🍂Sweet deals for Father’s Day

Good morning, Hills lovers. Last week I shared my favourite Adelaide Hills pubs and some of you sent in suggestions for a few to add. Wendy reminded us of the Bridgewater Inn, a true Hills institution and a great place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon out in the beer garden, while Sarah championed Friday nights at the Gumeracha Hotel — “The Gum” to locals — with its meat trays, lucky squares and legendary front bar fun. Thanks for sending these in! If anyone else has a suggestion, be sure to let me know!

Okay no for this week - with Father’s Day just around the corner, I’ve pulled together the best Hills ways to celebrate — from chocolate-and-beer hampers to long winery lunches. You’ll also find a story on the Adelaide Hills Roadside Stalls community and a sneak peek at a new illustrated map we’re creating with artist Chris Edser.

Also, there are still some Adelaide Hills Puzzles available, if you’d one for your place or to gift to a friend, you can get one here.

Let’s get into it.

SWEET FATHER’S DAY
Chocolate, Beer, Local Love

Here’s a treat just for Adelaide Hills Pantry readers (that’s you!): Red Cacao are giving our readers 10% off their Father’s Day Hamper. They don’t usually give discounts outside their Chocolate Club, which makes this extra special.

The hamper itself is packed with artisan chocolates from Red Cacao and paired with a couple of legendary craft beers from Prancing Pony. You can order online, use the code PREZELS, and choose Local Pickup from either their Stirling café or Chocolate Kitchen in Mount Barker.

Many of you may not know this, Red Cacao has a special place in the story of Adelaide Hills Pantry. When I first started out on this adventure, now known as Adelaide Hills Pantry, I nervously approached a handful of local businesses to see if they’d back me as foundational partners. Marcus, the owner of Red Cacao, was the very first to say yes. Their support has never wavered, and I’ll always be grateful. Red Cacao is one of the true Adelaide Hills success stories, and one I love sharing with visitors from interstate - it helps that their chocolate is delicious to boot!

So if you’re still hunting for the perfect Father’s Day gift, this one’s easy - local, thoughtful, and guaranteed to be enjoyed. Claim your discount and order Dad a hamper.

WINE & DINE DAD
Father’s Day in the Hills

Father’s Day in the Hills is all about good wine, wood-oven pizza, and long lunches that stretch into the afternoon. This year, I’ve rounded up the best places to spoil Dad on Sunday 7 September and there truly is something for every kind of Dad.

For the food lovers, a few of the region’s best-known wineries are serving hearty share plates and special menus, paired with views that do half the talking. If Dad prefers something a little flashier, there are luxe dining experiences to impress, while those who like to keep it casual can settle in with pizza, craft beer, or a low-key tasting at a boutique cellar door.

Families are well catered for too, with venues where the kids can roam free, while wine enthusiasts can dive into private tastings that go deep into the Hills’ most celebrated drops. And for the more adventurous dads, there are even options that mix a bit of activity with a well-earned glass at the end.

Make it a Father’s Day to remember, Adelaide Hills style. 👉 Read our full Father’s Day Winery Guide here

ADELAIDE HILLS ROADSIDE STALLS
Community, Creativity, Connection

When Brendan and I started the Adelaide Hills Roadside Stalls Facebook group in 2020, we never imagined it would grow into a community of more than 30,000 people. One of my favourite recent posts came from a member who shared a day out with her daughter, winding through Ashton, Uraidla, Lenswood, Summertown, and Nairne. Their baskets filled with quince paste, honey, apple pies, flowers, and kindling bundles. A joyful reminder of what these stalls are really about: community, creativity, and connection. This adventure is pinned to the top of the group.

To celebrate that spirit, we’re working on a new project to share in the next few months. The first part will be a detailed guide to help you plan your own roadside stall adventure. Alongside it, we’re creating a hand-illustrated map with local artist Chris Edser (one of the creatives behind the “SA Heaps Good” T-shirts you might remember). Chris grew up in Summertown, so the Hills are in his blood. He understands the essence of the region and the special charm our roadside stalls bring and he’s capturing it in a way that feels like a keepsake, something to frame, gift, or treasure.

Here’s a little sneak peek of what’s to come:

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Come Along to the Woodside Diner!

