News
6/09/2010
Cross Culture Launches at Chapel Hill
The Chapel Hill Gallery is currently showcasing works from various Aboriginal communities alongside photographic and abstract canvases.
5/08/2010
McLaren Vale’s Chapel Hill receives high praise from James Halliday in his
2011 Australian Wine Companion
Top scores and high ratings across the Chapel Hill portfolio of wines in the highly regarded, wine bible, the 2011 James Halliday’s Wine Companion is further testament to the ever improving credentials of Chapel Hill Winery as a prestige producer of the highest quality wines.
23/07/2010
Seriously South Australian® on Tour at Chapel Hill Winery
Join Hilton Adelaide’s Executive Chef, Dennis Leslie and Maitre’d, Atef Youssif as they take you on a food and wine Adventure. The Chapel Hill Tour is designed to cater for food and wine lovers, offering a cooking class and winery tour experience. These tours are designed to cater for both food and wine lovers, giving the option to either develop new culinary skills or enhance wine knowledge. Download the brochure for more information and booking details
13/07/2010
State Government supports tourism in McLaren Vale with grant to aid in the refurbishment of Chapel Hill’s unique Chapel built in 1865.
An art gallery housed in a winery, a gourmet cooking school on Kangaroo Island and a showcase of native Australian birds have all received a funding boost from the Rann Government.
Tourism Minister John Rau says the funding underlines the Rann Government’s ongoing commitment to building a better South Australian tourism future.
“This latest funding is part of the Rann Government’s $2 million annual assistance for tourism operators across the State who are developing new and innovative tourism accommodation, attractions and tours, as well as revitalising and updating existing tourism ventures,” Minister Rau says.
“Tourism is a highly competitive industry and we need to continue development of accommodation, visitor facilities, and attractions that contribute to the overall tourism experience and encourage visitors to stay longer and even plan a return visit.
“The Government’s ongoing tourism infrastructure funding, coupled with our biggest ever domestic marketing campaign, is getting results for South Australian tourism, with the latest statistics showing a 13% increase in expenditure by both overnight domestic visitors and international tourists, compared with a national average which is flat lining.”
“The three latest successful funding applicants demonstrate the diversity and innovation of our tourism industry.”
One of the funding recipients is Raptor Domain, on Kangaroo Island, which delivers the only “Free Flight” Birds of Prey Display in South Australia to more than 30,000 people annually.
With the help of a $30,000 Government grant, Raptor Domain will move into new premises with extensive facilities for visitors, which will allow owners Dave and Leeza Irwin to host scheduled public Birds of Prey displays daily. The public displays are currently only held on weekends.
“As part of its commitment to taking food and wine tourism experiences in the State’s established wine regions to the next level, as outlined in the South Australian Food & Wine Tourism Strategy, the Government is providing $20,000 towards upgrading Chapel Hill Winery’s unique art gallery, which is housed in a 19th century stone church as part of its cellar door.
“Visitors can now taste award-winning Chapel Hill wines and produce, while admiring South Australian contemporary and indigenous art, in a building which overlooks McLaren Vale’s beautiful vineyards and the coast beyond.
“The Government is also providing $20,000 to Kangaroo Island Source, a company established by Kate Sumner, which aims to connect people with the land through gourmet food experiences and personalised catering using all local ingredients.
“With assistance from the Government, the Source is upgrading a kitchen overlooking a working farm, where the company can provide cooking lessons and demonstrations, as well as special dinners hosted by local producers and guest chefs.”
