Greg and I always love a short break from our hectic work life. And when it comes to a weekend getaway to spice our relationship a bit, why not head up to the greenery hills in the shade of tall trees along the road? We can whisper our thoughts in the silent night underneath the stars. And what would be more romantic than cuddling in bed with a glass of great wine and being surrounded by nature?
It was a wedding gift from Greg’s cousin. They wanted us to spend a couple nights at this romantic little Airbnb place situated on the edge of Kuitpo forest, Dingabledinga and explore their beautiful neighbourhood.
Getting romantic nights at the Acorn Nook
It’s only 50 minutes from Adelaide city by Southern Express before turning off on Victor Harbor Road through McLaren Vale. Or we prefer to go on Princess Highway through Hahndorf and the scenic country landscape on Echunga Road, then pass Meadows and turn into Lazy Ballerina on Brookman Road.
As you drive through an alleyway, you will see lovely gardens that are part of the Lazy Ballerina winery. Then slowly to their backyard, next to the big gumwood roundabout, there is the Nook surrounded by Oak trees.
This tiny rustic house was sustainably designed with less is more wabi-sabi principles, though equipped cosily with a comfy queen bed, bathroom in a perfect size, kitchen including outdoor bbq facility, and bathtub on the veranda. After we had a warm chat with Greg’s cousin, it was almost dark. We wandered around and found a little dam next to the Nook. We saw a reflection of a golden light shining at the end of the sky above the forest.
It’s a simple thing but makes me feel happy inside. And when it got dim, we went back to the room unpacked, I just let my body sink into the bed and looked over the door to all trees surrounded. It’s the best feeling ever.
It’s absolutely a perfect place for your next romantic weekend getaway with your loved one or even just shutting down from the world to unwind and recharge yourself. So let’s drive to the hills, unpack your worries, soak in a warm bathtub on the veranda, put the music on and imbibe wines.
You can surprise your partner or reward yourself by booking the Acorn Nook via Airbnb.
Lazy Ballerina
Walking in the pathway divided by a beautiful garden led us to the main cellar door and reception building to say hi to their friendly staff. Lazy Ballerina was started in 2004 and named after a wine-growing technique. James and Miriam are a knowledgeable couple who run this family friendly cellar doors and restaurant. And their wines, which are only available on-site or online, are incredible. I can just grab the NV Sparkling Shiraz and spend the whole night filling up my glass in the hot tub, watching steam dancing in the cold fresh air.
If you have the same dream as me, you have to come on the weekend during the open hour between 12 – 2 pm and stay at the Acorn Nook. Or just pop up for wine tasting, and they can also feed you for lunch on their impressive plantation displays with plenty of shady outdoor space or cosy fires marquee for winter time.
Explore Mount Campus, breakfast, gift shop, second-hand shop
We woke up fresh in bed, seeing a tiny blue wren knocking at the door. It’s the most fantastic thing to start the day ever. That moment made me want to take it easy and just absorb the little moments during the day.
Heading to Mount Compass in the morning on the damp road twinkling with the sunshine from the blue sky above, windows down with the songs of birds. We then pulled off at the Dish on Fleurieu for breakfast. I had the smoked salmon bagel and a cup of mocha on their balcony in their backyard with the mountain ranges in the background. Greg needed something a bit more than me, so he had bacon and eggs with extra mushrooms, halloumi and hot chai.
We went to the park nearby for a walk when we filled up our energy. It’s a little path wiggling around swamps in the back of shops. After that, we checked the local stores. Next to the café, we had breakfast. It was sad to see the Mt Compass Gourmet Country Butchers ruined by fire in June 2022 though they reopened now. Well done to the owner! Two blocks away from that was the Flowers Plants and Stuff shop, which has so much, and we got a little plant from them. I can’t think of which one. Probably the one already died out last summer.
Anyway, skip that tumour memory, across the road from all the shops was the Mount Compass Op Shop. Greg loves spying his eyes on this kind of stuff. And I think the Op Shop, especially in the country, has a lot of rare items and is much cheaper than the city one. We got three books and a jumper for less than $10, see how cheap it is.
Stop at the beach
We left Mouth Compass around midday and drove around the hills with no destination set. It was such a beautiful drive. Ups and downs hills, and because it’s winter, everywhere looks so green.
I remembered the conversation with Greg in the car about life in the country. He told me his childhood stories, growing up on a farm in Padthaway, South Australia. It sounded like he had good memories with places and family. He always amazed me that he could remember it all.
As the conversation was fascinating, we ended up somewhere between Seaford Beach and Moana beach. I have actually been here once to visit a friend who lives in Moana. But I haven’t had a good look at the beach that day. The highlight for me is The Trough Stairs, where I feel like walking from the cliff to the ocean.
Have a wine tasting at Paxton
On the way back to the Acorn Nook, we stopped at Paxton. You can’t come to McLaren Vale and leave with no tasting experience!
The original shearing shed from the 1850s has now become the stunning historic stone cellar door. It was busy with a big group and people that came and went. We escaped the crowd to sit on the terrace in the back with the view of their own vineyards in a small valley.
I’m not a wine expert, but from their tastings list, I can tell that they have a wide range of choices that express their expertise in their craft. And you can’t miss the opportunity to experience this family own estate vineyards at the gateway to McLaren Vale.
I still feel warm and nice every time thinking about those two days. It was such a romantic weekend getaway ever, no rushing, no crowds. Just the conversation between the two of us in the forest, fresh weather, cosy bed and a glass of red wine. I hope you’ll enjoy your journey as you follow our routes or even make it more memorable yourself in this area.