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There are places that just stand out as destinations for tourism and recreation. Take Margaret River in Western Australia for example, or Byron Bay in New South Wales, and Apollo Bay in Victoria. Much less renowned, so much so that after living in South Australia for more than a decade, I’d never properly visited Willunga in the McLaren Vale wine region.
So why am I standing, looking lost, by the roadside with a basket and a paper bag on a sunny winter’s day?
We had taken the public bus for a long Italian lunch at Vigna Bottin just out of the town, surprising our host as everyone drives – but heartily approved by the sommelier, so that we could fully enjoy the range of wines.
The basket was purchased in one of the many artisanal shops on Willunga High Street, and the paper bag – well … for carrying the wine of course, a Barbera, an Italian varietal which flourishes in this “Mediterranean” climate.
Waiting at the bus stop to return to the town centre, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards on a sunny day is not the worst thing. The bus only runs hourly but we timed it well.
Next stop, the historic Willunga Hotel, the middle of three pubs in the town, where we sampled their local wine list. The country vibe is pervasive, the rush of the city forgotten, and the hospitality welcoming and warm, always with time for a friendly chat.
Over the course of the weekend, we also visited the bountiful Willunga Farmers’ Market, enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Old Bush Inn (the top pub), walked to a winery cellar door (Hither and Yon), frequented the numerous cafes on Main Street, admired the heritage shopfronts and colonial architecture, perused the local artists’ collective space, browsed antique and specialist shops. One of these, the hemp store, offers – well – hemp everything (hemp clothing, hemp candles, hemp coffee, hemp granola and even hemp toothpaste).
The bustling Willunga General Store acts as a focus for the community offering the finest fresh produce, patisserie and a much needed, but leisurely, coffee for the morning after!
If you are looking for a chilled, authentic and artistic South Australian experience I highly recommend Willunga. Only 47 km from Adelaide, it makes for a great day trip or weekend.
See also:
Dr D in Oz 