Raptor Domain
Raptor Domain, on Kangaroo Island, is owned and operated by Dave and Leeza Irwin, who produce the only “Free Flight” Birds of Prey Display in South Australia – arguably Australia’s most interactive Birds of Prey display. Currently, Raptor Domain delivers its show to more than 30,000 people annually, and this number is set to grow, when the scheduled public displays, currently only held on weekends and public holidays, become daily events from the start of August. Leeza and Dave – who is known as the “Eagle Whisperer” for his skill with the birds – aim to give people a rare and unique opportunity to view and experience birds, including eagles, falcons, owls and kookaburras, up close and personal, while creating an understanding and appreciation of them, and their role in the environment. Both Leeza and Dave have a long and successful track record of working with wildlife parks, zoos and sanctuaries to nurse and rehabilitate birds of prey, and Raptor Domain aims to provide the best possible care for orphaned, sick and injured birds of prey, ultimately returning as many recovered birds to the wild as possible.
More information: www.kangarooislandbirdsofprey.com.au
Kangaroo Island Source
The Kangaroo Island Source specialises in promoting local island produce through gourmet catering, manufacturing and food consultation. Situated on a working farm, Kangaroo Island Source is committed to reconnecting the kitchen with the land. The company’s aim is to create a place where people can rediscover the simple pleasures of gathering and cooking with produce — as close to its source as possible. Established by Kate Sumner, the farm-based kitchen overlooks the picturesque town of Penneshaw, on 125 acres of farmland, incorporating an expansive vegetable and herb garden, olive trees, figs and berries. Also in residence are Jersey cows, Suffolk lambs and free range chickens. Offering a wide range of menu options from picnic hampers to weddings, the Kangaroo Island Source caters to individual needs. The company is dedicated to supporting local farmers and producers by using regional produce as much as possible. Services also include private lunches and dinners for 2–20 people which can even include a personalised chef, plus cooking classes and demonstrations showcasing Kangaroo Island’s gourmet food. The Kangaroo Island Source’s range of condiments include curry pastes, meat rubs, chutneys and jams.
More information: www.kangarooislandsource.com.au
Chapel Hill Winery and The Retreat at Chapel Hill
The team behind Chapel Hill Winery and The Retreat at Chapel Hill, including CEO Marc Allgrove, are passionate about their product and McLaren Vale, priding themselves on delivering a premium wine, food & art experience for guests, using the best sustainable practices. Chapel Hill crafts a range of premium, award-winning wines, which are available to taste at its unique cellar door. Set within an historic 19th century stone church from which the winery takes its name, the cellar door is situated in the hills overlooking McLaren Vale, offering panoramic views of McLaren Vale, Gulf St Vincent and the Onkaparinga National Park. The cellar door is also a showcase for viticulturalist Rachel Steer’s olive oil & verjuice, along with dukkah, relishes and preserves made by executive chef Rebecca Stubbs at the Chapel Hill Retreat. The Chapel Hill Gallery is housed in the same building as the cellar door, in the original Chapel and barrel hall, and the art on display compliments the cellar door’s wines and fine food. Recent exhibitions have included works by Emma Hack, Ian Abdullah, Mitjilli and Will Nolan, amongst others. The Chapel Hill Retreat, designed to complement its winery, offers premium accommodation for up to 20 people, as well as conference and meeting facilities, plus its famous cooking school for guests.
More information: www.chapelhillwine.com.au
12/07/2010
Exhibition titled Baby Frank, The Man and The Woman, to open on 24 July at The Gallery
COMING SOON — Following the current exciting Emma Hack exhibition the Gallery at Chapel Hill welcomes a new and innovative exhibition curated by local McLaren Vale artist, Jodi Gryzb.
The exhibition titled Baby Frank, The Man and The Woman, opens July 24th at The Gallery at Chapel Hill, as a key SALA event show.
This group exhibit brings together three artists, Jodi Grzyb (visual artist based in McLaren Vale), Dan Tomkins (visual artist, recent art award recipient, Adelaide based) and Alex Frayne (film maker/photographer – first showing of his still images, also based in Adelaide).
This collection of works by three very distinctive artists comes together with a sense of fluidity, enlivened by the challenges of image, line, form and subject; the works are contemplative and graceful and in some instances they are confronting.
