Kapunda, located near Barossa Valley, is a charming little town and worthy of a road trip. It was established as a mining town in 1839 but these days is endearingly quirky thanks to unique watering holes, boutique accommodation, and wine events. The one-hour drive from Adelaide that takes you past some of the state’s most interesting wineries and creative spaces. Add these to your list.

Fire up your car of choice and head north from the CBD, making time for brunch at Greenock’s El Estanco, a South American eatery serving some of the best pastries in South Australia. On Saturdays, it’s all about the bottomless brunch (and Bloody Marys). Expect chorizo, Swiss cheese, salsa and aji Amarillo with your fried egg. A great, adventurous wine list and great Charlie Black coffee rounds off the experience.

Just a three-minute drive away you’ll find Alkina Wine Estate, home to organic and biodynamic vineyards, wine and tasting experiences that delve deep into the earth on which they grow. The new cellar door is a delight. Take a seat in the sun-soaked courtyard and imbibe estate wines (or an impressive international offering) with what is arguably one of the best charcuterie platters in SA. During the week, gourmet toasties fill hearts and bellies and on weekends, there’s a long lunch option that makes use of the kitchen garden.

Next, head straight for Kapunda where the little town’s charming old buildings beg to be photographed. As backdrops go, it all feels very outback Australia but Coven Wine Room on the main street is anything but. The rustic space is strung with dried foliage under which locals sip Drifter Wine Co. drops by winemaker Jeremy Ottawa (who also makes the good stuff for Chateau Tanunda) and a small but lovely snack menu. The focus here is heartfelt and local. Greenock Brewers Beer, spirits, Mischief Brew sodas, tea and coffee tick all the boxes. The BYO vinyl is a nice touch.

After a day of exploration rest your head at the jaw-dropping Station at Kapunda, luxury accommodation in an 1860s train station. Owner Bridget Kimber (who also co-owns Coven Wine Room) fell in love with the space and moved from Melbourne to transform it. The pool alone is worth a visit. Stay a night or make the most of the three-day Winemaker in Residence program which includes The Station, all meals (including chef-prepared dinners with matched wines), and wine experiences. These are wildly popular so book ahead. The Station at Kapunda also hosts murder mysteries. Quirky South Australia at its best.

Before leaving town, grab a few happy snaps at Kapunda’s Gundry’s Hill Lookout where the panorama takes in Light Country’s farmland, rolling hills and the iconic Kapunda chimney stacks.

On the way home, lunch at Fino Seppeltsfield can’t be beat. Make sure you leave time to peruse the JamFactory at Seppeltsfield artist studios where creative types make works of art in what was once 1850s stables. Book far enough ahead and you can make your own knife with Gardner Knives. Barry Gardner’s little workshop has to be seen to be believed.