11 April 2025

Sky's the limit with triple treat of tipples at SA wine regions – all in one day

| Rama Gaind
Start the conversation
a woman and a man alighting from a helicopter at a vineyard

Ascend Wine Odyssey is all about bespoke experiences, unique destinations and elevated adventures – a trilogy of extravagance through three world-class South Australian wine regions – all in a single day! Photos: Supplied.

“Sip by sip, we create memories” may be a well-worn, catchy tagline, but it instantly evokes an emotional response, lingers in one’s mind and communicates value – for the discerning oenophile!

Described as “truly one of a kind”, South Australia’s historic wine region has taken to new heights following the launch of Ascend, an ultra-luxury wine tour. Get set to go on an exclusive journey through three of the state’s most renowned wine regions – McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and Langhorne Creek.

Here’s your chance to fly between these wineries by helicopter to enjoy private tastings, gourmet food pairings and stunning aerial views of the vineyards. Ascend seamlessly combines adventure, fun and indulgence, offering a world-class wine experience unlike any other!

Experience a trilogy of treats as you fly with South Australian Helicopters through the three wine regions, all in the span of a single day. Tourism Australia defines these encounters as “luxury, adventure and breathtaking views in every journey”.

people at a winery

Kimbolton Wines is in Langhorne Creek on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia.

The Ascend Wine Odyssey experience takes you to Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards in McLaren Vale for a private tour and tasting, followed by Golding Wines in the Adelaide Hills for a scenic tasting and lunch, and then to finish the day, a hosted wine-and-cheese pairing at Kimbolton Wines in Langhorne Creek.

READ ALSO Blissful Easter beach break beckons for those keen on a getaway beyond a weekend

For a homegrown experience, explore one of Australia’s oldest family-run vineyards, Oliver’s Taranga. Participation awaits with your own exclusive concierge, tasting each variety next to the very vines that source them. Learn about the Oliver family through the generations, the heritage sites, sustainable viticulture, impeccable wines, have all your wine and vine questions answered – and most importantly, have some serious fun!

An Adelaide Hills wine-tasting and lunch experience awaits at Golding Wines, where you will begin your afternoon with curated wine tasting and paired snacks while taking in the breathtaking views from a private platform in the heart of the high-altitude vineyard.

Traverse through the family’s extensive gardens on your way back to the sandstone barn, where you will enjoy a delicious four-course lunch crafted by head chef Evert van Niekerk. He sources fresh seasonal produce from the Goldings’ kitchen garden and the region beyond. Learn about the family history and the journey that led the Goldings to grow and create their wines in this spectacular region.

Then, it’s on to Kimbolton Wines on the Fleurieu Peninsula for an engaging wine-and-cheese pairing experience. Learn about Kimbolton and beautiful Langhorne Creek, and discover the art of creating delectable combinations. You could also choose the pairings for future Kimbolton wine-and-cheese flights!

aerial view of a vineyard

South Australian Helicopters will fly you between each of the three locations, ensuring a seamless journey across South Australia’s finest wine regions.

Escape the ordinary, elevate your adventure, fly sky-high and experience South Australia from a new perspective. South Australian Helicopters has a fervent desire to showcase the state from the heavens above. The company was born from a desire for adventure, an attraction to adrenaline and the wish to do things differently.

Founder and pilot Zac Taylor first took to the skies in 2018, and in 2021 he turned his passion into a full-time job. With an agronomy and livestock-based background, Zac has been able to channel his love for the land with agricultural air work. The business has also expanded to include personalised experiences and tailored escapades, delivering the best of what the state offers.

READ ALSO Meticulous preparation crucial for visiting Italy during its historic 2025 Jubilee Year

“Whether you’re after a scenic flight over iconic South Australian locations, winery visits in style, bespoke tours or exploring the skies less travelled, we work to make every flight unforgettable,” Zac says.

“Combining luxury and exclusivity, we are passionate about delivering an experience that you won’t find anywhere else to ensure that the journey between venues is as unforgettable as the destinations themselves.”

Ascend is an invitation to soar and indulge in the finer things in life, to partake in a trilogy of pleasurable extravagance, with an unequalled opportunity to create cherished memories.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or an adventurer at heart, Ascend Wine Odyssey is sure to leave you with a new-found appreciation for these iconic South Australian wine regions.

Start the conversation

Be among the first to get all the Public Sector and Defence news and views that matter.

Subscribe now and receive the latest news, delivered free to your inbox.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.