Bird in Hand Winery

I don't even know where to begin when people ask me about Bird in Hand Winery. My time here was extremely eye-opening and memorable all because of the people involved in it. Eye-opening because their winemaker is one of the best in the world and I was able to work as part of his team, memorable because of the incredible people I worked with in the tasting room leading up to harvest. My husband and I are already talking about finding a way to move to Australia!

Bird in Hand is located in Woodside, South Australia. It's a hour outside of Adelaide in the Adelaide Hills, and the scenery is straight up what you would think of when you picture Australian wine country - vineyards, gumtrees, rolling hills, kangaroos, and koalas! I would drive an hour to work each morning and would see at least one roo or koala each time! I'm not a morning person AT ALL, but this drive is one of the happiest memories I have of my time there.

The winery is family-owned and was started in 1997. Since then they've been able to showcase their love of wine, art, and food not only at there picturesque estate in Australia, but on a global scale. The collaborate with luxury designers, host prestigious events all over the world, and for years their Bird in Hand Rosé was served at Wimbledon. They also hold a concert series every year on the lawn of their property that attracts people from all over and tickets usually sell out! I haven't met a person who would turn down a chance to have a picnic and wine on the grass while watching live music. If you ever get a chance to go to one of the concerts, you won't regret it!

The team there is really what makes this place what it is. When you walk into the tasting room or restaurant, aside from being in awe of the beauty of this place, you're welcomed by people who just want to make your time there amazing! Working in the tasting room I met people from all over the world, but it was always exciting for me when a Canadian walked through the door. And I couldn't believe it when a woman came to the winery who actually lived in the same neighbourhood in BC as I did, and we even knew the same people! That was one of those moments when you realize just how small the world really is.

I've gone on for a while about how amazing this place is, but I haven't even mentioned the countless awards they have won! Just in the short time I was there, they won Winestate's Australian Winemaker of the Year, Wine of the Year (2012 Nest Egg Chardonnay), and Winery of the Year. This was the first time ever that a white wine had won best wine in show in Australia! That's a pretty big deal :)

I hope you all get a chance to visit this place some day. I've had a few people ask me what wine regions I recommend visiting, and the Adelaide Hills is always on that list.

Thanks for reading <3

Jen