Pioneering nebbiolo: how Longview Vineyard is bringing Italian flavour to the Adelaide Hills

Longview Vineyard’s wine offerings

Known as the 'king of grapes' in Italy, nebbiolo has long been a passion at Longview Vineyard. The Adelaide Hills winery, located among undulating slopes near the historic township of Macclesfield, has some of the oldest and now the largest plantings of nebbiolo in Australia.

But quantity isn’t a substitute for quality at Longview, where careful consideration goes into crafting wines that meet the brand’s exacting standards. “We only bottle in vintages we believe are the truest expression of Nebbiolo outside the Piemonte,” says Peter Saturno, CEO and winemaker at Longview Vineyard.

The Saturno family, which has an extensive background in wine and hospitality, purchased Longview Vineyard in 2007, and has been at the helm ever since, bringing a northern Italian flair to the brand’s food and wine offerings. Alongside the Nebbiolo, Longview has mature planting of Italian grapes barbera and pinot grigio, as well as Grüner Veltliner. A host of other varieties, including chardonnay, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, make up the remainder of the 60 hectares of vineyard area.

“These mature planting solidify our position as the premier northern Italian–inspired producer in Australia,” says Peter. “For years we have been showcasing what we call ‘New Australia’ – wines of elegance, tension and a sense of place that only single-estate wines can deliver.”

Longview Vineyard's cellar door in the Adelaide Hills offers handmade Italian fare to accompany the award-winning wines.

Tasting and dining at Longview Vineyard’s cellar door

To taste these wines in an ideal setting, you can’t beat the experience at Longview’s cellar door. Nestled in the scenic Adelaide Hills, here guests can enjoy structured wine tastings alongside antipasti platters, with a full lunch menu (offering handmade Italian fare) available from Friday to Sunday.

Day spa and accommodation at Longview Vineyard

Once you’ve been wined and dined at the cellar door, a trip to Longview Vineyard isn’t complete without a visit to the luxurious day spa, where you can indulge in a variety of relaxing body and facial treatments. And if that’s too much for one day, Longview Vineyard boasts 4.5 star accommodation, with 12 king suits, a restored homestead for 12 guests and a new lodge for eight guests.

With such luxurious accommodation on offer, it only makes sense to turn your trip to Longview into a weekend, or longer, in the Adelaide Hills. Not sure where to go? Peter Saturno recommends starting your Adelaide Hills journey at the Mount Lofty lookout to get your bearings, before heading to The Crafters Hotel for lunch – his favourite local spot.

Wine to try

2022 Longview Vineyard Saturnus Nebbiolo

Light cherry red in colour with a brilliant clear rim, this wine is unmistakably nebbiolo. Cherries (more on the steeped, maraschino spectrum) carry through on the nose, along with musk and potpourri. Star-anise, all-spice and slightly smoky dried herbs provide a seriousness to the high-toned red fruit and florals. The palate is extraordinarily complex, yet bright and thrilling with a thrust of taut berry flavours, glittery tannins, cherry flesh and blood-orange juice acidity. Its length is immeasurable.

Best enjoyed: Pairs perfectly with mushroom risotto. Serve this wine in a big glass and give it lots of time to open up.

RRP $60 | Drink to 2040 | Shop this wine

The Longview Vineyard cellar door is open daily from 11am to 4pm. To book now or find out more, visit longviewvineyard.com.au.