Review of accommodation at Honeysuckle Rise, one of our cottages, from Trip Advisor, 30 January 2010

Discover the joys of the Coonawarra whilst staying in the middle of a working vineyard. Coonawarra is one of Australia’s oldest wine growing regions. An isolated 15 kilometres strip of extra ordinary terra rossa (rich red loam over limestone) that produces sublime wines.

Honeysuckle Rise Cottage is situated in the centre of Highbank vineyard. Host and winemaker Dennis Vice has created luxury self catering accommodation for wine lovers. This stone cottage is sited next to two massive red gums (estimated to be over 300 years old).

There are many places where guests can relax - the beautiful garden; the sheltered outdoor entertainment areas; inside with the high cathedral ceiling with exposed beams; the lounge area with a huge stone open fireplace; the mezzanine sleeping area (there is also provision for sleeping downstairs if you can’t cope with stairs); and the shower and spa that look onto a private courtyard garden. There are spectacular views of the vineyard from all windows but the view from the French doors in the lounge area is especially captivating – the doors and overhead arch frame the two magnificent red gums against the backdrop of the vineyard.

The magpies, blue wrens, rosellas, and willy wagtails have all found homes in the gum trees or garden and the mornings and evenings are filled with their enchanting bird calls.

Enjoying the wines of the Highbank with our meals added to the pleasure of our stay. Dennis produces a stylish cabernet/merlot/cabernet franc blend of finesse and length. Guests are able to buy this wine at a substantial discount. An aromatic viognier from Dennis’s Adelaide Hills vineyard is also on offer - try it for a languid lunch or with your Asian stir fry.

The facilities include a gas BBQ and we strongly recommend that guests make themselves known to DJ & CA Meek Butchers – try their wonderful aged beef that is full of flavor and melts in your mouth, or their award winning sausages and salami. There are also a number of excellent local restaurants and we can recommend Fodders, opposite Wynns’ Winery – they produce delicious and creative dishes from local produce including “gourmet” woodfired pizzas.

After two nights at Highbank you will feel like you have been away for a week.

Trip Advisor member name Oz-Melb.

You can read this review online at Trip Advisor.