🍂Winter in the Hills: Bonfires, Fog & Mulled Wine Nights

Good Morning Hills Lovers! This week feels like we’ve finally cracked winter. Foggy mornings, smoky nights, and a rhythm that slows right down. And across the Hills we are all leaning into it — long dinners, warm socks, mulled wine, and live music that lingers. Over the weekend, I finally made it to UKARIA for the first time (I know, I know — it’s been here for over a decade!) and it was every bit as beautiful as people say. Below, I’ve shared the full story of that night, plus a roundup of winter events across the Hills to fill your calendar with firelight, flavour and a little mid-year magic.

Let’s get into it.

A SATURDAY NIGHT AT UKARIA
Moonlight, Music and the Hills.

Some places feel different the moment you arrive. UKARIA is one of them.

We’d made a night of it. Dinner first at Marshi’s in Stirling — Sri Lankan, warm and buzzing. I can’t recommend the lamb roti wrap enough, and do yourself a favour: get the hummus on the side. It’s not like any you’ve had before. After that, dessert at Patch. Just something sweet before the main event.

By the time we pulled into UKARIA, the car park was full. We scurried up the paved path through the garden, the air crisp and still. “Just in time, she’s about to start!” the woman at the door smiled as we stepped inside. We found the last two seats, settled in, and the lights dimmed. Mama Kin was ready. So were we.

Raw, magnetic, powerful. Her voice wrapped around the room and didn’t let go. Percussive, poetic, and full of soul, the performance was less like a concert and more like a calling in. One moment we were laughing, the next holding our breath. There was something sacred in the way she moved between stories and song. It felt honest. And big.

Between tracks, the silence was full, not awkward or empty, but alive. You could hear every breath, every heartbeat, every rustle. The room was listening with its whole body.

Outside, the gum trees swayed in the dark. The chill deepened. And still, no one rushed to leave. There was a hum in the car park, headlights blinking into the fog, people holding onto that last note all the way down the hill.

It was my first time at UKARIA, and honestly, I can’t believe it’s taken me this long. It’s been here for over a decade, tucked quietly into the Hills, quietly changing people. If you’ve ever thought about going, let this be your sign. Book a show. Go and see it for yourself. It’s beautiful. And it stays with you.

WINTER EVENTS ACROSS THE HILLS
Fires, flavours and big community feels.

Winter in the Adelaide Hills changes the pace. The fog sits low. The mornings bite. Fires go on early and dinner’s often slow. You pull on the same jumper as yesterday and check the woodpile. Socks dry near the heater. It’s cold — but it’s good.

We don’t rush through winter here. We lean in. Life keeps rolling, just layered up. Markets still hum. Footy still kicks off. You run into someone in a car park and talk too long, breath clouding the air. And when the sun dips early, the Hills light up.

It starts Friday 20 June in Mount Barker with Winter Solstice Eve — fire pits, toasted marshmallows, live music, cocktails and kid-friendly fun in the Pop-Up Park.

Saturday 21 June brings big energy:
– Uraidla Hotel’s Winter Soulstice is packed with fire twirlers, strongman acts, tarot, live tunes and soul-warming street food.
– Over at Lot 100, they’re teaming up with Ngeringa for a flavour-packed night of fire bowls, raclette, porchetta, s’mores and local wine under the trees.

On Saturday 28 June, Mylor hosts its beloved Bonfireworks — bonfire, fireworks, mulled wine, live music and a sky full of sparks. A perfect family night out.

Then on Saturday 5 July, Bright Night Stirling wraps it all up with glowing lanterns, late-night eats, live music and wintery magic in the village.

Because winter here doesn’t slow us down. It brings us closer — around the fire, under the stars, with muddy boots and warm hands.

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

Grace Place Community Morning – Thursday 26 June
Looking for a cosy way to spend your Thursday morning? Head to Grace Place and Enjoy free coffee and delicious home-made soup, second-hand clothing bargains, and a plants and produce sale – bring a friend, make a new one – everyone’s welcome!

Balhannah/Oakbank Community Carols
Always wanted to sing on stage? Maybe your shower has been your biggest fan until now — or maybe you’re already a seasoned performer. Either way, if you’ve ever dreamed of singing in front of a live audience, this is your sign to audition. Auditions will be held on Thursday 3 July at the Balhannah Uniting Church, starting at 7.00pm. To book an audition time or find out more go here or email [email protected]

Adelaide Hills Pantry Podcast
Just a quick podcast update — it’s been a while since I last mentioned it! The short version is that we’ve been quietly working away on it behind the scenes. We’re aiming to have a few episodes ready to go before the official launch, so you’ll have a little bundle to binge and really get a feel for it. The podcast is being produced by my husband Brendan - if you’ve joined one of our Monthly Café Rides, you would know him well! As for a launch date? I’ve been informed, it’ll be ready… soon…ish. Watch this space!

Want a FEATURED EVENT with a poster?

Spread the word to over 10,000 people who read the Adelaide Hills Pantry.

JEWLERY WORKSHOP AT HAHNDORF ACADEMY
An evening of art, ideas, crafting and lots of fun with leading Adelaide contemporary jeweller Lauren Simeoni. Saturday June 21 from 2pm - 5pm, Lauren will guide you through experimenting with making jewellery using found objects, deconstructed sustainable materials and new simple ‘low-fi’ techniques.

