It's hard to convince a winery now days that when you say "we have a group of 8 who'd like to visit your cellar door on a Saturday" that it isn't some secret code for "free wine tour piss up!" Thankfully Golding Wines gets that and caters well for groups.**
On a chilly Adelaide Hills afternoon we rocked up to this extravagant looking barn yard cellar door and were treated like the curious wine punters that we were.
Service was incredibly friendly and those who were particularly curious about the wines, their artistic labels and the history of the winery were given all the time in the world, despite the place being busy at the time.
So as we stood around in front of the fire, swirling our glasses of La Francesca Savingin through to Francis John Pinot Noir and beyond, the family (who own and run Golding Wines) proceeded to take us through where the creative concepts for their Market Series and Portrait Series wine labels came from - all very intertwined with the history of the family and their beginnings establishing this winery in Lenswood. There was a huge variety of stellar wines to try and we spent a good hour there being entertained and educated.
On a side note for brides to be? Save up the big bucks and have your wedding here. The barn on the side of the cellar door is lit like something out of a fairy tale and is great for large groups. The rustic charm of the whole place would make for beautiful photos and with a wood oven able to make fresh pizzas at events, this place really is a perfect wedding venue.
**For groups of 10 or more you do have to book prior, but for $5 per person you get a private tasting in a private room and get even more attention from one of the wine makers. read more