🍂How To Tell a Story

Good morning, Hills lovers!

The first real cold snap of the year has swept across the Hills, bringing crisp mornings and the unmistakable scent of wood fires warming up homes across the region.

In this week’s edition, I’ve rounded up a few ways to make the most of these cooler days. So grab a blanket, pour yourself something warm, and settle in – it’s a good week to be in the Hills. 🌿

Wait! Before we get stuck in, I have a question for you…

TO PUZZLE, OR NOT TO PUZZLE?
That is the question.

I’ve been toying with the idea of bringing a little piece of the Adelaide Hills into your home – a 1,000-piece, high-quality, limited-edition puzzle. A one-off piece of art by a local artist, each one numbered and exclusive – a bit of the Hills you can keep forever or share with someone who loves this place too.

But before I go all in, I need to know – would you want this? Let me know below!

DIG IN & GROW
Gardening for Tomorrow

If your garden’s looking a bit sunburnt and frazzled lately, you’re not alone. The weather’s getting hotter, the rain’s playing hard to get, and even the hardiest old gum trees are having a quiet word with their roots about water conservation.

That’s why The Hut Community Centre’s Garden Design for a Changing Climate course feels like the right thing at the right time. It’s about learning to work with the climate, not against it – designing a garden that’s tough enough to handle the heat while still feeling like a place you want to spend time in.

You’ll learn how to make the most of every precious drop of water, choose plants that can handle the heat, and turn even the most neglected corner of your yard into a thriving patch of green. You’ll get your hands dirty with wicking beds, propagation units, and more – because sometimes the best ideas come from a bit of practical experience.

There are even a couple of practical field trips on the schedule, giving you a chance to see how the pros do it – the kind of hands-on learning that makes all the difference when you’re trying to keep your garden alive through another scorching summer.

If you’ve been looking for a way to shrink your water bill, grow more of your own food, or just feel a bit better about your patch of earth, this course is a good place to start. Spots are limited to only 18 people, so don’t dilly-dally and book your ticket here.

WRITE & PRESERVE
Writing Engaging Local and Family History

At the heart of every community are the stories that stitch it together – the long-forgotten characters, the quiet heroes, and the everyday moments that make a place what it is. That’s what drives Liz Harfull, a bestselling author and community historian who’s spent decades capturing these stories, from the bustling halls of country shows to the windswept coastline of her favourite seaside town, Robe.

Liz has written ten books, including award-winning celebrations of country life and the extraordinary history behind the Country Women’s Association. She’s also the editor of the National Trust of SA magazine, Heritage Living, and knows a thing or two about finding the magic in the everyday.

If you’ve ever wanted to put your family’s history on paper or share the quirks of your local area with a wider audience, Liz’s workshop at Coventry Library in Stirling is a rare chance to learn from one of the best. It’s a practical, hands-on session for anyone looking to turn family legends or local lore into something more than just a few scribbled notes in a journal.

So, if you’ve got a story to tell, now’s the time to bring it to life. Book your ticket here.

RAISE YOUR GLASS
A Wine Tasting Masterclass

There’s a reason people come from all over the world to taste wine in the Adelaide Hills. It’s a region known for its cool-climate whites, elegant reds, and the kind of winemakers who are as passionate about the land as they are about what’s in the bottle.

But if you’ve ever found yourself standing at one of those cellar doors, swirling a glass and trying to pick up on “stone fruit” or “mineral notes” without really knowing what you’re looking for, this one’s for you.

Riposte Wines is hosting a proper wine tasting masterclass – a chance to learn how to taste, not just sip. You’ll figure out why some wines linger on the palate, why others fade away, and what all those fancy words on the tasting notes mean.

It’s a chance to get a bit more out of the wine in your glass, to understand why the Adelaide Hills is one of the most exciting wine regions in the world, and maybe even feel a bit more confident the next time you’re leaning against a cellar door, glass in hand.

And yes, there’ll be cheese – because if you’re going to learn the art of wine, you might as well do it properly. Book your spot here.

Got a community update or special shoutout to share? Reach out and say hi!

Yarn Bombing Launch – 1 June in Uraidla
Join us as Uraidla bursts to life with colour and creativity! On 1 June, the SACWA Uraidla & Districts will launch its Yarn Bombing Project, transforming the main street into a vibrant, living art gallery. Expect trees wrapped in handmade granny squares and playful yarn creations, bringing warmth and community spirit to the heart of the Adelaide Hills. It's a wonderful way to brighten the winter days and celebrate the incredible talents of our local makers. See here for all the info.

