Tresna L.
Yelp
There's no denying that I love Shaw & Smith's M3 Chardonnay, so to go and drink it at the source was a highlight of a recent trip to the Adelaide Hills. I knew in advance of the $15 tasting fee, which was okay by me because I then knew I wouldn't feel obliged to buy something. I normally always buy something at a tasting, as I visit places that I'm sure I will like and that will offer a selection that I can't buy at my local bottle shop.
In the case of Shaw & Smith, I can buy the M3 just about anywhere so I knew that I wasn't going to buy any there and that the other variatels probably wouldn't rock my world as much (related note: I was surprised to hear that Shaw & Smith sell mostly Sauvignon Blanc! I believe the said he made for 70% of their sales)
At $15 for a generous tasting of four wines matched with cheese this is a great afternoon snack stop. They're pretty flexible if one of your party doesn't want to taste the full range or is driving.
What really sets this tasting experience apart is the gorgeous view. From the moment you arrive, you can set your peepers on rolling hills, carefully manicured lawns, vines and a lake filled with birds. The walk up to the tasting room feels like a procession and to be greeted warmly when opening the door was great. Inside it's all very clean lines, almost clinical, but I liked it as an alternative to the ramshackle wood and rustic charm that we normally experience at cellar doors and enjoyed the minimalist setting for what was a relaxed tasting.