Images: Jauma Farm (website)
On 40 acres of hillside land, between the cherry orchards and vines of Peramangk Country, something beautiful has been quietly taking shape. A once-farm cottage has been transformed into the new Jauma Farm Cellar Door, and it’s opening just in time for summer.
James and Sophie Erskine – farmers, winemakers, community-builders – have long championed natural wine in South Australia. Their Living Jauma wines, made from organically grown grapes in McLaren Vale and crafted in the Hills without additives, fining or filtration, have a cult-like following. Since taking over the land in 2018, the pair have fostered a thriving community, culminating each year at their Jaumafest, the family-friendly cherry celebration of fruit picking, live music, kids running wild, and straight vibes.
The fest is taking a hiatus this year, but only because that same spirit of community now has a permanent cellar door home. A “cosy space to share wine, stories and connection with land and community,” they describe it. Hand-crafted furniture, vinyl spinning on the stereo, a sunny verandah to sip on, fireplaces for when the Hills chill settles in, all designed to slow down.
“Settle in, enjoy the view…This is a space for conversation, connection, and experiencing wine as something living,” they shared.
The space will host seated guided tastings that are intentionally unhurried – “an invitation to settle down and taste at your own pace,” they said. Six wines, $20, and a selection of new releases, favourites and “farm only treats.” Curiosity is highly encouraged. The experience shares stories from the farm and the cellar, questions about regenerative farming, and a deeper look into the character of each harvest. And, depending on the season, you might wander out and pluck cherries straight from the orchard or pick up eggs, flowers or veg from the produce stand inside.
The cellar door is every bit the cosy Hills hideaway. As soon as you drive in, past the big red gates, down a farm path, and pull up at the charming front door, you’re immediately transported into ambient, whimsical bliss. Timber, eclectic artwork, wooden beams, and ambient warm lights fill the space. They’ve nailed the design brief, and you could easily accidentally spend an entire day here.
The community seem to agree. Already, there’s a swell of comments online calling it “cute as a button!!”, “So, so gorgeous!”, and “you did such a good job.”
The official opening weekend runs Friday through Sunday, December 19–21, and after that, Saturdays are yours. No food just yet, though come late January, expect seasonal produce platters and fresh-baked goods to join the experience.
Jauma Farm’s cellar door is the next come-as-you-are spot for a good drop, good views, and no rush. It’s the perfect antidote to holiday season stress, and there’s a very good chance you’ll leave with a couple of bottles and plans to come back before you’ve even reached the car.
“Our cellar door creates a complete circle from farm to table,” the team shared. “As a family-operated farm and winery, it brings us great joy to welcome you here in celebration of organic farming, living wine and the growing community who bring it all together.”
All the details – accessibility, membership perks through the Living Wine Collective, and winery action up close during harvest – are laid out on the website here.
Jauma Farm Cellar Door
When: Opening weekend (19-21 December) 12pm-5pm, Saturdays 12pm-5pm thereafter
Where: 677 Mawson Rd, Lenswood
@jaumafarm
