Hardy’s Verandah

There is a quiet decadence that belongs to Mount Lofty House. It may be part of the Sofitel hotel group, but the venue couldn’t be more boutique, tucked away from it all as a five-star escape, touting a three-hatted restaurant (according to the Australian Good Food Guide). It is ensconced in timeless refinement, complete with characterful stonework and deep-seated leather chairs; a kind of old-style gentleman’s club by day, and just a little Agatha Christie by night.

The property’s main restaurant, Hardy’s Verandah, is responsible for organising the estate’s wine list and special events, extending to exclusive wine dinners for the luxurious six-star Sequoia Lodge.

The hotel is recognised as one of the best places to go for a food and wine encounter, taking care to choose wines that are rare or cult favourites, but also interesting to showcase alongside chef creations.

It starts with curating a world-class wine list (now boasting more than 900 labels), taking the time to discover small gems, from good winegrowers, with a strong sense of provenance. You will find many bottles, and hear their stories, from impressive collections of South Australian flagship wineries like Henschke and Penfolds through to bold new wineries with sharp edges. A blend of old and new generational brands offers wine-loving customers enough diversity, but also comfort, in being able to find something good every time.

Head Sommelier Abhas Saxena says he has built on his predecessor’s list with a narrative around how the wines have evolved in Australia (with a specific mention of South Australia). “The wine list still proudly showcases South Australia as the heart and soul of it with deep dives into regional stars and emerging varietals,” he says.

Saxena references an extensive program of investment, by the restaurant, into cellaring small batches of wines that benefit with time.

Old World wine lovers will be particularly attracted to some of the best vintages from the last three decades heralding from Champagne, Burgundy, the Loire, Bordeaux, and Piedmont. The hotel’s diversity of Champagne is a highlight: organised by sub-regions, and inclusive of growers on the rise and smaller négociants, styles are arranged according to varietal and house philosophy.

“More often than not, we have guests spending their days exploring the wine regions around us. So, when they do come for dinner at Hardy’s Verandah, we like to present them with an opportunity to indulge in a vast selection of some international wines as well,” says Saxena.

Team your own choice with the restaurant’s four or seven-course degustation menu, or opt for one of the sommelier’s wine pairing experiences – there are two immersive wine and food pairing options, including the ‘sommelier’ wine match, which showcases only South Australian wines, as well as the internationally sourced ‘premium’ selection. Both provide an opportunity to highlight terroir (soil types), winemaking and élevage (maturation on the lees).

The appeal of Mount Lofty House may be in its unashamed decadence, but there is also a lot of heart and soul that comes through in its finer details. Wine lovers will find their retreat here.