Image credit : Hither & Yon
Local, sustainable, family-orientated and loving.
Just a few words that spring to mind when talking about one of my favourite McLaren Vale-based winemakers and boutique cellar doors, Hither & Yon. There are a million reasons to visit, but here are just a handful:
You can find this gem tucked away on High Street in Willunga, across the road from several beautiful cafes and a chocolate shop. The relaxed outdoor seating and huge glass windows at the shop front draw you in and once you’re inside you won’t want to leave!
Hither & Yon is a McLaren Vale family winery and vineyard that is now run by brothers, Malcolm and Richard Leask. These brothers know their bizz. They grew up on wine (not literally) and their passion for what they do is invigorating and easily grows on you.
The cellar door is situated in a 1860’s butcher shop with original floors and limestone walls. It’s intimate. It’s cosy. And you feel like you’re at home. There’s no tasting bars around here, no toffee attitudes or pretentiousness. However, you will find positive vibes, big smiles and a large table in the centre where you can take a seat and have a taste of some incredibly delicious wines whilst laughing with your mates.
Image credit : Hither & Yon
The decor is eclectic, vintage and stripped back to basics. Good tunes will keep you company while you sit amongst glasses filled with billy buttons and old crates utilised as shelves. Bottles of the wine are proudly on display, boasting incredible labels designed by independent artists. They’re bright, intriguing, individual and are a work of art on their own.
Their wines are equally as good as the labels, stocking a range of reds and whites with a rose type thrown in for good measure. Depending on what you like to indulge in, you will no doubt find it. Their “Rosato” is a favourite. It’s pretty as a picture, clean and slightly dry. It bursts with flavours of apple, grapefruit, turkish delight, rhubarb and cinnamon spice! If you’re after a red that’s a little different then you need to check out their Tempranilo. It fills your mouth with hints of chocolate, cherries, blackberry and five spice, and goes perfectly with Mexican. Think street food style pulled pork, soft tacos and zesty guacamole. I’ll take two thanks.
Image credit: Hither and Yon
Keep in mind though, the venue is rather small and can only seat up to fourtneen people at a time, so larger tastings will need a booking. Get the tribe together and make a afternoon out of it.. You can find Hither & Yon at 17 High Street, Willunga.
Enjoy!
Jess xx
