A charming cellar door in McLaren Vale is winning Aussie hearts thanks to its one-of-a-kind guest experience.
The Halliday Wine Companion has officially revealed Australia’s favourite winery experience for 2027, with more than 8000 votes cast in its annual People’s Choice Award.
Unlike Halliday’s other awards, which are determined by a panel of experts, the People’s Choice Award puts the decision in the hands of the public. And the people have spoken.
Who won the 2027 People’s Choice Award?
Taking out the top spot in 2027 is South Australian winery Down the Rabbit Hole Wines, which returns to the podium after finishing second in the same category last year. The family-owned cellar door is found in McLaren Vale, a scenic region roughly 40 kilometres from Adelaide known for its award-winning wineries.
Down the Rabbit Hole Wines in SA’s McLaren Vale took out the top spot for 2027. (Credit: Elise Cook)
Established in 2013 by husband-and-wife duo Domenic and Elise Palumbo, Down the Rabbit Hole produces small-batch wines using organic and biodynamic farming methods paired with minimal-intervention practices.
While it all began with a single shiraz, the vineyard has since diversified its range under the watchful eye of Walter Clappis, Domenic’s mentor and one of Australia’s most acclaimed winemakers. The Clappis family, alongside prominent South Australian wine family the Cooters, now form the winemaking team at Down the Rabbit Hole.
Today, the boutique cellar door produces a diverse range of wines. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Lovers of shiraz will be glad to hear it’s still very much part of the brand’s identity, with two vintages available. But if you’re not a fan of the full-bodied wine, there’s plenty more on the menu. From chardonnay and blanc de blancs to tempranillo and grenache, you’re sure to find a favourite.
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The reasons behind the win
So, why did over 8000 people vote for Down the Rabbit Hole Wines? Well, ask anyone who has been and they’ll tell you: it goes far beyond what’s in the glass.
Over the years, business continued to boom for Down the Rabbit Hole Wines. Naturally, the next step was to build a cellar door where visitors could experience the wine for themselves. The Palumbo’s did exactly that, welcoming their first guests in 2019.
The cellar door at Down the Rabbit Hole opened to guests in 2019. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)
The rustic light-filled space is perfect for an afternoon wine tasting. Its chunky timber beams, woven furnishings, terracotta tones and Med-inspired touches all work to create a warm and homely feel. On-site restaurant Fiore only adds to the ambience. Opened in 2020 and helmed by executive chef Nick Tadija, it brings Italian flavours to the table using local ingredients.
But what truly sets this winery apart is found beyond its walls. Outside, fairy lights twinkle above a deck scattered with wooden benches and rattan lounge chairs. From there, a sprawling lawn unravels to the property’s tree-lined border, set up to shift with the seasons.
The garden is the perfect picnic spot come summertime. (Credit: We Are Komodo/Daisy Hofstetter)
Terracotta tones and rattan textures create a Med-inspired feel. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)
The rustic cellar door is filled with natural light. (Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)
In summer, the garden is dotted with colourful cushions and picnic rugs, a large wooden swing hanging from the branch of an ancient pine. Throughout the warmer months, local musicians join guests on the grass for live gigs, best enjoyed with a shared bottle, a charcuterie board, and wood-fired pizza.
Come winter, picnic rugs are replaced with fire pits that pair perfectly with a glass of red. Those reluctant to head indoors can book a Winter Garden Marquee and spend the afternoon sipping wine and snacking on small plates from a cosy bell-style tent.
A vintage double decker from the 70’s has been fitted out for tastings. (Credit: Frances Smith)
The garden is also where you’ll find one of the winery’s coolest hangouts, which no doubt played a part in its win. Off to one side sits a vintage double-decker bus from the 1970s, which has been completely refurbished to host wine tastings and long lunches. The best table is arguably upstairs, where giant windows offer views over the property.
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The top 10 People’s Choice wineries
While a McLaren Vale local took out top spot, it’s not the only South Australian vineyard people voted for. In fact, over half of this year’s winners hail from SA.
Down the Rabbit Hole was one of seven South Australian wineries listed among the top 10. (Credit: Elise Cook)
But it’s definitely not the only corner of the country to keep your eye on. According to Aussie oenophiles, there are six other wineries worth travelling for in the year ahead. Here’s the full list.
Down the Rabbit Hole Wines, McLaren Vale, SA
Elderton, Barossa Valley, SA
Cofield Wines, Rutherglen, Vic
Brokenwood, Hunter Valley, NSW
Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale, SA
Laughing Jack, Barossa Valley, SA
Chateau Tanunda, Barossa Valley, SA
Thicker than Water, McLaren Vale, SA
Audrey Wilkinson, Hunter Valley, NSW
Gibson, Barossa Valley, SA
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Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
Monarto Safari Resort’s new Safari Lodge delivers so much more than a memorable stay; it’s packed full of unforgettable moments.
Just a year after the 78-room Monarto Safari Resort opened, the new Safari Lodge brings a more intimate and exclusive overnight African safari experience to Australia just outside of Adelaide. But just how similar is it to an African safari?
Consider these pinch-me moments I had during my stay and decide for yourself.
1. Cheetah sightings at check-in
Spot cheetahs before you even check in.
Safari Lodge is set within the Wild Africa precinct of the expansive, open-range Monarto Safari Park. I expected to see animals, but I didn’t expect to see two cheetahs stalking the fenceline just behind my tent at check-in.
