There's something special about a weekend away in wine country staying amongst the vines. Waking at a vineyard retreat makes for a magical start to the day, sun dappled vine leaves, peaceful mornings and that feeling of glorious isolation. Then there's exploring nearby cellar doors during the day and retiring to your accommodation with a glass of wine by the fireplace at night – it's all very convivial!
We're lovers of wine weekends and also beach holidays so imagine our delight when we discovered you could combine the two at Sellicks Chills Vineyard Retreats!
Located in the Fleurieu Peninsula, just one hour from Adelaide at Sellicks Hill, perfectly positioned just 10 minutes to central McLaren Vale and 2 minutes to the beach lies Sellick's Chills Vineyard Retreats. Perfect in any season, we visited in winter for some red wine and fireplace action!
Sellicks Chills Vineyards Retreats has two villas on the property, set 12m apart. One a low slung traditional cottage and the other, a modern "Treehouse" soaring two-stories high surrounded by vineyards and natural bushland. The owners live on the property across the vines, providing privacy for guests but also reassuringly close if you need assistance.
Checking in to The Treehouse, you're immediately struck by the scale of the holiday house, which feels exceedingly generous for a couple or solo traveller. Downstairs you'll find the master bedroom with king size bed and picture windows to admire the vineyard views. The windows have no blinds, so note you'll wake up naturally with the morning light. I loved this, but if you prefer a sleep in, opt for the adjacent Chill Inn cottage. There's also a sitting room in the entry area with a day bed that can accommodate an extra guest if required. The furnishings are all light and bright in vibrant blue hues matching perfectly with the artwork by the owner Susie.
Upstairs is the spacious living area with full kitchen, dining area and cosy combustion fire to keep you warm in the winter months. Our generous hosts had left a welcome bottle of Sellicks Chills 2013 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon made from handpicked grapes from six rows of 60-year-old vines on the estate. The Cab Sav was the perfect drop for fireside drinking with a few Lindt chocolates to seal the deal.
There are many thoughtful touches throughout the holiday house, especially in the gourmet kitchen. There's freshly baked bread for our arrival to enjoy with a cheese platter in the evening or for breakfast the next day. Freshly laid eggs by chooks on the property and a bowl of lemons and limes from the properties orchard are also part of the welcoming spread. Owner Dean has even left a stash of firewood in a wheelbarrow outside the back door to replenish the fireplace.
The pantry is stocked with everyday essentials too, plus there's a Nespresso coffee machine to satisfy your morning coffee fix and even cookbooks by Sophie Guidolin, the impressive daughter of owners Dean & Susie, a fitness and nutrition dynamo with a huge Instagram following (seriously, look her up!). Generously appointed you can cook up a storm in the kitchen, or venture up the road to the Victory Hotel for hearty pub meals.
The treehouse's elevation means it affords spectacular views over the vines and you can spend hours drinking in the views and chillaxing.
Tearing ourselves away from these tranquil surrounds, it's off wine tasting and exploring. Our favourite McLaren Vale cellar door experiences on this trip were the personlised service encountered at Samuel's Gorge, like being welcomed by an old friend (who happens to make exceptional wine). You also can't go past the beautiful setting, great service and impressive wines at Angove Wines. Our tip, order a delicious regional platter and settle in fireside with a glass of Angove Family Crest 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine lovers will rejoice in staying amongst the vines for a wine weekend and the peaceful surrounds of Sellicks Chills Vineyards Retreats, to simply relax and chill with a glass of McLaren Vale wine.
Sellicks Chills Vineyard Retreat
90 Rogers Rd, Sellicks Hill SA 5174
Book Sellicks Chills Vineyard Retreat here.
We'd love to hear from you! Where's your favourite wine weekend destination?
The writer was a guest of Sellicks Chills Vineyards Retreats.Image credit: IG @alluxia
