Our guide to the best of South Australia

A group of Travel Associates advisors were lucky enough to take a quick trip to South Australia recently to learn more about what the beautiful and diverse state has to offer.

We must start by saying, we were blown away! From start to finish, every one of our senses were spoilt. And we cannot wait to share every incredible recommendation with you.

~ Adelaide ~

~ Adelaide Hills ~

We must say, one of the best bits of travelling to Adelaide is that some of the world's most famous and awarded wineries are a 15 minute drive down the road. Yes, 15 minutes. To world-class wineries. That's it.

Your senses will be spoilt from start to end. As the cityscape blends into rolling hills and never ending vineyards, your tummy will dance with anticipation at what's to come. Sip some of Australia's best cool climate wines at Ashton Hills, Deviation Road, CRFT, Barristers Block, Art Wine, Petaluma, Shaw & Smith or Bird in Hand. And if you're a lover of spirits, stop at Ambleside Distillery or Unico Zelo. The Lane Vineyard's 360 Degree Hilltop Tasting will take your breath away - enjoy a flight of seven premium wines and chef-prepared goodies in The Lane's unique tasting room with retractable walls, opening-up to stunning 360-degree views of the rolling Adelaide Hills.

Have a fine dining experience at three hatted Hardy's Verandah Restaurant at Mount Lofty House overlooking the magnificent Piccadilly Valley. Or, experience something completely unique at Villetta Porcina hidden in the hills of Mylor, where you'll pull up a seat at a fairytale-esk stone hut and feast on Andre Ursini's divine creations.

There's plenty to discover outdoors, with Mount Lofty Summit, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and Cleland Wildlife Park offering beautiful views and nature to immerse yourself within. You can even find the home of the world-famous skin-care range, Jurlique. Go behind the scenes of Jurlique Farm where herbs, flowers and plants are all grown to create the brand's natural products before trying and buying some of your favourites.

~ Where to stay in Adelaide Hills ~

~ Barossa Valley ~

There is no better place for a lover of red wine to visit than Barossa Valley. The wine region is home to the world's oldest vines and produces some truly brilliant bottles of Shiraz (we did try and buy quite a few, so we should know!).

Two Hands Wines is a standout in a field (or vineyards) of many. The innovative winemaker has a stunning cellar door where you can slide on a pair of R.M. Williams, jump in a white defender and be driven through the picture-perfect vineyards. You'll taste shiraz grapes cut straight off the vines before finding your way to a glorious peak where you'll relax with a beautiful view of the vineyards with a glass of one of their most delicious reds in hand. Make sure you have room in your luggage to take home your own bottle (or two).

There's no going past Seppeltsfield with its famous branded tin roof, which is perhaps the region's most iconic winery. You can tour the nearly 150 year old cellars and soak in the fascinating history before tasting your birth-year Port in the midst of 144 consecutive vintages still in the barrel. Stop at Fino for a beautiful regionally-inspired lunch before continuing around the winery grounds.

We know there are some who prefer a spirit to a wine, and you can trust us when we say, there's something you'll obsess over from this famous wine region - Barossa Shiraz Gin. Our favourite is from Seppeltsfield Road Distillers, where the award-winning small-batch gin is distilled and bottled right on site using local botanicals sourced from just down the road. Pair your favourite finds with local cheeses and produce at Barossa Farmers Market, Barossa Valley Cheese Company or, for our sweet-toothed friends, the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company.

The famed delights and lesser known (but just as good) secrets of the Barossa are, in our opinion, best explored with a local. Mary Anne Kennedy of A Taste of South Australia was a truly wonderful guide during our visit and is an expert in not only the history of the region, but the food and wine spots you can't miss throughout your stay.