There’s something magic about a road trip in winter — misty hills, moody coastlines and the promise of a slow-cooked meal waiting at the end. Just under an hour from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula comes into its own during the cooler months, with fires crackling, local wines flowing and seasonal menus that celebrate the region’s rich produce. Whether it’s a long lunch among the vines, a cosy pub roast or a decadent degustation, these seven winter feasts are more than meals — they’re reasons to make the drive.
24 Jun 2025
It's Hot Chocolate Season: Here's Where To Get Your Fix
Best Hot Chocolate Spots on the Fleurieu Peninsula
Bracegirdle’s House of Fine Chocolate – McLaren Vale
Bracegirdle’s is a pilgrimage for chocolate lovers — and rightly so. Their McLaren Vale café sits amongst vines and cellar doors, but once you step inside, the air turns sweet and warm. The hot chocolate here is made with real Belgian chocolate, melted down to a glossy pour. It's rich, but never overpowering, and best enjoyed alongside one of their handmade truffles or while watching the rain streak down the big glass windows.
Try this if you like: A chocolate experience that borders on luxurious — velvety, decadent, and beautifully presented.
Wistow on High – Strathalbyn
Up in Strath, where the streets still hum with heritage and the pace slows, Wistow on High is a country gem. Their hot chocolate arrives in pastel-hued mugs, generous and aromatic, often topped with whipped cream and marshmallows. But what makes it special is the setting — vintage crockery, locally sourced sweet treats, and that unmistakable small-town warmth. It feels like being let into someone’s very stylish lounge room.
Best paired with: A stroll through Strath’s antique shops, or a homemade scone (yes, they do those too).
Caffé on Bungala – Normanville
There’s something grounding about a winter morning in Normanville — the sea just beyond the trees, early light on Bungala Park, and a steaming cup in hand. Caffé on Bungala serves a hot chocolate that’s honest, comforting, and made with love. Their courtyard is leafy in summer, but in winter it’s all about snagging a cosy indoor table near the windows and watching the locals roll in for breakfast.
Perfect after: A brisk beach walk or cold-water swim with the Whitecaps crew (if you're brave).
Belicious Waffle House & Tea Room – Inman Valley
If there were ever a fairytale stop in the middle of a quiet valley road, this is it. Belicious is all charm — floral teapots, hand-painted signage, and steaming mugs of real hot chocolate that’s creamy and nostalgic, with just a hint of European flair. The waffles are a must, of course, but the hot choc steals the show on a winter’s day, warming you from the inside out as kookaburras laugh in the gum trees outside.
Extra delight: Their Belgian-style hot chocolate comes in several flavours (hello, hazelnut).
The Flour Store – Port Noarlunga
This sunny café near the coast knows how to do comfort — and their hot chocolate is no exception. Using rich couverture chocolate blended to smooth perfection, it’s served in earthy ceramics that feel good in your hands. Whether you’re tucking into a croissant or watching the surf roll in, The Flour Store offers a beautiful pause in your day, especially when the skies turn grey.
Insider tip: Sit near the window with a good book — it’s the ultimate solo winter moment.
A Little Winter Ritual on the Fleurieu
There’s more to hot chocolate than taste. It’s the ritual: cupped hands, breath on steam, stories shared over mugs. It’s what brings people in from the cold, into cafés where time slows down and the world feels a little softer.
On the Fleurieu Peninsula, each hot chocolate tells a different story — of place, of people, of craft. So this winter, follow the cocoa-scented trail. Take the detour. Make it a ritual. Because sometimes, the best way to explore is one warm sip at a time.