It may not be the most obvious choice but stay with us on this one. Picture that rustic stone villa nestled amongst the rolling green hills, basking in the sunshine and surrounded by picture perfect scenery. Alfresco dining on that gorgeous Italian cuisine of the finest homemade breads, cured meats, pickled vegetables, melt in your mouth meats all complimented of course with a glass of Prosecco or perhaps a full-bodied robust red. Villetta Porcini in the Adelaide Hills is that picture. This culinary experience is renowned chef Andre Ursinis’ new venture with exclusively outdoor seating (dependant upon weather) and a completely intimate affair only catering for 20 guests at a time. Venture further into the picturesque Adelaide Hills for more incredible cellar door options such as Shaw and Smith, Nepenthe and Bird in Hand.
Of course a trip to Tuscany is not complete without an Italian cooking class. Casa Carboni, located in beautiful Angaston in the renowned Barossa Valley wine region, is run by Fiona and Matteo Carboni and celebrates traditional Italian cuisine with the finest of ingredients and European wines. Originally from Parma, in Northern Italy, their passion and love of their cuisine is evident in their extensive teaching skills, providing a truly authentic experience completed with dining at the communal table to finish. Perfecto!
McLaren Vale is located only 45 minutes from Adelaide and is known for its production of world-class Shiraz while also excelling in ultra-premium Grenache and Cabernet. Medietrranean varieties also flourish in this region thanks to the similar climate and provide European wine lovers with some excellent Tempranillo, Fiano and Sangiovese varieties. When you are feeling peckish, a trip to Pizzateca will transport you to Italy in no time, to nonna’s place to be exact. Run by the Italian Mitolo family who came to South Australia from the Italian region of Abruzzo, you can expect true wood oven pizza made the traditional way by hand and some of the best arrosticini you’ll come across. Desert is simple, tiramisu, gelato and affogato. Close your eyes, in fact keep them open and listen to the sounds of people talking and laughing with Italian music in the background and your journey to Italy is complete.
