Hardy’s Verandah

Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant is a 3-hat (awarded by the Australian Good Food Wine Guide) fine dining venue that sits amidst a historic building, important in the cultural heritage of South Australia. Mount Lofty House is a British style manor that has been built in1852, by Arthur Hardy, Australia’s first Grand Master of the Freemasons, who later in life, founded the Adelaide Club. It was the state’s premier venue for lavish and infamous parties. Today, it is a boutique designer hotel offering accommodation (34 rooms), indulgent day spa, conference rooms as well as a stylish venue for weddings.

Fourteen luxury villas called the Sequoia Lodge have been added in 2020, adding another dimension to the property. Guests can book luxury sports cars (Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini) or a ride in a helicopter if they wish to visit South Australian wineries in style. Guests can also enjoy several Japanese onsens, as well as the common infinity pool atop the valley.

Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant (HVR) has been built one the verandah overlooking the Piccadilly Valley offering unique views of the sunrise and the local vineyards. The restaurant is only open for dinner, with the exception of Sunday when in-house and external guests can enjoy lunch and dinner. The venue is a 60-seater serving fine Australian cuisine with local South Australian produce with some Asian influences inspired by the executive chef’s heritage.

The 900-bottle list celebrates the diversity of Australian wines ranging from regional South Australia showcasing impressive collections of flagship wineries like Wendouree, Henschke and Penfolds through to the new wave edgier styles of the Adelaide Hills. You will also find an immersive selection of the younger winemakers holding the fort from the older generations, bringing change to the ever-evolving Australian industry making crisp and elegant wines with a sense of place from all over Australia.

For those who like the Old World, you will not be disappointed, with some of the best vintages of the last three decades from classic appellations Burgundy, Bordeaux and Barolo as well as Champagne, Jura, Loire and a decent Rhône section.

For those who want to indulge in the 7-course degustation, they have two wine parings options to choose from.

(Liinaa Berry, previously Head Sommelier at Hardy's Verandah, is now Star Wine List's Melbourne ambassador, Editor's note)

Wine tastings can be booked via the website or the public email. Usually, the tastings are held in the underground natural limestone cellar for two or more. The rate starts at $150 minimum per person and goes for an hour. Guests can pick from themes like Pinot Noir, Burgundy, local wines, Barossa wines, Old Vine wines, Australian Wines, The Great Wines of Italy, amongst others. The tasting is immersive and educational and is hosted by one of the sommeliers.

$75 corkage