I was with a few people so didn't do as many winery visits as I would have done on a more dedicated trip
D"arenburg was a bit of a tourist trap but very unusual structure, nostalgic mini museums inside and Salvatore Dali exhibition included in $25 fee that covers wine tasting too. I thought the wines were underwhelming despite a huge following - too acidic and too lean for my taste. I had to ask for Dead Arm shiraz as it is not on the list and thought it was overhyped.
Same with Mollydooker whose shiraz I enjoy - but for $15 fee they offer only entry level wines - I had to ask for Blue Eyed Boy as it wasn't on the list.
I would avoid Pannell Enoteca - again limited overpriced tasting and not allowing their top wines to taste.
Coriole had some good wines and I ended up buying Sparta Shiraz for $23 that was actually great when we had it later at our dinner.
Perhaps the highlight was Brash Higgins (thank you to those who suggested it - much appreciated) and I would rate his wines as some of the best we tried and also the most interesting and diverse. We ended up buying a mix dozen and not only Brad didn't charge anything for the most extensive tasting - he even gifted up a bottle that had about 90% of wine still in it freshly opened that we finished later that night. About $40 per bottle that I thought was more than fair given the quality.
Missed out on Bondar wines that was on our list and they are meant great but we visited Geddes. Great winery and the most genuine guy who runs is - Tim. No tasting fee but it says buying a bottle would be appreciated (we bought 4 to try). We thought the wines were terrific and very reasonably priced.
I also really liked Kay Brothers where we sat outside enjoying a beautiful view and had different tasting combos. $15 a head.
I think they took the tasting fee off and we signed up as a member and got 6 bottles at 20% discount and thought it was a good deal.
Was a bit tricky to book a dinner and we ended up going to Serafino - food was great but the place itself is a bit boring and dated. Good thing they allowed BYO. Same with lunch - most places were booked out but we scored with Wirra Wirra bistro like place and they serve really big portions (in the hindsight can easily share one dish between 2 people)
Going there again in 2 weeks (just so happened) so will explore more.
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