South Australia put Australia’s wine making on the international wine map and has become one of the revered wine capitals of world that are now mentioned in the same breath as Bordeaux, Tuscany, or Napa. The conditions for viticulture are among the best in the world with a rich diversity in geography and climate which allows region to produce a vast and superior offering of grape varieties. In addition to the Barossa, McLaren Vale is known around the world for producing the finest red wines and particularly Shirazes, Grenaches and Cabernet. One winery that has been making exceptional wines for three generations the Maxwell Wines.  The wines are quite well-regarded as is their cellar door, restaurant, and unusual wine tasting experiences.

For high-flyers, an ideal way to take in the beauty of the region is by air. The entire region is absolutely gorgeous especially in the McLaren Vale area with hills and valleys and beyond to the jagged coastline.  The vistas evolve from quaint towns to farmlands to idyllic beaches and cerulean blue seas.

The McLaren Vale is also is known for their Epicurean Trail of stops along the way at their artisan food producers and gourmet experiences but, at its core, it’s really all about wine. A pillar of the McLaren Vale wine community is the Maxwell Family who have been producing exceptional Cabernets and Pinot Noirs for three generations. Maxwell Wines is a 100-acre wine estate established in 1979. The family built their reputation on producing handmade, rich and robust reds as found in their signature Lime Cave Cabernet Sauvignon and Ellen Street Shiraz.

For those looking for an unforgettable way to fully immerse in the food and wine of the region, the Maxwell family can arrange  an uber exclusive opportunity to experience a day at the vineyard with the winemakers, a fantastic meal at their cellar door and a tour of the region by helicopter.

Guests arrive to the Maxwell Wine’s chic and inviting cellar door for a quick greeting and then it’s off by helicopter and incredible views of the vineyards, towns and beaches and coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula.   The concept of the culinary adventure is a tour of the region to take in the beauty of the landscape as well as to understand the sheer magnitude of the wine industry for this region, seeing the endless miles and miles of vineyards. It is also to fully understand the intimate relationship with the gourmet food of the region, the chef and that is all starts with the growers and producers. Good food begins with good ingredients and the farm to table concept is key throughout Australia. The relationships with the farmers, producers, and fishermen are imperative. The helicopter tour takes guests on trip to visit the local farmers, gather ingredients for a gourmet dinner back at the restaurant and to learn about the process along the way.

The flight is provided by Helivista Helicopter tours and take about two hours.  The first stop was at an artisan gardener who produces high quality vegetables and fruits for the area’s gourmet restaurants.  With our baskets full of vegetable goodies for the chef in tow we’re off to our next stop. The next stop is the Diana Olive Oil factory for a tour. The company collects olives from throughout the region and produces high quality olive oil for use in the region as well as for export around the world.

Upon our return, it was time to get serious about wine and with a tour of the winery and barrel tasting in the cellar. The family run winery is passionate about their wine and food and are at the ready to share their love of winemaking with their guests.

While the winery tour take place, the masterful chef prepares the fruits of the adventure. Now the feast that we had been waiting for was before us at the cellar door’s restaurant. The exquisite six course meal was prepared by the talented German chef, Fabian Lehmann. It was delicious especially with the pairing of Maxwell Wines.

The experience of seeing the region from high above, being part of the farm to table process, fully engaging with the wine producer during a wine tasting of their exceptional Maxwell Wines will long be cherished. As delightful as the experience may be, it is only made better by the amazing gourmet meal accompanied by their fine craft wine. Truly an epicurean fantasy come to life.