Renowned Adelaide Hills winery Petaluma has joined Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia collective, a hand-selected group of Australia’s premium wineries offering quality winery experiences across the country.

Petaluma is one of South Australia’s most distinguished wineries, renowned for crafting premium wines from carefully selected vineyard sites across the state including the Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra and the Clare Valley.

Just 40 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, in Woodside, the Petaluma cellar door invites visitors on a sensory journey through some of the country’s most celebrated wine regions and iconic varietals such as riesling, chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon - all from one extraordinary location with panoramic views.

Petaluma’s wines are meticulously produced by winemaker Ben Thoman, who has spent more than 15 years in the wine industry and completed a vintage in the Mosel Valley, Germany in pursuit of his love of riesling. The brand is also acclaimed for its notable Croser sparkling range, crafted in the traditional method by winemaker Ella Hoban, who honed her skills as a sparkling winemaker in Napa, California.

Petaluma offers a range of immersive experiences at the Woodside cellar door, including a unique Private Horse Trail Ride experience which invites guests on a guided horseback journey through Petaluma’s picturesque vineyards, complete with commentary on the history of Petaluma, which was founded in 1976.

Horses are matched to guests’ needs from the range of seasoned steeds of the nearby Hallmark Farm in Woodside, owned by Megan Jones (dual Olympian and silver medallist, Equestrian Hall of Fame member, world championship medalist) and husband James Deacon. The ride is followed by a private wine tasting, finishing with a platter of savoury and sweet delicacies paired with a glass of Croser Vintage Sparkling, served outside on the spectacular deck or by the fire in the cooler months.

Guest can also discover the Museum Release Glass Room Experience, which features a mix of super-premium current and back vintage wines from the Petaluma Museum Cellar matched with a three-course tasting menu from Woodside Providore highlighting local produce from the Adelaide Hills.

Held in the elegant, light-filled Glass Room – named after the stunning ceiling installation of 540 wine glasses which are carefully arranged to resemble the rolling contours of the Adelaide Hills – this premium experience provides guests with the opportunity to taste some of the best wines from Petaluma’s Museum Cellar, which are only available to try through this exclusive tasting experience for 4-10 guests.

Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia’s Executive Officer Sarah Myers affirmed she was thrilled to welcome Petaluma to the collective.

“Petaluma brings a unique new dimension to Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia,” she said.

“Guests can taste wines not only from the cool-climate Adelaide Hills, but from iconic regions around South Australia – providing them with a diverse experience that broadens their perspective on South Australian wines,” she said.

According to Myers, it’s also the first winery in the collective to offer a horse-trail riding experience and certainly delivers on the invitation to take visitors “beyond the cellar door”.

“Exploring the scenic Adelaide Hills on horseback followed by a glass of sparkling and some local produce by the fire or outdoors on the deck – is there a better way to spend an afternoon?!” remarked Myers.

Andrew McDowell, Head of Brand Homes for Vinarchy, the owners of Petaluma said “We are very proud to have Petaluma join this exceptional cohort of Australia’s premium wineries and continue to grow our strong relationship with the collective which includes Hardys, Jacob’s Creek and St Hugo.”

“Our experiences focus on highlighting the region, and with Petaluma we are blessed to be in the heart of the beautiful Adelaide Hills,” said McDowell.

Petaluma joins Penfolds Magill Estate as the second winery from the Adelaide Hills region to join Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.