Adelaide Hills winery Bird in Hand moving to members-only model ahead of $30m redevelopment
They were at the front of the pack in adapting to Covid vaccine needs and now one of SA’s favourite wineries is making another exclusive move.
Food & Wine
Don't miss out on the headlines from Food & Wine. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A prominent SA winery is moving towards a members-only model as it continues a $30 million redevelopment of its site in the Adelaide Hills.
Bird in Hand owner and founder Andrew Nugent said the family-owned winery, which has been closed for ongoing renovations since last year, will only be open to a limited number of “invited guests and private members for the foreseeable future”.
“They will always be our first priority. The decision to expand our capacity will be made at the conclusion of works, based on our ability to deliver service of the highest standard,” he said.
“The intention remains to position the exquisite wine, food, art and culture of the Adelaide Hills and SA … at the pinnacle of discerning global opinion.”
Wine lovers looking to visit Bird in Hand can sign up for membership to their exclusive Flight Club, which includes private access to the winery’s estate, invites to special events and year-round discounted wine offers.
It’s free to register, and once admitted to the club, members must purchase a dozen BIH bottles twice a year. Membership numbers are limited, and a waiting period may apply.
A Bird in Hand spokesman said the public will only have access to the winery through a small series of events next year.
The winery, based in Woodside, has just launched its new private cellar door, complete with tasting room and luxury accommodation.
It also plans to build an underground cellar, barrel hall, expanded kitchen, more private tasting rooms and a second restaurant at its existing complex on Pfieffer Road as part of the redevelopment, due for completion in five years.
“We believe wine is a connector to art, design and culture bringing together people to share moments of happiness and joy, this translates beautifully in the space,” Mr Nugent said of the new cellar door.
“Our underground cellar, bespoke dining and event space together with the art gallery will be an important extension of this.”
Bird in Hand was one of the first major businesses in SA to announce it will mandate full vaccination from its staff and guests back in September.
Mr Nugent said the members-only focus was unrelated to the vaccine requirement.
“The choice to ensure visitors are vaccinated was driven by personal and social responsibility,” he said.
“The obligation to protect vulnerable members of our family, our dedicated winery team and our local community.”
Last November, the winery expanded into Tasmania, acquiring a 160ha property at Seymour, about 150km north of Hobart.
About 60ha of the property, which borders Douglas Apsley National Park, will be planted with vines.
Historic pub unveils cellar door for the city
The success of a pop-up cellar door during Covid lockdown has led to a new boutique wine room at historic pub The Lion Hotel.
The first of its kind in suburban Adelaide, the stylish tasting room and cellar features an extensive collection of more than 900 local and international wines, with leading SA sommelier Trevor Maskell on hand full-time to guide patrons.
Josh Hillary from BSGM Hospitality – which owns and operates the heritage-listed North Adelaide venue – said the popularity of their pop-up cellar door during the pandemic shutdown showed guests were looking for a different wine experience.
“There’s a bit more theatre involved in being able to come in and browse, talk to someone about the wine, pick a bottle and take it back to your table, as opposed to choosing one off a page,” he said.
The Lion Wine Room, located in the old gaming room, will also feature wine tastings for up to 14 people, and bottles can be purchased for takeaway or to drink in the venue.
Mr Hillary described Mr Maskell was an “Adelaide hospitality and wine scene institution”.
“He’s a great asset. It’s all very much sommelier-led. Anyone coming into the venue can wander down and see him and he can help guide them,” he said.
BSGM Hospitality, formed by high-profile hoteliers Brett Matthews, Martin Palmer and Ed Peter, renovated and reopened the iconic Melbourne Street pub last year.
Adelaide bakery’s niche sweet treat takes country by storm
A Port Adelaide bakery is expected to double its production this year as it takes on contracts from the most unusual of clients.
Can a restaurant be better known for its drinks than its food?
A new CBD restaurant is pumping out some delicious eats. But it might just be its drinks offering that leaves an even greater mark.