Blewitt Springs: Heritage, Wine and Nature

Blewitt Springs brings together three very different themes: the ruins of the former Tintara winery, wine tastings at Ox Hardy Wines and the Woodstock Wildlife Sanctuary. The contrast is useful when planning your trip: structural remains, an arranged wine tasting and natural bushland with native wildlife appeal to different interests. This lets you shape your stay around heritage, wine or nature, rather than associating Blewitt Springs with just one theme.

A former winery as a heritage site

The ruins of the former Tintara winery in Blewitt Springs are classified as a Local Heritage Place. They include several tanks as well as remains of walls and foundations. The complex was built into a hillside; several slate storage tanks, a round brick domed tank and two elliptical stone tanks have been preserved. Slate, brick and stone, along with round and elliptical forms, give the site a varied architectural character. This makes the heritage aspect tangible: the historical significance of the ruins comes not only from the name of the former winery, but also from the variety of surviving structures.

Wine tastings by appointment

At Ox Hardy Wines, a wine tasting is the main attraction. It is offered by prior arrangement and hosted by winemaker Andrew “Ox” Hardy. Arrange your visit with the provider in advance. This is a different approach from exploring the winery ruins: here, making a specific appointment is part of the experience, while the surviving architectural features are what give the ruins their cultural appeal. If the wine tasting is a key reason for choosing Blewitt Springs, factor the appointment into your plans rather than assuming you can drop in spontaneously.

Nature at Woodstock Wildlife Sanctuary

Woodstock Wildlife Sanctuary covers three hectares of natural bushland on the Woodstock estate and is dedicated to showcasing native Australian animals. The three hectares indicate the size of the bushland area; showcasing native animals defines its focus. This adds a different perspective to the ruins and wine tasting: the emphasis is on bushland and native wildlife. The distinction is clear when choosing a trip. The sanctuary offers a connection with nature that differs from built heritage and the wine experience that requires an appointment.

Tailor your stay to your interests

When looking for a holiday rental in Blewitt Springs, it makes sense to start by asking what kind of trip you want. If heritage interests you most, the tank shapes and wall remains offer a clear point of reference. If you want to include a wine tasting, account for the advance appointment as a specific planning requirement. If nature is the deciding factor, the sanctuary’s bushland and displays of native animals are the best fit. If you have several interests, it helps to rank them, since each involves different planning needs.

Explore more destinations

Whites Valley, Flagstaff Hill, Old Reynella, Christies Beach, Moana, Hackham, Kangarilla, Happy Valley

For the broader travel guide: City of Onkaparinga.