Producers of McLaren Vale: Ron tests his taste buds in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia

McLaren Vale is one of the world's great food baskets - as shown each Saturday morning when the hoards descend on the Willunga Farmers Market. Selecting local produce from the stalls or digging in at D'Arry's Verandah restaurant are just two of the ways in which you can immerse yourself in the food culture of a region with a well deserved international reputation. But it's all a little too easy and still one step removed from the local produce we've come to know and love. Work for your meal and it tastes that little bit better - at least that's the philosophy at "Producers of McLaren Vale".

Using a screw press - the sort of technology first developed by the ancient Romans for wine production, David Arbon has me hard at it - juicing apples for one of his fantastic ciders. Here you can do as much or as little as you like - but for most people a little elbow grease makes the whole exercise a more hands-on foodie experience.

After that, fellow Producer Tori Moreton has me working for my supper - making homemade pizza with dough made from local wheat. There's something wonderfully primal about all of this and with this retreat surrounded by 90-year-old shiraz vines and rows and rows of olive and fruit trees, the possibilities are endless. Much of that produce fills the shelves, which surround the presses, stoves and workbenches at the Producers of McLaren Vale.

Guests can wander in from a nearby cottage to a purpose built complex designed by Adelaide architect Max Pritchard. But when you get here - there is an expectation you'll get your hands dirty - whether it be kneading dough for a pizza base for preparing the mozzarella which will cover it.

Producers of McLaren Vale is on Branson Road. You can stay the night in cottage accommodation in the vineyards and then wander down to the kitchen. Tori and David also have a wide range of wines, olive oils and condiments on sale. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

Producers of McLaren Vale
Branson Road
McLaren Vale
Ph 08 8323 0060

Published 7th March 2010