No experience in jewellery-making required, just a keenness to create, share ideas and have fun! Book now! Limited spaces. Grab a spot here.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK

🧬 Family History: One-on-One Research Sessions
| WORKSHOP | Stirling
📅 Friday, 20 June | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dive deeper into your family history in a two-hour guided research session. Get tips on where to look, interpret findings, and explore DNA tracing with the help of experienced volunteers. INFO

🎶 Live Music at Prancing Pony Brewery
| MUSIC | Totness
📅 Friday, 20 June | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Enjoy a fun night of live local music at the brewery where Blues, Soul, and good vibes are always on tap. INFO

🍕 Grünthal Brew All You Can Eat Pizza Nights
| FOOD & DRINK | Verdun
📅 Friday, 20 June | Times Vary
Kick off the weekend with endless handmade pizza, craft drinks, and a laid-back vibe at Grünthal Brew’s popular Friday night feast. INFO

🎶 Live Music Fridays at The Scenic Hotel
| MUSIC | Norton Summit
📅 Friday, 20 June | Evening
Fires lit, pub jazz in the front bar, mulled wine specials and dark ales flowing. Head upstairs for dinner or stay downstairs for smooth live jazz! INFO

🌿 Natural Perfume 101: The Workshop
| WORKSHOP | Crafers
📅 Saturday, 21 June | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Create your own signature scent while exploring the art, history, and techniques of natural perfumery in this hands-on workshop at Epiphany Place. INFO

🔥 Lot.100 Winter Solstice Party
| FOOD & DRINK | Hay Valley
📅 Saturday, 21 June | 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Celebrate the winter solstice with mulled cider, a fire-roasted feast, and a magical evening of food, wine, and flames under the stars at Lot.100. INFO

🍸 Gin and Wine Tastings at The Gatehouse Bar
| FOOD & DRINK | Houghton
📅 Saturday, 22 June | Times vary
Relax in a scenic garden setting while enjoying Glen Ewin’s fig gin tasting flight, local dishes, and the tranquil charm of The Gatehouse Bar. INFO

🧵 Which-Craft at Gumeracha
| COMMUNITY | Gumeracha
📅 Monday, 23 June | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Bring your own project and enjoy a relaxed, social crafting session with fellow makers at the Torrens Valley Community Centre. INFO

🎶 Social Singing at Gumeracha
| COMMUNITY | Gumeracha
📅 Monday, 23 June | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Join a joyful sing-along session at Torrens Valley Community Centre where all voices are welcome and music brings the community together. INFO

📚 Book Club at The Summit Community Centre
| COMMUNITY | Norton Summit
📅 Wednesday, 25 June | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Join a welcoming monthly book club where readers explore library-curated titles in a friendly setting with a gold coin donation. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🍷Unearthed at Ondeen: A Long Table Truffle Dinner | FOOD & DRINK | Verdun
📅 Friday, 27 June | 6:30 PM
Indulge in a luxurious truffle-infused dinner with wine pairings, a truffle martini, and seasonal storytelling at the long table at Ondeen. INFO

🍝 Pasta e Vino Baby Winter at Ernest 
| FOOD & WINE | Hahndorf
📅 Friday, 27 June | Times vary
Warm up with pasta and wine at Ernest in Hahndorf. This cosy deli is serving up seriously tasty eats in a relaxed setting in the heart of the Hills. INFO

🍕 Vista Pizza Sunday
| FOOD & WINE | Macclesfield
📅 Sunday, 29 June | Times Vary
Enjoy bottomless pizza, antipasto, fine wines, and live music in the stunning surrounds of Longview Vineyard. INFO

🎤 Poetry in Motion: The Art of Slam
| WORKSHOP | Bridgewater
 📅 Sunday, 13 July | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
 Join Kathryn Pentecost for a fun and imaginative workshop on writing and performing slam poetry to help boost your creative confidence. INFO

🍷 Bottomless Brunch at Barristers Block
| FOOD & DRINK | Woodside
📅 Sunday, 13 July | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Savour a decadent vineyard brunch featuring bottomless wine, beer, cider, and plus a mouthwatering hot course and signature scones to finish. Bookings essential. INFO

🧘‍♀️ Roaming Zen & Ondeen: A Morning of Yoga, Wine & Connection
| WELLNESS | Verdun
📅 Sunday, 20 July | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Experience a soulful morning of gentle yoga, curated wine tasting, seasonal brunch, and community connection in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. INFO

👩‍👧 Mums & Bubs Pottery
| WORKSHOP | Oakbank
📅 Sunday, 20 July | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Create a handcrafted trinket dish and a sweet hand or foot keepsake with your little one at this relaxed pottery session at Karkoo Nursery. INFO

🍷 Winter Reds 2025
| WINE FESTIVAL | Adelaide Hills
📅 25–27 July | Various venues
The Hills' biggest winter wine festival returns! Over 50 events celebrating cool-climate reds, hosted by local producers across the region, with special guest Matt Preston as the 2025 Ambassador. INFO

🍷 The Producers Night at Barristers Block
| FOOD & WINE | Woodside
📅 Friday, 25 July | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
A cosy winter evening featuring stories from the Barristers Block team, tastings of back vintages, and a live Kingfish sashimi demo by the Boston Bay chef. Limited tickets! INFO

🎶 Graham Brown and Steve Ashley
| MUSIC | Bridgewater
 📅 Sunday, 27 July | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of acoustic storytelling as Graham Brown and Steve Ashley share the stage with rich, roots-inspired folk and blues. INFO

MARKETS

🛍️ Woodside Market
| MARKET | Woodside
📅 Saturday, June 21 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Browse stalls of fresh local produce, home-baked treats, crafts, plants, books, and more at this vibrant monthly market by the Rotary Club of Onkaparinga.

🍓 Stirling Market
| MARKET | Stirling
📅 Sunday, June 22 | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Enjoy a family-friendly day with live music, food and a wide range of local goods including fresh produce, art, fashion and handmade products.

🧺 Mount Barker Farmers Market
📅 Saturday, June 21 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Shop fresh produce, local goods, and gourmet delights while supporting Adelaide Hills farmers and makers.

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