Tomkins, a visual artist, creates sublime abstract works which draw from the quietness of nature. His work illuminates the idea of being still with what surrounds, to take a moment to look.
Frayne, a film director by trade, presents photographs as "hommage" to Adelaide. His images are at once nostalgic and transcendent and infused with the beauty and quietness that are a hallmark of South Australia.
Grzyb, an abstract artist, takes poetry to a new level, inscribing words and fusing her preparatory work with the final product. Raw and real on every level, her works contemplate the inner realm of her expressive soul.
21/06/2010
Chapel Hill Strikes Gold in Prestigious Wine Competitions in the United Kingdom and France
Renowned McLaren Vale estate, Chapel Hill, has once again struck gold on the international stage with its distinctive regional wines.
The recently released 2008 Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz was one of only five Australian wines awarded a Gold Medal at the prestigious Syrah du Monde competition held in France.
Almost 400 entries from 27 countries were vying for the honours, with only 37 wines receiving Gold Medals.
Chapel Hill senior winemaker Michael Fragos said: “It is a great honour and privilege to have your wines recognised on the international stage. This award recognises the uniqueness of McLaren Vale and the quality of the wines the region continues to produce.
Across the Channel in London, the 2005 Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon continues to win accolades.
Last week the UK Sommeliers Association awarded it a Gold Medal in the 2010 Sommelier Wine Awards for its “character, value and excellence.”
Judge and restaurateur, Michael Moore, described it as “A rich wine that is great value for money”.
These awards follow on from Chapel Hill’s inclusion in the UK magazine Decanter’s Top 20 South Australian wine producers, and the listing of two Chapel Hill wines in prominent UK wine critic Matthew Jukes’ annual Top 100 wines.
Mr Fragos said: “I have worked in McLaren Vale for over 20 years and it is always with great satisfaction that our wines are enjoyed for their quality and personality.
“McLaren Vale is unique historically and geographically. The ancient rocks on which it is based – together with its coastal location — impart the fruit it produces with a true regional signature.
“Capturing that in the glass and sharing it with people around the world has been a life long passion for me and the Chapel Hill team.
“Look out for the 2010 vintage — from what I have seen it is one of the greats.”
28/05/2010
Gold at the 2010 Sommelier Wine Awards
The results of the Sommelier Wine Awards 2010 have just been announced, and the Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 was Gold Listed.
The Sommelier Wine Awards, now in its fourth year, is Britain's only on-trade wine competition. Wines entered must be available to the on-trade and must not be available in mainstream off-trade outlets. Wines are judged by professionals from the on-trade sector.
Judges tasting notes — "Stewed, ripe black fruit and cedarwood notes lead to deep black cassis on the palate with a fresh long finish. A rich wine that's great value for money."
1/04/2010
Join us for Sea and Vines 2010
Join us for the annual Sea and Vines celebration over the Queen's birthday long weekend on 13–14 June 2010. Fresh flavours, aromatic spices, intriguing sizzle, regional produce, all combined by the deft hand of rising star Rebecca Stubbs, in McLaren Vale’s best teaching kitchen. Download our brochure from the link below for full details.
10/03/2010
Culinary Tourism Forum to be held at The Retreat at Chapel Hill Winery
Culinary Tourism Forum
Wednesday 17th March 2010, Chapel Hill The Retreat
Presented by Erik Wolf, International Culinary Tourism Association
Erik Wolf is recognized internationally as the founder of the culinary tourism industry. He has more
than 20 years of experience in travel marketing and has worked with many countries and regions
to develop their culinary tourism strategies.
A popular speaker internationally, Erik is considered the go-to culinary tourism resource for media
globally and is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and Slow Food.
Erik has accepted an invitation from the Winemakers Federation of Australia and the South
Australian Government to present two forums in SA. These highly informative sessions will provide
SA food and wine tourism stakeholders with tangible tools to develop a culinary tourism offering
that competes globally.
