🍃Gardens & Tiramisu

Good morning, Hills lovers. This week, we’re celebrating that spirit of growth and gathering, from garden gates swinging open to reveal years of care and creativity, to a tiramisu worth sharing, rich with Adelaide Hills made chocolate and coffee, the kind of dish that turns a dish into a story.

Let’s get into it.

OPEN GARDENS RETURN
Three Gorgeous Gardens

There’s something special about open garden days, the moment you step through a gate and into someone’s world of soil, shade, and patience. Coming up there are three Adelaide Hills gardens open to explore, each with its own story and style.

On October 18–19, visit The Garden at Wilpena Street, Eden Hills, a romantic English-style haven transformed from a bare slope into a patchwork of roses, hedges, lawns, and colour. Stay for high tea on the lawn, where tea and sunlight are served with equal grace.

Also that weekend, Bellosguardo Estate in Birdwood offers a touch of Italy; pencil pines, clipped parterres, and views that could be Tuscany. Built from scratch by stonemason Peter Bellosguardo, the garden blends artistry, family, and deep respect for craft.

Then on October 25, wander St Ann’s in Stirling; a grand 1860s home surrounded by sweeping terraces, clipped topiary, and century-old trees. It’s elegant, green, and full of history.

Three gardens. Three weekends. Each a love letter to landscape, care, and time well spent.

RED CACAO’S TIRAMISU
Chocolate, Coffee, Connection

Is it just me, or is this year flying faster than ever? The calendar is already filling with end-of-year gatherings, and we’re in that season where it pays to have a few go-to “bring a plate” recipes up your sleeve. Ones that look impressive, taste incredible, and don’t demand hours in the kitchen. This tiramisu ticks every box. Rich, decadent, and made with Red Cacao chocolate and cocoa from right here in the Hills, it even comes with a story you can share at the table.

Maybe you’ve made tiramisu before and felt like you’ve done it, or maybe you’re like me, still waiting to properly nail it. This version crafted by Nat, Head Pastry Chef at Red Cacao, feels extra special with Red Cacao’s velvety chocolate folded through, it is worth a try.

What I love most about tiramisu is the perfect balance of strong espresso meeting creamy mascarpone, with cocoa adding depth, grated chocolate for indulgence, and a splash of Marsala to finish. However you make it, this tiramisu doesn’t just end a meal, it gathers people, and that is what spring in the Hills is all about. Click here for the full recipe.

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If you’re dreaming of a summer filled with juicy homegrown tomatoes, mark your calendar for the Nomad Nursery Tomato Sale on 11th, 18th, and 25th October. Held at 78 Nicols Rd, Carey Gully, this much-loved event is the perfect chance to stock up on edibles, perennials, and vegetable seedlings, along with 30+ varieties of heirloom tomatoes. From classics to rare treasures, you’ll find plants to suit every garden and taste. Grown organically and locally, it’s a celebration of good food, sustainability, and the joy of planting something that will reward you all season long.

An Iranian Food Journey at The Olive Branch Café in Balhannah is a celebration of Iran’s rich culinary heritage, offering a shared feast of authentic entrees, mains and desserts. Each dish comes from the pages of Iranian cookbooks, carrying its own story and a sense of cultural connection. Hosted by Circle of Friends Australia Incorporated, a 100% volunteer refugee support group, this event not only delights with high-quality food but also supports refugee communities, with every plate contributing to a more welcoming future. Guests can BYO wine or purchase on the night, with dietary needs catered for as part of bookings, and a raffle adding to the evening’s sense of generosity and community. Friday 24th October, 6:30pm You can book your tickets here.

MARKETS

🌿 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
| MARKET | Mount Pleasant
📅 Saturday, 18 October | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Spend your Saturday morning exploring fresh seasonal produce, gourmet goods, and handmade delights at this beloved country market. With live music, coffee, and local charm, it’s the perfect weekend outing.

🥕 Adelaide Hills Farmers Market
| MARKET | Mount Barker
📅 Saturday, 18 October| 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Set under the elms at 23 Mann Street, this weekly market is the heart of the Adelaide Hills, bringing together fresh produce, local artisans, and a vibrant community spirit.

🛍️ Woodside Market
| MARKET | Woodside
📅 Saturday, 18 October | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Browse stalls of fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, plants, and more at this monthly market by the Rotary Club of Onkaparinga.

🍎 Uraidla Market
| MARKET | Uraidla
📅 Sunday, 19 October | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Browse fresh produce, crafts, art, and plants at this beloved twice-monthly market celebrating local makers and growers. 

