Our staff always stays on the go for work and play. This past weekend was no exception as I, Eleanor Hand, our Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, jetted down to South Australia for a culinary expedition.

The Adelaide/Barossa region isn’t the typical beach backpacker scene that fills the Gold Coast and Far Northeast Queensland. So, I wouldn’t suggest heading there if that’s what you’re keen to find. But for the foodie, it’s an ideal place.

In Adelaide, the coastal capital of South Australia, I nearly made myself sick eating decadent desserts at Cocolat. The specialty cakes aren’t for the light eater. As if the cake isn’t rich enough, four pieces of chocolate frame the dessert. The apricot brandy mousse, pictured right, took top honors in my book.

Approximately an hour drive north of the city, the Barossa boasts one of the world’s finest wine regions. With 700 grape growing families, about 120 wine companies and more than 60 cellar doors, the Baroosa exudes wine knowledge. Big names such as Jacob’s Creek and Penfolds reside in the area. But for a more personal experience, I enjoyed the smaller wineries and their wine makers. Located in Williamstown, Jimmy Day of Domain Day, pictured below, gave one-on-one talks at the cellar door, teaching me about the various innovative wines like saperavi, lagrein and garganega.

Just be sure to allocate more than a weekend for the region as I’m already hankering to return.