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

🔬 Invisible Architects: Microbes in Ecosystem Restoration
| TALK | Norton Summit
📅 Thursday, 21 August | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Join Dr. Jake Robinson for a fascinating talk on how microbes shape healthy ecosystems and their role in restoring nature. INFO

🥘 Paella Cook and Sip Masterclass
| WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Thursdays, 21 & 28 August | 7:00pm – 10:00 PM
Learn to cook authentic Spanish paella alongside a local chef while sipping wine, enjoying tapas, and refining your culinary skills. INFO

💬 SAW Catch-Up
| NETWORKING | Crafers
📅 Thursday, 21 August | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Connect with like-minded women in a warm, welcoming space for rich conversations about business, life, and everything in between. INFO

✉️ Letter Writing and Wax Sealing Workshop 2025
| WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Thursday, 21 August | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Rediscover the art of handwritten connection using quills, ink, and wax to craft and seal a personal letter to cherish. INFO

🏓 Social Table Tennis
| COMMUNITY | Basket Range
📅 Thursday, August 21 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Swing by Basket Range Hall for a fun morning of rallies, laughter, and friendly competition, perfect for all ages and skill levels. INFO

🌸 Make Your Own Roll-On Perfume
| CREATIVE WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Friday, 22 August | 1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
Blend and customise your own roll-on perfume oil in this hands-on 30-minute session at the 3 Wishes store in Hahndorf. INFO

🍫 Bracegirdle’s Chocolate & Gin Pairing
| FOOD & DRINK | Hahndorf
📅 Friday, 22 August | 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Indulge in a guided tasting of handcrafted Bracegirdle’s chocolates paired with Little Juniper’s award-winning gins for a rich, flavour-filled evening. INFO

🎻 10th Anniversary Celebration Curated by Pekka Kuusisto
| CLASSICAL MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Friday, 22 August | 6:30 PM
Celebrate a decade of UKARIA with Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto, returning to Matthew Hindson’s Ngeringa and reflecting on the venue’s creative journey. This special concert honours ten years of artistry and international inspiration. INFO

🍰 Baked Cheesecake Masterclass
| WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Friday, 22 August – Saturday, 23 August | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Master Beerenberg’s signature cheesecake pie with jam-infused fillings in this hands-on baking session led by their expert chefs. INFO

🍽️ A Taste of Germany at The Haus
| FOOD & MUSIC | Hahndorf
📅 Friday, 22 August | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Enjoy a festive night of German fare, live Bavarian music and themed fun as part of the Hahndorf Immersed Festival. INFO

👶 Family Beginnings
| COMMUNITY | Norton Summit
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
A nourishing space for pregnant families and parents with little ones to connect, share stories, and find support at The Summit Community Centre. INFO

🍳 Bottomless Brunch
| FOOD & DRINK | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Indulge in a Spanish-inspired feast with endless sangria, mimosas, and a handpicked brunch menu, perfect for celebrations or simply sipping before noon. INFO

🥒 Harvest and Brine: Growing and Pickling Produce
| FOOD & SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP | Gumeracha
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Join Kym Ormond for an interactive session on growing and pickling your own produce, complete with a take-home kit of seeds, spices, and recipe. INFO

🍺 Prost & Pours – A Bavarian Beer Experience
| FESTIVAL | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Celebrate Bavarian brewing at the German Arms with free German beer tastings, brewery storytelling, and giveaways during the Hahndorf Immersed Festival. INFO

🎨 An Introduction to Scraperboard/Scratch Board
| WORKSHOP | Norton Summit
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Discover the dramatic art of scratchboard with SALA award-winner Veronica Oborn Jefferis in this hands-on workshop, part of the Adelaide Hills ‘Connections’ exhibition. All materials provided, no experience needed. INFO

🎶 10th Anniversary Celebration Curated by Kate Miller-Heidke and Iain Grandage
| LIVE MUSIC | Mount Barker Summit
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 6:30 PM
Kate Miller-Heidke headlines a genre-blending concert featuring new songs, fan favourites, and powerful collaborations with Keir Nuttall, Iain Grandage, the Australian String Quartet, and special guest Pekka Kuusisto. This celebratory evening showcases UKARIA’s spirit of musical diversity and creative connection. INFO

