Hither & Yon

Local, sustainable, family orientated and loving.

Just a few words that spring to mind about one of my favourite McLaren Vale based winemakers and boutique cellar door, Hither & Yon.

You can find this gem tucked away on High Street in Willunga- across the road from several beautiful cafes and even a chocolate shop. The relaxed outdoor seating and huge glass windows at the shop front draw in and once your inside you won’t want to leave (trust me, we spent way to much time here).

Hither & Yon is a McLaren Vale based family winery, focusing on sustainable practices. The vineyard was originally planted by the Leask family, and is now run by brothers Malcolm and Richard Leask. These brothers know their bizz, both being wine buffs with handfuls of years of experience in the industry. They grew up on wine (not literally, or maybe?!) and their passion for what they do is invigorating and easily grows on you.

The cellar door itself is situated in a 1860’s butcher shop with original floors and limestone walls. It’s intimate. It’s cosy, and it’s a place where 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.

The decor is this place is eclectic, vintage and stripped back to basics. Good tunes will keep you company whilst 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 are bright, intriguing, individual and are a work of art on their own.

Hither & Yon’s wines are equally as good as the labels, stocking a range of reds to whites with a rose type thrown in for good measure. Depending on what you like to indulge in you will no doubt find it here. Their “Rosato” is a favourite- pretty as a picture, clean and slightly dry. It’s bursting with flavours of apple, grapefruit, turkish delight, rhubarb and cinnamon spice- just a party for your mouth really. if your after a red that’s a little different then you need to check out their Tempranillo. It fills your mouth with hints of chocolate, cherries, blackberry and five spice- yes please!

The cellar door regularly partakes in The Porch Sessions events, aptly called the ‘Cellar Door Sessions’. Expect live music, wine flowing, sweet treats, persians and just damn good vibes. You need to get tickets to these events quickly though as they sell like hotcakes!

If your planning a wine tour keep in mind that this cellar door is quite small and they can only seat up around 14 people at a time, so larger tastings will need a booking. Get the tribe together and make a afternoon out of it, or if you don’t have the time, grab a bottle or two takeaway.

You can find Hither & Yon at 17 High Street, Willunga.

Photo Credit- Cellar Door Sessions images, The Porch Sessions Facebook