Sidewood Estate Cellar Door

Sidewood Estate Cellar Door is a Hahndorf destination for exploring cool-climate Adelaide Hills wines and ciders, with tastings shaped around different levels of experience. The cellar door team can guide newcomers and seasoned wine enthusiasts through a tailored selection, making it a practical stop for anyone wanting more context than a simple pour. It is open seven days, from 10am to 5pm, at 6 River Road.

There are several ways to taste. Interactive tastings are bespoke and available for groups of up to six, while group tastings cater for six to 20 people through a set, conversational format. The self-guided wine flight offers four 60mL pours to enjoy at your own pace, and the Nearly Naked flight focuses on Sidewood’s zero-alcohol wines. Cider fans can try a paddle made from Adelaide Hills fruit, with apple, pear and apple-strawberry varieties represented. For a more structured introduction, the Introduction to Wine Tasting Masterclass covers wine terminology and palate development, while the Sabrage Masterclass teaches the traditional sword-opening technique before guests enjoy the sparkling bottle they have opened.

The wider estate also includes the Gallery Restaurant and an outdoor deck and verandah. The Gallery offers formal dining built around Adelaide Hills and South Australian produce, with shared-style chef’s selections and in-house wines and ciders. Outside, the large hardwood deck provides a more relaxed setting for smaller or larger groups, with a marquee, winter heaters and summer misting fans. The wood-fired stone oven is used for pizzas and breads, and the kitchen closes between lunch and Friday and Saturday dinner service. Restaurant bookings are essential, with set menus required for larger groups and a two-course minimum on Saturdays and Sundays.

Sidewood was founded in 2004 by Owen and Cassandra Inglis and remains family-owned. Its wines come from four Adelaide Hills vineyards across Oakbank, Charleston, Echunga and Nairne, supported by 110 hectares of vineyards and a modern winery. The estate describes its production as both tradition-minded and innovative, with winemaker Dylan Lee leading the winemaking team. It is also certified sustainable through Winegrowing Australia and holds a five-red-star rating from James Halliday. With options ranging from a short tasting to a masterclass, restaurant meal or organised group experience, the Hahndorf venue suits curious first-time visitors, committed wine drinkers and groups planning a longer Adelaide Hills outing.