Presentations will include:
• Overview of the Association
• Definition of Culinary Tourism
• Culinary Tourism and Branding your destination
• Creating your Culinary Tourism Community
• Benefits of Culinary Tourism to key stakeholders
• Creating your Culinary Tourism Toolbox
• World’s best (& worst) practices in Culinary Tourism
• Interactive session (mission, goals, vision, SWOT in brief)
Where: Chapel Hill The Retreat, Chapel Hill Road McLaren Vale
When: 10.00 am – 12 noon Wednesday 17th March 2010
Cost: $22 p/person inc. morning tea
Click here to download booking form as a PDF file
10/03/2010
Cooking Schedule for 2010
Our schedule of cooking classes for 2010 is now available. Join us for a Demonstration or Hands On class with Chef, Rebecca Stubbs for a fun and informative time in the kitchen.
And there is an exciting new addition to the programme! As well as our regular one off Demonstration and Hands On classes we are now offering a 6 week course packed with the basics of good cookery as well as those invaluable trade secrets!
Places are limited so book early to avoid being left out.
And remember, if you are a group of 10–15 people and would like your own private Hands On class please give us a call – we can design a class to suit your needs! Demonstration classes can also be arranged for groups of between 20 and 35.
Click here to view the cooking school schedule.
29/01/2010
Rising young star, Rebecca Stubbs, joins McLaren Vale’s Chapel Hill wines
Chapel Hill is pleased to announce the appointment of award winning chef Rebecca Stubbs, as Executive Chef at the Retreat.
Rebecca brings a wealth of experience to Chapel Hill having cooked for 3 years with highly awarded chef Le Tu Thai at the Bridgewater Mill, Ann Oliver, Enoteca and most recently at Chloe’s with the 2009 South Australian chef of the Year, Johnny Triscari.
In 2008 Rebecca won the South Australian Lexus Young Chef of the Year and finished runner up in the national competition. As a result she gained the enviable experience of cooking with Luke Mangan at his Salt restaurant in Tokyo. The following year she assisted world renowned Thai food expert, David Thompson, at his only South Australian dinner.
Joining Chapel Hill provides Rebecca the opportunity to pursue & develop her passion for food & wine.
Chapel Hill’s CEO, Marc Allgrove said “It is a delight to welcome Rebecca to the Chapel Hill team. She will contribute greatly to our efforts to promote McLaren Vale and all it has to offer.”
Chapel Hill’s famous cooking classes & hospitality will continue under Rebecca’s guidance and unique offerings will be developed for the Cellar Door and Gallery.
“I am looking forward to exploring McLaren Vale, from the coast to the hills it not only produces great wine, but the seafood, olives, cheese, and much, much more provides me a unique opportunity to develop and offer a truly regional experience. I am very excited.”
18/12/2009
Christmas is upon us
As the end of 2009 draws near it is worthwhile reflecting on the year that has been, the challenges faced and the achievements accomplished.
Chapel Hill has continued to be recognised for its excellence in Australia and abroad, once again achieving 5 star recognition from James Halliday. The 2007 McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon was named Australian Cabernet of the year by Campbell Mattison and won gold at the London Internationmal Wine & Spirit Competition.
The open fermenter cellar was completed, a further investment in the crafting of wines which are regionally, varietally and stylistically distinctive.
The opening of the Gallery at Chapel Hill reinforced the estate's commitment to McLaren Vale and the pursuit of the finer things in life, showcasing contemporary and aboriginal South Australian art in conjunction with leading gallery operator Tony Bond.
The reputation of the Retreat continued to grow, welcoming guests in prestigious accomodation, showcasing great regional food and Chapel Hill's wines in a unique setting overlooking vineyards, Onkaparinga Gorge and the ocean.
