Sidewood Estate set to open new Hills cellar door and diner
Sidewood Estate’s new cellar door and restaurant is just one reason to visit the Adelaide Hills, writes Jessica Galletly.
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It’s been a devastating start to the year for the Adelaide Hills, hit by the bushfires that razed homes and businesses.
But the impending opening of a new cellar door and restaurant marks the start of brighter times – and is a reminder for South Australians to be tourists in their own backyard.
Sidewood Estate launched its multi-million dollar Hahndorf venue last night with a party and entertainment from Rogue Traders and Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
It’s a new era for Owen and Cassandra Inglis’s Sidewood wine and cider brand, which previously operated a small tasting room at Maximilian’s Restaurant in Verdun.
Now on a 20ha property that’s home to the region’s oldest apple orchard, the venue is licensed for 150 people and boasts VIP day beds, petanque and lawn bowls greens and a kids’ nature playground.
Local chef Ali Seedsman (Walk the Talk) is in the kitchen and will be serving contemporary Australian fare.
“We were incredibly lucky to have suffered no damage in the fires,” says Cassandra, who has lived “all over the world” but chose to call the Adelaide Hills home.
“The fire reached within only a few hundred metres of our Mappinga Rd vineyard, but the wind changed direction just in time and swung the fire to the north. Owen was alone on the property at the time.
“We feel deeply for our friends and neighbours who were not so fortunate … our heart goes out to all of them.”
Sidewood’s new home is a contemporary offering for Hahndorf. Black cladding pairs with Australian hardwood and local stone for warmth. Booth seating, a two-way fireplace and a prized collection of Australian artworks from the likes of Pro Hart and John Olsen are just some of the features.
“Creating the Sidewood Restaurant & Cellar Door has been a very demanding and deeply personal project for me,” Cassandra says. “I want every guest to feel welcome, to truly enjoy the space and to have an authentic experience they won’t forget in our beautiful Adelaide Hills.”
Sidewood will be part of the Adelaide Hills Crush Festival on January 26-27, and then open to the public from February 1.
6 River Rd, Hahndorf, sidewood.com.au