Amazing food, platters and sunsets are on the menu at Sunset Food and Wine, one of the island’s ‘places to be’, located just outside Penneshaw. Soak in fantastic views over the beautiful American Beach, making for a relaxing afternoon.
For gourmet pizzas, live music and more incredible views, Dudley Wines cliff-top Cellar Door, also just outside of Penneshaw, is Kangaroo Island’s Pioneer Winery offering a wide range of wine varieties to sample.
The Enchanted Fig Tree, located at Middle River, is a culinary journey like no other as you dine amongst a 120 year old fig tree during the summer months. It really is something straight from the pages of a storybook as you are welcomed into this magical setting and treated to a special handcrafted menu. With only 45 seats available, this exclusive experience begins with canapes, then a welcome palate cleanser before the entrée, main then dessert, plus a welcome KIS gin cocktail on arrival.
Devout coffee drinkers are catered for well on the island with popular outlets including Cactus Cafe in Kingscote, Milly Mae’s Pantry in Penneshaw or Beach Barista the mobile cafe located at Pennington Bay.
Makers of the world’s best contemporary gin, Kangaroo Island Spirits (or KIS), produce several varieties of craft gin (in some pretty unique flavours too) and here you can do the ‘Blend your own gin experience’ with behind-the-scenes knowledge from the best. Some of their awards include Silver Medal Outstanding, International Wine and Spirit Show 2018, Gold Medal, SIP Awards (Consumer Choice) 2018 and Bronze Medal, Tasting Australia Spirit Awards 2018 in addition to a combination of Platinum, Double Gold, Gold and Consumer Choice Awards from 2010 to 2021 for all five of their gins.
False Cape Wines, located on the banks of the Willson River on the Dudley Peninsula between Penneshaw and Cape Willoughby, is not to be missed. This sustainable vineyard includes the Kangaroo Island Wine of the Year, Captain Cabernet Sauvignon and Kangaroo Island White Wine of the Year, The Chardonnay. Relax at the absolutely spectacular Cellar Door and enjoy great quality wines, along with cheese platters and light meals. A children’s menu is also available.
Sample more award-winning wines at the Bay of Shoals vineyard, just outside of Kingscote, with the cellar door and vineyard overlooking the Bay of Shoals and Reeves Point, which is the site of the first settlement to South Australia. Enjoy, you guessed it, spectacular views, and a glass of vino as you savour a hamper lunch in the garden.
For local beers, Kangaroo Island Brewery does the job for an authentic island beer experience. It’s proudly filling the ‘beer gap’ on the island and working on beers that make people happy – with visitors’ input being greatly valued along the way. Located just 2 minutes from the heart of Kingscote, it’s a perfect excuse for a cheeky ploughman’s and brew.
The rare Ligurian honey is produced here with the island being declared a Ligurian bee sanctuary and therefore is home to the purest strain of these bees in the world. Island Beehive is one of the largest producers of organic honey in Australia resulting in raw and unfiltered sweet, sweet goodness and a worthwhile visit. Also try family owned and operated Kangaroo Island Living Honey and Cliffords Honey Farm, both in Haines. Tip: allow for extra time to peruse the mouth-watering treats you will be faced with; it is hard to choose, and you may want one of everything!
Enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch at the beautiful Emu Bay Lavender Farm’s seasonal garden café. Located at pristine Emu Bay, you can tour this working lavender farm and then shop the hand made products of teas, homecare and more. Treat yourself to the oversized lavender scones with lavender jelly, delicious!
Click here for our holidays to Kangaroo Island or contact Holidays of Australia on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
Image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission, Meaghan Coles, Josie Withers