But most of all a great spirit of comraderie at Chapel Hill persists sustaining us through the many challenges of vintage and the ubiquitious GFC, keeping a smile on all our faces. In 2010 we at Chapel Hill will continue to celebrate every moment, enjoy our firiendships and be thankful for all our belssings, until then we wish everyone the most Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Cellar Door hours over the Christmas break are:
Christmas Day: CLOSED
December 26th: 11am — 5pm
December 27th: 11am — 5pm
December 28th: 11am — 5pm
December 29th: 12noon — 5pm
December 30th: 12noon — 5pm
December 31st: 12noon — 5pm
January 1st: 12noon — 5pm
8/12/2009
The evolution of art continues at Chapel Hill
The evolution of Chapel Hill continues with the next series of artists hanging their works in the Gallery at Chapel Hill.
In the tasting room we are showing a selection of photographs from a series 156 days by emerging photographer Fletcher Bayly.
A selection of Aboriginal works from South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory will hang in the chapel.
Finally, in the Barrel Room we will be hanging recent works by Elizabeth Wojciak, from her series Affinities.
The exhibition will hang from Tuesday 8 December, 2009 and run until Saturday 13 February, 2010.
All works are available for immediate purchase. We are more than happy to arrange shipping anywhere interstate or overseas.
3/12/2009
Chapel Hill releases it's first Olive Oil
Chapel Hill is excited to announce the release of our first il Vescovo Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)! The inspiration behind the il Vescovo EVOO was to produce an oil which would showcase the quality and range of olives available to us in McLaren Vale. Our close association with high quality food through The Retreat at Chapel Hill and my passion for olives, makes olive oil an ideal accompaniment to our wine range.
As the viticulturist for Chapel Hill, visiting vineyards all around our region, I am often lured away from the grapevines to the neighbouring olive groves and feral olive trees that line the roadsides. As with vines, the many varieties and soil types produce olives with distinctly different characteristics from soft, fruity flavours to the green, peppery, pungent flavours which are my personal favourite.
This year, il Vescovo EVOO is a blend of three Italian varieties – Coratina, Frantoio and Pendolino. The oils chosen reflect varietal purity and were sourced from the slightly cooler areas on the fringes of the hills surrounding McLaren Vale; they have been combined to make a balanced and flavoursome oil. On the nose there is cut grass, banana and green bean and on the palate lots of pepper and a hint of pungency.
As an avid home cook, I use this oil liberally for enhancing flavour in the dishes I am preparing. A robust oil such as this is best used with bold flavours such as marinading red meat, braising, roasting vegetables, classic pasta dishes, drizzling over salads, finishing soups and dipping bread — but it can be used for just about anything!
This year’s release of il Vescovo EVOO will retail for $25 per 750ml bottle and will be initially only available at the Chapel Hill Cellar Door & Gallery, with selected distribution in fine wine and premium food retailers being sought following release.
If you require any more information please feel free to contact Rachel Steer at the winery on 08 8323 8429 or on
18/11/2009
Discover contemporary and indigenous art
Discover contemporary and indigenous South Australian art in the historical 1865 chapel and adjoining barrel hall.
Current Exhibition:
Ian Abdulla
Born in 1947, Ian started painting in 1989 and has since become one of Australia’s best loved naïve artists. Ge paints stories from his life along the Murray River and all the places he has spent time in around Australia. Ian has exhibited around Australia and internationally.
Thom Buchanan
“My works explore the strange beauty and sense of alienation which comes from urban environments. My investigation has led me to the spaces between departure and arrival, where the viewer travels into and out of the picture plane, leading to questions of how we, as humans, inhabit the infinite, built landscape (and how I place myself in this ever changing world)”.
Will Nolan
Since graduating with his Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2007, Will has gone on to become one of Adelaide’s most sought after emerging artists. Will’s work was selected to hang in the 2008 and 2009 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibitions and has had two successful solo exhibitions at Gallery 139. He plans to show a new series of work there in 2010.
In conjunction with Gallery139.