I cross the paddock to get a closer look. Both are now perched like a sphinx on a hill overlooking the 20 premium tents that make up Safari Lodge. I stand here, locked in place, waiting to see if they make a move. After 10 minutes like this, I turn to get settled into the tent but throw a final look in their direction; they’ve slinked back down, now barely visible in the grass. I’m sure I’ll be dreaming about this encounter later tonight.
2. Sipping champagne as a giraffe sips from a waterhole
Enjoy champagne while meeting the locals. (Credit: Katie Carlin)
The all-inclusive stay includes a 2.5-hour Sunset Safari that takes guests into the Wild Africa precinct onboard a purpose-built Safari Land Cruiser for a chance to see free-roaming herds of African animals up close.
The safari drive culminates in a champagne and canapé stop in a fenced and sheltered viewing area of the precinct. A chance to watch the sun set as animals gather around one of the many waterholes. And we’re in luck! Two giraffes are stripping leaves from a nearby tree as three white rhinos graze to my right. One giraffe starts galloping, in that funny head-bobbing way giraffes do, to the water’s edge. It splays its legs and bends its long neck down to start slurping up water. I find giraffes endlessly entertaining, and sipping champagne while watching the scene play out is the icing on the cake.
3. A rain shower with views of a waterhole where African animals gather
Enjoy views from the King Safari Tent.
I am staying in tent 17, one of the best positioned tents for animal encounters, due to its proximity to the waterhole. Not only does the spacious 71-square-metre King Safari Tent feature a king bed, lounge area, separate dressing room with kitchenette, coffee machine, kettle and fully stocked mini bar, and ensuite bathroom. But you can even glimpse the waterhole from the rain shower. It’s thoughtful details like this that keep you connected to the safari experience no matter where you are located.
4. Feeding lions from within a caged dome
Step into the Lion 360 experience. (Credit: Katie Carlin)
Monarto Safari Park isn’t a zoo. Set across 1500 hectares of South Australian bushland, it’s an expansive safari experience. It’s been designed to support complex social groupings, natural behaviours and long-term species management. Entry is included for guests, but I’ve decided to upgrade my experience with tickets to Lion 360.
Senior Keeper Rachel Hemming herds 15 of us into a domed cage for the unique lion feeding experience. She leads Monarto’s care and conservation breeding programs for their iconic big cats. “Make sure you don’t get too close to the edge of the cage; the lions like to mark their territory,” she warns.
She starts making cat-like calls to Kubwa, Kashka and Kito, the three male lions lazing somewhere out of sight behind the tree line in the distance. The promise of food eventually lures the lions over. I’m in awe of their size as they pace back and forth, pausing to take the meat as it’s fed to them via tongs.
In her excitement, one lady has inched too close; a lion takes aim and hits his mark before she realises her mistake. I see her leaving the gift shop with a new jacket not long after the tour ends.
5. A swim in a private plunge pool with a floating charcuterie board
Tuck into a poolside treat. (Credit: Katie Carlin)
The Safari Lodge reception is also home to a restaurant and bar, heated swimming pool and several private plunge pools available to book. After a morning spent at Monarto Safari Park, a dip in one of the private plunge pools sounds too good to skip.
I change into my swimmers and make my way to the lodge. A generous charcuterie board arrives shortly after I slip into the pool. I’m told floating trays are already on order, but picking at the selection of cheeses, meats, nuts and fruit while perched on the edge sipping champagne is just as indulgent as it is having it float in the water. I never make it to the gym or pickleball court beside the lodge, but I have no regrets.
6. A front-row seat to a male rhino rejected by two females
Watch a rhino’s unlucky day. (Credit: Lucas Alexander)
Louis Tonkin, our Wild Africa Tour host, is giddy with excitement when he spots the three white rhinos on our Sunset Safari drive. He has an inkling that we’re about to get a show.
He pulls to the side and tells us what terrible eyesight white rhinos have, struggling to spot a motionless animal or object even from a short distance. However, they make up for it with acute hearing and an incredible sense of smell. Which explains why the larger male rhino is methodically creeping towards the two disinterested females grazing metres in front of him, then suddenly freezing on the spot. He’s hoping one will be open to mating with him. He takes another wary shuffle forward and suddenly the smaller of the two turns and charges towards him, butting him hard with her head. It’s a firm no. The male, denied, sheepishly backs away.
7. Watching a dazzle of zebra from the comfort of a luxury safari tent
Wildlife encounters abound.
Rain clouds loom, and the wind is howling, but thankfully it hasn’t deterred the zebras. I’m brewing a cup of Monarto’s Serengé-T – a vanilla rooibos blended with Daintree black tea and butterfly pea flower when I spot them. Six zebras are prancing across the plains for a drink at the waterhole. I watch their antics from the deck of my King Safari Tent, wrapped in a merino blanket made by Australian-owned Grampians Good Co. and marvel at the fact I get a front-row show to these wild animals.
After they disappear from view, I sit with the sketch pad and pencils I find in the cupboard and start drawing some of my most memorable animal encounters from the weekend – starting with the two hippos I saw ravenously munching on grass at dusk as we made our way out of the Wild Africa precinct last night. This really is as close to an authentic safari experience as you can get outside of Africa.