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

🎻 Convergence
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Thursday, 16 October 2025 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Experience Mozart, Ligeti, and Schubert in a powerful concert blending lyrical grace, daring innovation, and timeless mastery. INFO

🥩 $27 Steak Nights
| FOOD & WINE | Inglewood
📅 Thursdays, 16, 23 & 30 October | From 5:30 PM
Enjoy grain-fed Black Angus from the Coorong cooked your way, with your choice of sauce, local wine, and a fireside view, all for $27. INFO

🍜 Essential Thai Cooking Class
| FOOD & CULTURE | Sticky Rice Cooking School, Stirling
📅 Friday, 17 October 2025 – Saturday, 14 March 2026 | Times Vary
Learn to cook authentic Thai favourites like Tom Yum soup, Choo Chee curry, and Sticky Rice with Mango in this hands-on culinary experience. INFO

🍓 Beerenberg High Tea
| FOOD & EXPERIENCE | Hahndorf
📅 Friday, 17– Saturday 18 October | Times Vary
Indulge in a country-style high tea with handcrafted sweet and savoury treats, scones, and a glass of Prosecco at Beerenberg’s charming farm. INFO

🎶 Stuart James Day and the Red Motor Concert
| LIVE MUSIC | Bridgewater
📅 Saturday, 18 October | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Enjoy an evening of powerful songwriting, storytelling lyrics, and polished live performance from Stuart James Day and Red Motor. INFO

🌸 Tea & Tatakizome
| ART & WELLNESS | Aldgate
📅 Saturday, 18 October | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Explore the Japanese art of Tatakizome, the gentle craft of flower pounding, while creating embroidered prints and blending your own calming tea in this mindful spring workshop. INFO

🎸 Bridgey Battle of the Bands
| LIVE MUSIC | Bridgewater
📅 Saturday, 18 October, 6:30 PM - Sunday, 19 October, 12:30 AM
Get ready for a night of epic local talent as bands battle it out on stage in Bridgewater, bringing high-energy performances and serious sound. INFO

🚗 Bay to Birdwood
| VINTAGE VEHICLES | Birdwood
📅 Sunday, 19 October | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Step back in time with over 1,500 historic vehicles parading into Birdwood for a vibrant finish festival filled with classic cars, local food, Adelaide Hills wine, and family fun. INFO

🎨 Magic Moments Woodside Pop-Up
| FAMILY & PLAY | Woodside Hall
📅 Sunday, 19 October | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Join a fun and interactive pop-up playgroup in Woodside filled with creativity, connection and plenty of messy play for little ones, perfect for a Sunday family morning. INFO

🎬 Hahndorf Echoes of the Past in Lobethal
| DOCUMENTARY & HISTORY | Lobethal
📅 Sunday, 19 October | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Experience the launch of Hahndorf Echoes of the Past, a documentary uncovering the struggles, faith, and legacy of Hahndorf’s pioneers. INFO

🎡 Meadows Country Fair
| COMMUNITY & FAMILY | Meadows
📅 Sunday, 19 October | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Enjoy a full day of family fun with rides, races, market stalls, live entertainment, animal expos, and local food at one of the Hills’ most beloved country fairs. INFO

🎞️ Hahndorf Echoes of the Past – Documentary Screening in Lobethal
| CULTURE & HISTORY | Lobethal
📅 Sunday, 19 October | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Step back in time through the powerful story of South Australia’s early Prussian settlers in this moving documentary, followed by a Q&A with descendants and half-price museum entry. INFO

✍️ Mockingbird Writers October Writing Retreat
| WRITING & CREATIVITY | Norton Summit
📅 Sunday, 19 October | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Immerse yourself in a full day of focused writing, creativity, and connection with fellow writers at the peaceful Norton Summit Community Centre, complete with tea, snacks, and inspiring spaces to create. INFO

🍽️ $49 Chef’s Menu
| DINING EXPERIENCE | Inglewood Inn
📅 Wednesdays, 22 & 29 October | From 5:30 PM
Let the chefs take the lead with a curated shared-style menu featuring fresh seasonal dishes, from house-baked sourdough to hearty mains and a perfectly cooked steak finale, all for $49. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🍋 Portuguese and Moroccan Adventure Cooking Class
| FOOD & EXPERIENCE | Stirling
📅 Saturday, 29 November | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join Chef Mark McNamara for a hands-on culinary journey through North Africa and Southern Europe, exploring vibrant spices, rustic breads, and authentic regional dishes. INFO

🎶 Treasures of Paris
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Saturday, 29 November | 2:30 PM
Enjoy an elegant afternoon of French classics with flautist Kim Falconer, pianist Anna Goldsworthy, and soprano Jessica Dean performing works by Debussy, Fauré, and Poulenc. INFO

🎨 Paint a Silk Scarf
| ART WORKSHOP | Bridgewater
📅 Saturday, 29 November | 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Learn the art of silk painting using liquid dyes and brushes to create two vibrant, one-of-a-kind scarves in this fun and relaxing hands-on session. INFO

🍷 Day on the Deck at Petaluma
| FOOD & WINE | Woodside
📅 Saturday, 1 November | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sip cool-climate wines, enjoy live acoustic music, and take in the sweeping Hills views during this relaxed afternoon soiree at Petaluma. INFO

🧁 Nanna’s Blooming Bake Club
| FOOD & COMMUNITY | Charleston
📅 Sunday, 26 October | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Spend a sweet afternoon baking botanically inspired treats, sharing recipes, and exploring the gardens at Charleston Farm, with optional pick-your-own blooms available. INFO

_{Thanks for reading Adelaide Hills Pantry. I hope it added a moment of enjoyment to your day.}

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the traditional custodians of our land. We recognise Peramangk and Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the place where the content in this newsletter is featured and where the newsletter is created. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future and to the cultural authority of First Nations Peoples from other areas of this country.