A guide to the top eight South Australian wine experiences

South Australia: a dream destination for wine lovers, owing to its deep winemaking heritage, pastoral landscapes and wealth of wine-tasting adventures. “The state offers incredible variety, from bold Shiraz in the warm northern valleys to bright, fresh Riesling in the cool southern hills,” says Ronald Khoo, Cathay’s Wine, Spirits & Beverage Manager. “Within just two hours’ drive, you can taste entirely different expressions of wine.”

With our seasonal flights to Adelaide, travellers are seamlessly connected to these one‑of‑a‑kind experiences – from gourmet food and wine pairings to picturesque wine tours on horseback. To guide you on your travels through this remarkable part of the world, we’ve curated a selection of South Australia’s best wineries.

Discover pinot's true expression at Ashton Hills

A 25-minute drive from Adelaide brings you to the verdant Piccadilly Valley, where the Ashton Hills estate is nestled. The region’s high altitude and mild temperatures yield exceptional pinot – Ashton Hills’ speciality. “I love this winery,” says Khoo. “Its focus on minimal intervention lets the terroir speak for itself.”

As part of the Pinot in Private experience, guests enjoy a guided wine tasting with winemaker Liam Van Pelt, sampling Ashton Hills’ flagship Reserve Pinot Noir and a rare back vintage from its cellar. You’ll also be granted an exclusive taste of pinot noir straight from the barrel. “You’re not just tasting pinot,” says Matthew Deller MW, CEO of Ashton Hills. “Every sip connects you to the land it comes from.” 

Walk among old vines at Henschke’s Hill of Grace

A family-owned estate for six generations, Henschke is among Australia’s oldest wineries. Located in Eden Valley, a tranquil countryside area roughly 80km north-east of Adelaide, the Henschke estate boasts numerous vineyards, but the crown jewel is the Hill of Grace. Taking its name from the nearby Gnadenberg Lutheran Church, this lush vineyard is famed for its century-old Shiraz vines – some planted as early as the 1860s. 

As you stroll among the rows of vines and sample wines produced from grapes grown here, you’re given a fascinating glimpse into Henschke’s time-honoured craftsmanship. “You really have to visit to be wowed by the beauty of these historic vineyards,” says Khoo.

Wine and dine with Grant Burge and St Hugo

North-east of Adelaide in the sun-kissed Barossa Valley, two distinguished wineries come together. At their shared estate in Rowland Flat, Grant Burge Wines – which recently featured among our collection of First class and Business class inflight wines – and St Hugo offer a combined cellar-door experience that blends fine wine, gourmet dining and sweeping vineyard views.

Make yourself at home in Grant Burge’s elegant tasting lounge, then embrace adventure with St Hugo’s Garden to Table experience, led by executive chef Simon Hicks. Guests forage for seasonal produce before being seated in front of an open kitchen, where a line-up of seasonal dishes are skilfully prepared and paired with premium St Hugo wines – a seamless collaboration between kitchen and cellar door.

Ride through vineyards on horseback at Jacob’s Creek

Founded in 1847, Jacob’s Creek marries the elegance of fine winemaking with the laid-back spirit of Australia. At its estate in Barossa Valley – built on the banks of the creek that inspired its name – visitors are offered a unique way to explore over 175 years of winemaking heritage: on horseback.

Saddle up for a guided tour through Jacob’s Creek’s picturesque vineyards, among the oldest in the country. Sweeping views and rich storytelling come together for an immersive, enriching experience. The journey concludes with a guided tasting of Jacob’s Creek’s premium wines and limited releases at the estate’s cellar door. Relax in an elegant yet relaxed space that blends contemporary design with the natural beauty of the surrounding Barossa Ranges.

Travel through time at Kilikanoon 

Previously featured on our Business inflight wine menu, Kilikanoon is lauded for its expressive, terroir-driven wines. The winery’s estate sits on mineral-rich soil in the heart of Clare Valley, and boasts old vines that have yielded exceptional fruit for over 160 years. 

With The Revelation Experience, you’ll enjoy an intimate guided tasting of Kilikanoon’s rarest releases, from flagship wines to museum and back vintages. “The focus is entirely on the wines,” says Travis Fuller, managing director of Kilikanoon. “Each tasting is a guided journey into our philosophy, craftsmanship, and history.” Guests can also request a private barrel room tasting; sampling single-vineyard or old-vine wines straight from the barrel, where you’ll discover firsthand how environment and age impart unique qualities onto each.

Explore the heart of Australian winemaking at Penfolds 

In the Adelaide suburb of Magill sits a legendary estate. Established in 1844, Penfolds Magill Estate is the birthplace of Grange, hailed as one of Australia’s greatest wines. A visit here is “a pilgrimage to the heart of Australian winemaking,” says Kristy Keyte, Penfolds' chief marketing officer.

Explore the original winery where Penfolds’ first chief winemaker Max Schubert created the first Grange vintage in 1951, and tour Grange Cottage – the 1844 residence of founders Christopher and Mary Penfold. For a more exclusive outing, The Ultimate Penfolds Experience takes guests into the working winery and underground cellars, revealing the mastery behind Penfolds’ most celebrated wines. At Magill Estate Kitchen and Magill Estate Restaurant , guests can also savour wines paired with seasonal dishes, thoughtfully crafted to elevate the tasting experience.

Where to stay

The Louise: A window to Barossa’s soul

An all-inclusive retreat in the beautiful Barossa Valley, The Louise invites guests to slow down and reset. It’s also a gateway to iconic wineries, immersive art collections and bespoke local experiences.

“Each guest receives a personalised itinerary,” says Hannah McGregor, general manager of The Louise. “We take the time to understand who they are, what they’re passionate about, and why they chose to visit”. Signature experiences such as The Rare & Remarkable and Adventure & Wildlife deliver unforgettable encounters – from personalised tours through award-winning wineries and breakfast among kangaroos to hot air balloon flights at sunrise.

Seppeltsfield: Barossa’s living legacy 

The award-winning Seppeltsfield estate blends heritage and craftsmanship and luxury in the heart of the Barossa Valley, offering guests immersive experiences across wine, food and art.

Guests can enjoy guided wine tastings in the original cellar door – including the rare chance to sample a 100-year-old Tawny – or join hands-on experiences like a barrel making workshop that will deepen their connection to the craft of winemaking. For a luxurious stay, The Lodge at Seppeltsfield , built in 1903, offers four king suites with sweeping countryside views, combining historical charm with modern comfort.

Cathay Pacific will operate flights to Adelaide three times per week until 27 March 2026 as part of its winter seasonal route. Whether you’re planning your next visit for work or leisure, South Australia’s capital awaits with its world‑class wines and authentic wine country experiences – some of which you can savour inflight in our cabins. 

If Adelaide isn’t on your winter itinerary, you can still enjoy a taste of South Australia delivered to your doorstep by shopping with our wine partners  – or explore even more curated collections on the Cathay Shop .