In uncertain times, a holiday here is often the safest bet, and South Australia brims with opportunities – like the unique Spirit of the Stag venison farm day tours. Embark on a food journey like no other.
Well, despite all of our hopes, it seems that holidaying at home is still very much a thing. But worry not, South Australia has plenty to offer when it comes to a holiday here – and a day trip to a deer farm in the Adelaide Hills is a truly special experience.
Spirit of the Stag day tours, at Hahndorf Venison’s Highland Valley Deer Centre is little more 1/2 hour from Adelaide, but a world away from city life. These small group tours offer visitors a first hand look at commercial deer production.
Venison is something that many may not be familiar with on their plate, but it’s a lean and delicious red meat that is farmed here with all care and responsibility to environmental concerns, animal welfare, and supporting the natural behaviour of these elegant beasts.
Your holiday here day tour kicks off with a 4WD loop around the 40 or so acres of this beautiful property, where you’ll see six different species of deer and antelope, living naturally in their individual groups. You’ll be able to get quite up-close-and-personal with them as they feed, and even the magnificent stag will graciously make himself available for the obviously essential Insta shots.
You’ll stop for a break at the most idyllic picnic spot, where you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of local Adelaide Hills wine and a snack of some of the delicious premium Hahndorf Venison cured products, before carrying on to learn about the challenges and rewards inherent in the production of venison.
The bottom row of antlers on the board above are successive annual antlers shed by one single stag.
Once back in the cosy shed, in front of a roaring fire, your holiday here day tour includes a three-course venison lunch. This is accompanied by more of the delicious and locally grown Mordrelle Wines, an exceptional Hahndorf-based and family-owned boutique winery.
Your meal will finish off with an introduction to the rapidly rising star of the Hahndorf Venison range, 100 Years – The Spirit of the Stag. This new, exclusive liqueur is a beguiling blend of locally produced mead and antler velvet, which has been used and revered in traditional Chinese medicine for 1,000s of years.
Male deer grow new antlers every year and each new growth is covered in this soft velvet-like tissue. A regenerative product, antler velvet is humanely harvested, under strict veterinary supervision. It is said to be helpful in a wide range of medical conditions and, thoughtfully blended in this unique liqueur, the velvet lends healing properties and ancient aromatics to 100 Years – The Spirit of the Stag.
Spirit of the Stag day tours are an utterly South Australian unique holiday here experience, and one that will take you on a food journey like no other.
Bookings essential, tours are not conducted in the fire danger season. Check out their website for all the details.
Lambs’ Ears was a guest of Spirit of the Stag for this day tour.
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