🎻 A Musical Banquet: Adelaide Baroque Quartet Concert & Ondeen Dinner
| MUSIC & DINING | Verdun
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 5:30 PM
Immerse yourself in the elegance of the Baroque era with a 75-minute quartet performance followed by a three-course dinner at Ondeen. INFO

🎨 Pottery Wheel Throwing
| WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Learn the basics of wheel throwing with expert potter Guy Ringwood in a hands-on, small group workshop where you’ll create and fire your own piece. INFO

🥃 The Whisky Sour – A Masterclass by Full Circle Spirits
| MASTERCLASS | Hahndorf
📅 Sunday, 24 August | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Shake, sip, and master the art of the perfect Whisky Sour by the fire with expert bartenders from Full Circle Spirits. INFO

🎨 Botanical Drawing
| WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Sunday, August 24 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tap into your creativity with artist Sandra Johnston at The Cedars, where you’ll learn to compose and draw seasonal blossoms and foliage in a serene, inspiring setting. INFO

🏋️‍♀️ Breakfast and Bootcamp
| WELLNESS | Hahndorf
📅 Sunday, August 24 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Sweat it out in a pop-up bootcamp designed for all fitness levels, then refuel with a Spanish breakfast and coffee at Comida’s deck. INFO

💇 CHOP IT! with Mr.D
| WORKSHOP | Aldgate
📅 Monday, 25 August | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Learn the art of dry-cutting and natural textures in an inspiring look-and-learn class with Mr.D, owner of Delilah and K18 Ambassador. INFO

🧘 Hills New Earth Meditation
| WELLNESS | Aldgate
📅 Monday, 25 August | 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Strengthen your inner resources, connect with higher guidance, and align with new earth energies in this weekly spiritual meditation class. INFO

🌱 Small Business Sustainability Support Workshop
| BUSINESS WORKSHOP | Stirling
📅 Tuesday, 26 August | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Discover practical ways to reduce emissions, cut costs, and future-proof your small business in this hands-on sustainability workshop, complete with a free 1-on-1 follow-up session. INFO

👗 What to Wear Next – Spring 2025 Trends Made Easy
| WORKSHOP | Hahndorf
📅 Wednesday, 27 August | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join stylist Emily Jade for a fun, practical workshop exploring Spring 2025 fashion trends you can actually wear. INFO

📚 Book Club at The Summit Community Centre
| COMMUNITY | Norton Summit
📅 Wednesday, 27 August | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join fellow book lovers for a welcoming monthly gathering filled with engaging discussions and curated reads, with a gold coin donation to participate. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🏎 Luxury Driving Experience
| EXPERIENCE | Crafers
📅 Thursday, 23 October | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Take the wheel of the latest supercars on a luxury drive through the Adelaide Hills, complete with morning tea at Pike & Joyce and lunch at The Lane Vineyard. INFO

✨ Mount Barker Milky Way Masterclass
| PHOTOGRAPHY | Mount Barker
📅 Wednesday, 24 September | 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Learn to capture the stars with award-winning photographer David Magro in this hands-on masterclass, beginning in the classroom and ending under the Milky Way at a dark-sky location. INFO

🍷 Back Vintages & Bonfires
| WINE & FOOD | Meadows
📅 Sunday, September 7 | 11:00 AM
Celebrate Father’s Day by the fire with a tasting of Karrawatta’s cellar-aged wines from Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale, and Langhorne Creek, paired perfectly with hearty beef bourguignon. INFO

🎨 Fruit or Flower Still Life in Water Mixable Oils
| ART WORKSHOP | Norton Summit
📅 Wednesday, 3 September | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Create your own still life painting under the guidance of artist Bethany Neck, exploring water mixable oils with step-by-step demonstrations and your choice of fruit or flower as the subject. INFO

🍷 DR x Fino Vino Wine Dinner
| FOOD & WINE | Adelaide
📅 Thursday, 28 August | 6:00 PM
Savour a four-course Fino Vino feast paired with new release Deviation Road wines in an intimate evening hosted by Kate Laurie. INFO

MARKETS

🌿 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
| MARKET | Mount Pleasant
📅 Saturday, 23 August | 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, 23 August | 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.

🛍️ Stirling Market
| MARKET | Stirling
📅 Sunday, 24 August | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Enjoy live music, delicious food, and locally made treasures at this vibrant, volunteer-run Adelaide Hills market.

_{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.