Warmer weather calls for a relaxed drink and nosh at one of South Australia’s great cellar doors – but where are the best spots to take the kids too? Here are our top picks.
“Our children are part of our life, why wouldn’t we want them to be happy and content doing things we like to do?”
James Hook is one of a growing number of cellar door owners who are keeping mums and dads happy by catering for their little ones, too. The winemaker, who runs Lazy Ballerina with his partner Miriam Bourne, welcomes families to his Dingabledinga property – between McLaren Flat and Kuitpo.
“We started out as a cellar door, but, as life changes, you find things going in a different direction,” James says. As well as whipping up crowd-pleasing pizzas, Lazy Ballerina offers plenty of lawn and nature play for kids to explore (and tire out their little legs).
But wineries aren’t the only ones heeding to the call.
Swell Brewing Co. Taphouse has fast become a favourite since opening in McLaren Vale 12 months ago, with lawn games, a vast array of craft beer on tap, and food for both big and little kids, cooked up by two of the Fleurieu’s best chefs – Todd Steele and Glenn Worrall.
It’s drinks-led dining ideal for summer months, when Mum and Dad want to enjoy some play dates, too.
These are our top picks.
FOR A GROUP
LAZY BALLERINA
This is the kind of place you herd a group of friends and their kids for a catch-up without the hassle. Picture a big beautiful garden, with tables scattered across the lawn making it easy to watch little ones roam. Owners James Hook and Miriam Bourne are hosting twilight dinners with live music for three Fridays in summer, starting December 20. Bookings here are essential – the owners don’t let it get
too crowded.
● Food: A $40 “let us feed you” lunch kicks off with a seasonal produce platter (think housemade dukkha, cheese and dips) and pizzas through the afternoon. It’s $20 for kids under 15 and free for under 7.
● Drinks: James makes the wines and they cater to most tastes, from a sparkling to a shiraz. There’s also Swell beers and cider, and Vale Ale.
● Kids will love: Climbing logs and ball games. There's also plenty of shade and Sunshine Ice Blocks.