Vic), The Lurkers (NSW) and String Theory (Vic).

Top local acts include Chris Finnen, Goldstein, Spiral Dance, Siobhan Owen, Bygone Error, Junior, John Francis and the Tutti Ensemble.

“We’ve definitely tapped into a strong passion for acoustic folk and roots music among the younger generation. We’ve expanded our program this year to cater to that,” Festival organiser Peter Thornton said.

“The young performers’ tent was overflowing last year. We were swamped by the number of Under 25 performers wanting to play at this year’s festival and our youth program has doubled in size.”

“It’s thrilling to think that we could be discovering the next Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, John Butler or Mumford and Sons.”

The annual festival represents one of the best value-for-money family music events in Australia. General entry to the festival this year will be $5 per adult per day with a charge of $10 per day to attend the major concerts in the Festival Hall or patrons will be able to access all events by purchasing a weekend ticket for $30. Children under 15 are free.

There are also talent quests for primary and high school students.

“It’s not all just about listening to these great performers. We encourage those coming to the festival to bring their instruments and participate in an open jam session, attend a music workshop or even have a go on the open stage,” Mr Thornton said.

Some of Australia’s finest musicians will be performing on 11 different stages during the Festival which is held in the heart of Willunga beginning at 6pm on Friday October 22 and running until 8pm on Sunday October 24.

For more details go to www.fleurieufolkfestival.com.au

From Glamadelaide

New Cafe opens: Cafe La Terre ... another great reason to visit Willunga.

2010-10-09T18:40:00.000+10:30

Why not stay Friday night at Escape to Willunga, then do breakfast at Cafe La Terre followed by the Willunga Farmer's Market and some wineries!

"Cafe la Terre in Willunga is a welcome addition to Willunga's High Street, with a main point of difference. La Terre (the earth, the soil) specialises in garden accessories! Serving quality coffee at Willunga Farmer's Market for the past 9 years, Jen is now thrilled to be able to offer the exclusive Dammann Freres Teas from Paris, which she discovered there 19 years ago. Combine this with beautiful hand made brioche, croissants and a small seasonal daily menu .. an you have a little taste of France now in Willunga."

Farmers' markets feed the masses

2010-10-05T17:31:00.015+10:30

Farmer's markets in Willunga and Victor Harbor are feeding more than 10,000 people on the Fleurieu Peninsula each week.

A recent customer survey showed the markets had a combined membership base of 2845, with a flow on of three people per member eating market produce. The markets, which have been running since 2001 in Willunga and 2008 in Victor Harbor, welcome between 1000 and 5000 shoppers each week.

Willunga Farmer's Market manager Steve Ashley said more people were turning to the market for their weekly shopping. "There are no supermarkets in Willunga, so the Farmer's Market has become the local shop," Mr Ashley said.

Victor Harbor Farmer's Market manager Brent Tamblyn said customers wanted to be more in touch with the people who produced their food. "People are becoming a lot more sensible about the origin of their food and how fresh it is," said Mr Tamblyn, who operates a vegetable stall called The Patch. "Let's face it, a lot of food bought through supermarkets is pretty old, but produce from the markets is less than 24 hours old." He said it was "awe-inspiring" to help feed so many people: "I get a lot of pride from providing people with the raw material."

Fleurieu Milk and Yoghurt Company sales manager Shane Magor said farmers' markets were appealing because they cut out the middle man: "It's more appealing for people to deal directly with the producer rather than going to the supermarket."

The markets are held at the Willunga Town Square, on the corner of St Peters Tce and High St, Willunga, and Grosvenor Gardens, Torrens St, Victor Harbor, every Saturday from 8am to 12.30pm.

The Fleurieu Folk Festival

2010-10-03T21:38:00.000+10:30

The Fleurieu Folk Festival is Fantastic Family Fun! Set in the beautiful historic town of Willunga on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, the festival presents a weekend of music concerts and sessions, dance, workshops, bush poets, children’s entertainment, stalls, in fact there’s something there for the whole family! Bring an instrument and join in the sessions or step on stage at a blackboard concert – kick up your heels at the Bush Dance – browse around the craft stalls & the Saturday Farmers’ Market – watch the kids have fun with face painting, clowns, Punch & Judy and the Young Talent Showcase – discover your own talent at one of the many workshops - or just relax and enjoy the vast array of local & Interstate performers. General entry to most Festival activities is only $5 per day (children free), making it affordable for everyone with only a small entry charge tomajor concerts in the main Concert Hall.