Fundraiser – "Along the Tea Horse Road" – 1 June in Crafers
Experience the drama of Cantonese opera, the haunting melodies of the erhu (two-stringed spike fiddle), and the elegance of Eastern dance from the Forever Young Dancers. The event also includes a Tai Chi demonstration, celebrating the artistry of movement and mindfulness. All funds raised will support the church roof restoration. Book tickets here.

MAY CAFE RIDE THIS SUNDAY!
Love Cycling? Love Coffee?

You won’t want to miss our May Cafe Ride, which will roll out from the wonderful Uraidla Republic Cafe & Bakery at 8 a.m. this Sunday, May 25. Brendan will be your ride leader. Last month was a great turnout, and we hope to build on that again this month. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful Hills and connect with others in the community. Come one, come all! Check out the route and all the info here.

Hope to see you there…if that’s how you roll!

Want a FEATURED EVENT with a poster?

Spread the word to over 8000 people who read the Adelaide Hills Pantry Newsletter weekly.

Mark your calendars – the Hills Winter Lantern Festival returns to Echunga on Saturday, June 14, from 3pm to 8pm. Expect live music, food stalls, kids’ activities, a lantern parade at dusk, and a fiery finale to light up the winter night. Check it out.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

🗣️ Storytelling/Cultural Talk with David Booth | Norton Summit
📅 Tuesday, May 27 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Hear powerful Dreamtime stories and reflections from David Booth during this special National Reconciliation Week event. INFO

🧘 Hatha Yoga with Flo Benattar |Norton Summit
📅 Wednesday, May 28 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Unwind and reconnect through a gentle Hatha Yoga class designed for all levels, guided by the calming presence of Flo Benattar. INFO

🍷 Cellar Treasures: A Museum Chardonnay Tasting with Erinn Klein | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Sunday, May 25 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Taste five standout vintages of Chardonnay with winemaker Erinn Klein in a relaxed afternoon paired with seasonal snacks. INFO

🎨 Geranium Painting & Essential Oil Workshop | Oakbank
📅 Sunday, May 25 | 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Get creative with a watercolour painting session and craft your own geranium perfume blend using pure essential oils. INFO

🧠 Quiz Nights at Prancing Pony | Totness
📅 Wednesday, May 28 | 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Get ready for a wild and witty night of trivia, quirky questions, and prizes at this weekly quiz hosted by Quiz Meisters. INFO

🚂 Annual Mount Barker Rail Fest | Mount Barker
📅 Sunday, May 25 | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Explore historic locomotives, enjoy steam train rides, and discover the inner workings of the world’s longest heritage railway. INFO

🧀 Pairings of Provenance, Sidewood x Kris Lloyd | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, May 24 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Savor a guided tasting of Sidewood Chardonnays paired with artisanal cheeses in this intimate masterclass led by winemaker Dylan Lee and cheesemaker Kris Lloyd. INFO

🍕 Vista Pizza Sunday at Longview Vineyard | Macclesfield
📅 Sunday, May 25 | 12:00 PM onwards
Enjoy endless wood-fired pizza, live music, and stunning vineyard views at this monthly Longview tradition. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🎤 Mama Kin with Iain Grandage | UKARIA Cultural Centre | Mount Barker
📅 Saturday, June 14 | 7:30 PM
Be moved by the soulful storytelling and magnetic presence of Mama Kin, joined by an ensemble of acclaimed musicians for a powerful night of music. INFO

🪘 African Dance Workshop with Nobuntu, UKARIA | Mount Barker
📅 Friday, June 20 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Learn traditional Ndebele rhythms and dances through drumming, movement, and song in this vibrant cultural workshop with Nobuntu. INFO

MARKETS

🛍️ Stirling Market
📅 Sunday, May 25 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Enjoy live music, delicious food, and locally made treasures at this vibrant, volunteer-run Adelaide Hills market.

🧺 Mount Pleasant Market
📅 Saturday, May 24 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Browse locally made artisan goods, enjoy breakfast in the Atrium café, and shop fresh produce alongside the Farmers Market.

🥕 Adelaide Hills Farmers Market
📅 Saturday, May 24 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Shop fresh, seasonal produce and artisan goods straight from local growers and makers at this lively weekly outdoor market.

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