Zerella Wines is among SA cellar doors offering something different for guests

McLaren Vale’s Zerella Wines is among the cellar doors introducing unique vineyard tours on top of traditional tastings

McLaren Vale's Zerella Wines hosts special experiences, which will soon include tastings in the vines. Jim Zerella with his nonno, Frank, and son, Vito, 6. Picture: Sarah Reed

There’s something special about traversing Zerella Wines’ home block shiraz vineyards, whether by foot or bright red apelino (the Italian three-wheeler).

“It was the last thing my dad, nonno and I planted before my dad died,” says Jim Zerella, winemaker and owner of the McLaren Vale boutique winery and cellar door. “That was 20 years ago. My dad passed away 11 years ago.

“It’s so special to take (my son) Vito for a walk through them with my nonno, who is now 94, and tell him how we planted them.”

Jim Zerella with his nonno, Frank, 94, and son, Vito, 6. Picture: Sarah Reed

It’s the kind of story Jim is now able to share with visitors to the cellar door, who book in for a personal tour. To guide larger groups, his wife Georgia comes along, too.

“We’re moving from your traditional ‘go taste a few wines’ cellar door, to much more of an experience where we can share family stories and recipes,” he says.

Guests are able to book antipasto platters, which – along with the wines – may be set up on one of their apelino motor vehicles. Jim also plans on transporting guests via apelino in future, weather permitting.

You might also spot nonno Frank pruning the fruit trees or hedges – at 94 years old, he still prides himself of the job – and won’t let Jim near them.

Zerella cellar door reopens on January 5, and is among a growing number of cellar doors offering special tasting experiences. Map out your journey with our new Cellar Door Selector, below: