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Walking & Wine in Winter

17/6/2017

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Rob and Lucy recovered from trekking the first 5 sections of the Heysen Trail at Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat – Lucy’s written about it here 
 
In late June, we boarded a plane in sunny, tropical Cairns, and flew to Adelaide for a week of walking by the ocean and drinking wine in McLaren Vale. Obviously it was the best holiday ever. 
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​As a base to explore, I can’t think of a better place. We didn’t get to stay for half as long as I would have liked (damn those kids), but what we did see was brilliant – top quality wineries and restaurants within walking distance, friendly hosts, beautiful gardens and delicious food (thanks for the brownies Hazel, they were divine).
 
With no car and not much time, we relied on our fantastic hosts to ferry us from winery to winery (you know some of them open at 10am? 10am!). We went conservative and only shipped home 42 bottles from 5 wineries, and spent our evenings at The Salopian Inn working our way through their fantastic gin menu.

We loved Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat and McLaren Vale, even in the middle of a blustery winter - our only complaint was that we didn’t get long enough down there to see everything…
 
But not to worry, we’re already planning the return trip for 2017. 
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The Blending Bench at d'Arenberg

Rob and I are both from somewhere more Southerly than Cairns, and while the long, dry, sunshine-y Winter is beautiful, it often makes us long for crisp days and fresh breezes. We walk when we can (and when someone else offers to take the kids), but getting to walk the start of the Heysen Trail was something special, with and abundance of fresh air, incredible scenery, and heart-pumping exercise.
n general, my holiday requirements include
 good food, beautiful scenery, and wine (I’ll substitute wine for cocktails in the tropics)

Rob’s perfect get-away looks more like something from a boys’ own adventure so finding a place that fits us both can be a bit of a challenge (thankfully he feels the same way about the wine).
 
We found the Heysen Trail when searching online for ‘epic Australian treks’, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Off the bus at Cape Jervis, and within 30 minutes we’d waved goodbye to civilisation and were watching dolphins frolic in the waves. What followed was 4 days of magnificent cliffs, rolling green hills, and long sandy beaches, along a well-marked track which has been maintained by the Friends of the Heysen Trail (and they really do a great job).

​77km later, we were weary but elated to reach Encounter Bay.
 Which is where the eating and drinking began. 
 
3 nights of camp food was more than enough for me (and even Rob was hanging out for a steak), so we ditched the packs and started sampling the best of everything the Fleurieu Peninsula had to offer.
 
We tried everything (obviously I needed to regain the weight I’d lost on the trail. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it) and made our way the next day to McLaren Vale to stay at Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat
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Lunch at Au Pear next door to Mulberry Lodge
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Cycle, Walk or Horse Ride the Shiraz Trail from Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat

16/5/2016

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Part of the longer Coast to Vines Trail, the Shiraz Trail runs through the McLaren Vale wine area and links the historic towns of McLaren Vale and Willunga. The old railway track -now cycle, walking and horse track  - is situated at the base of the stunning Willunga Hills in the McLaren Vale wine region and offers a gateway to the many riches the region has to offer, from quality wines and local fare to fascinating heritage.  The Shiraz Trail can be accessed from the Mulberry Lodge Paddock and is a 2km cycle south into historic village of Willunga or north 7km into the township McLaren Vale. There are a number of cellar doors and Providores easily accessible from the trail between McLaren Vale and Willunga. 
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Cycling From Willunga to McLaren Vale (9km ride) you can easily access the following cellar doors close to the track:
  • Battle of Bosworth (Organic wines)
  • Primo Estate ( Offering Mulberry Lodge guests the Joseph VIP Experience)   
  • Hugh Hamilton
  • Wirra Wirra
  • Pertaringa
  • Serafino
  • Oxenberry
  • Hardy’s Tintara
  • Shingleback 
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Primo Estate Wines - The Joseph Experience
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Hugh Hamilton Wines
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​On a Saturday morning after a gourmet breakfast at Mulberry Lodge pick up our Lodge   bikes and head out of our paddock - say hello to our pet  sheep on the way. First head South into Willunga a 2km cycle to visit the local Willunga Farmers market  on every Saturday morning. You’ll find fresh regional produce on offer and meet some local characters. On the second Saturday of each month the Quarry Market is also on selling gifts, and crafts.  If you’re interested in the heritage of the area, head up to the Old Court House and Police museum at the top of the High street. You’ll find interesting and historical information about Willunga and the surrounding area.   If you’d like to taste some wine before leaving Willunga, the High Street has 1 cellar door Hither & Yon. When you’re finished at Hither & Yon stop by deRosa Kitchen  cafe next door to pick up some local cheeses and delicacies. 
When you enter the McLaren Vale township section of the trail don’t forget to call into Bracegirdles for coffee and cake and perhaps buy some of their award winning chocolates.
  
​Further down the track through McLaren Vale stop by the Almond Train to stock up on almonds and olives and other local produce or perhaps sample one of their legendary milk shakes in the cafe. 
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The Almond Train
PictureShingleback Wines Cellar Door
 At the end of the McLaren Vale section of the Trail you’ll come to Shingleback Winery where tapas and platters are available with your wine tasting. 
​If by any chance you’re all out of puff, filled up with beautiful food and wine and can’t face the cycle back to the Lodge give us a call and we’ll come and pick you up with your haul of goodies.  Alternatively enjoy a leisurely 9km cycle back to the Lodge.      


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 Delicious Mulberry Crumble Cake !

17/2/2015

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We have a huge Mulberry Tree on our driveway which produces the most magnificent Mulberries during November each year. I'm always looking for lovely recipes for Mulberries and thought this one was perfect. as a special after dinner desert or for afternoon tea on the lawn at Mulberry Lodge. I found this delicious recipe at Cook Republic 

 MULBERRY CRUMBLE CAKE  RECIPE  - Click the more button for the recipie



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    Hazel and husband Nik own and run Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat  which is a beautiful and unique mud brick property in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia. It's our home and business and run as a hosted luxury, country escape for the discerning traveler. We aim to provide our guests with a wonderful relaxed and indulgent experience. Through the blog Hazel will be sharing information her own recipes, activities and experiences in the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia 

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Mulberry Lodge Country Retreat
PO Box 850, 202 Main Road
Willunga
SA, 5172


T: 0424 825 965
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