2/06/2009
Outstanding Result For Chapel Hill's 07 Reds
Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh have just launched their 2009/10 BIG RED WINE BOOK and Chapel Hill’s 2007 red wines have excelled. All the 07s scored in the 90’s and in particular the 07 McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon was chosen as the “Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year”
Following are the scores for Chapel Hill’s reds:
Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Bush Vine Grenache 2007 – 93pts
Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – 96pts – “Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year Award”
Chapel Hill Shiraz 2007 – 94pts – “it’s a cracker”
Chapel Hill Vicar Shiraz 2007 – 97pts
This year's edition of the BIG RED WINE BOOK is 40% bigger than last year, covering over 1000 new release and back vintage wines from Australia and overseas. The book sells for $24.95
The success with the Cabernet follows from the Best Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2007 International Wine and Spirit Competition in London with the 05 McLaren Vale Cabernet. Michael Fragos, Chapel Hill’s Chief Winemaker also won International Winemaker of the Year at the competition.
13/02/2009
Cooking Schedule for 2009
Our schedule of cooking classes for 2009 is now available. Join us for a Demonstration or Hands On class with Chef, Peter Hogg for a fun and informative time in the kitchen.
And there is an exciting new addition to the programme! As well as our regular one off Demonstration and Hands On classes we are now offering a 6 week course packed with the basics of good cookery as well as those invaluable trade secrets!
Places are limited so book early to avoid being left out.
And remember, if you are a group of 10–15 people and would like your own private Hands On class please give us a call – we can design a class to suit your needs! Demonstration classes can also be arranged for groups of between 20 and 35.
25/11/2008
The Retreat Nominated as a Finalist!
We are thrilled to announce that The Retreat has been selected as a finalist in the Best Food Experiences section of "The Australian" Travel and Tourism Awards for 2008. The winner of the category is determined on the basis of reader votes — if as friends of Chapel Hill you think us worthy of a vote please check the Travel and Indulgence section of "The Weekend Australian" for advice on how to vote. The "Best Food Experience" category is scheduled to be published in the December 6th issue.
6/06/2008
The Vicar has arrived!
The long awaited 2006 The Vicar Shiraz has finally arived at Chapel Hill. The Vicar is Chapel Hill's flagship wine, selected from our most outstanding parcels of grapes and embodies our vision of the region. The 2006 Vicar, our sixth release, heralds a lasting commitment to the splendours of Mc Laren Vale Shiraz.
9/11/2007
Chapel Hill Crowned "Best in World"
Mr Michael Fragos – Chief Winemaker at McLaren Vale’s Chapel Hill winery — beat wine industry all-comers from across the globe to win the Wolf Blass Trophy for “Winemaker of the Year” at London’s highly-acclaimed 2008 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). In a stunning performance, the IWSC judges also awarded Chapel Hill the Maersk Logistics Trophy for Australian Wine Producer of the Year. “I am absolutely ecstatic and proud of our achievements,” a delighted Mr Fragos, 39, said today. “For Chapel Hill’s winemaking excellence to be recognised over and above winemakers from more than 50 countries is an outstanding effort, and really cements our position on the world stage,” he said.
“The award is great recognition to the commitment and enthusiasm to the entire Chapel Hill team and our loyal group of grape growers.”
The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is regarded as the premier competition of its kind in the world.
This year’s competition attracted more than 5000 entries from over 50 countries.
5/10/2007
2 Trophies and 3 Gold Medals at IW&SC in London
Chapel Hill has won 2 trophies and 3 gold medals at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition held in London — including "Best Cabernet in Show" against wines from the world's leading wine producing countries. The Chapel Hill McLaren Vale 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon took out the Warren Winiarski Trophy for the Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show and also won a gold medal. The 2004 McLaren Vale Shiraz won the Penfolds Trophy for the Best Australian Red Wine — and a gold medal. A gold medal was also awarded to the 2005 McLaren Vale Shiraz. The 2005 McLaren Vale Shiraz Grenache also won a Trophy for the best Grenache/Grenache Blend at the McLaren Vale Wine Show in October.