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Welcome back to Adelaide Hills Life Weekly Newsletter. This week brings a mix of live music under the gums, world‑class piano in a stunning venue, and a chance to fill your basket with fresh figs from a Hills orchard. We’ve also included a simple home tip to keep things cozy as the seasons shift.

Cranberry Bush – A Tribute to Kate Bush and The Cranberries (Sinclair’s Gully Winery)
As part of the Adelaide Fringe, “Cranberry Bush” brings the music of Kate Bush and The Cranberries to life beneath the candlebark gums at Sinclair’s Gully Winery. Internationally acclaimed performers Siobhán Owen (voice) and Sandi McMenamin (piano) perform favourites like “Wuthering Heights”, “Running Up That Hill”, “Linger” and “Zombie” in an intimate outdoor setting. Bring a picnic, rug up, and enjoy wines available for purchase on site in this uniquely Hills setting.

The Beethoven Sonatas – UKARIA Cultural Centre
Finnish pianist Olli Mustonen is performing nine Beethoven piano sonatas across a series of concerts at UKARIA Cultural Centre as part of the Adelaide Festival. Works include the famous “Appassionata”, “Les Adieux” and “Moonlight” sonatas, all in UKARIA’s superb acoustic. Although these performances are currently listed as sold out, it’s still worth checking for ticket returns if you’re a Beethoven lover—or simply noting UKARIA for future concerts, as it’s one of the real cultural gems of the Hills.

UKARIA’s Gardens and Views
Even if you don’t have tickets to the Beethoven sonatas, UKARIA Cultural Centre is worth knowing about for future events. Set above Mount Barker with sweeping views and beautifully tended gardens, it’s one of those places that feels quietly special. Keep an eye on their program throughout the year—there’s often something on that’s worth the drive.

Fig Picking at Glen Ewin Estate
Fig season is here, and Glen Ewin Estate is offering a family‑friendly “pick your own” experience in their terraced orchard of around 12,000 trees, with five different fig varieties. The season runs from late February through early April, making this the perfect time to head out. Entry is around $5 per person (kids under 12 free), with figs priced per kilo (around $15). After picking, you can relax at the Figbar with local food, wine and their signature Pot & Still Fig Gin, or enjoy all‑day breakfast at the Gatehouse Bar. It’s a classic late‑summer Hills outing.

Glen Ewin Estate – More Than Figs
While fig picking is the headline attraction at Glen Ewin, it’s also a lovely spot just to sit and take in the surrounds with something to eat or drink. Between the Figbar, the signature Fig Gin and the Gatehouse Bar’s all‑day breakfast, you can easily turn a quick picking visit into a relaxed half‑day outing. If you enjoy it, it’s the kind of place to bring visitors back to as a “very Adelaide Hills” experience.

Restaurant of the Week – Howard Vineyard, Nairne

Howard Vineyard is one of those places that feels relaxed and “very Hills” but still special enough for a proper outing. Set just outside Nairne, it’s an easy stop if you’re heading past or visiting family nearby.

The cellar door and restaurant sit among lawns and gum trees, with plenty of space to linger over lunch or a tasting. It’s a good choice for long, shared meals, a lazy weekend catch‑up, or taking visitors somewhere that shows off Adelaide Hills wine and scenery in one hit. If you haven’t turned in off the main road yet, it’s worth planning a visit next time you’re heading through Nairne.

Check Your Gutters Before the Rains Arrive
As we edge closer to cooler, wetter weather, it’s a good time to give your gutters and downpipes a quick once‑over. Leaves and debris build up easily under Hills trees, and blocked gutters can lead to overflowing water, damp patches on walls and even damage to eaves and fascias.

A simple checklist for the next fine weekend:

If you spot cracks, rotten timber or areas that look beyond a quick clean, it’s worth getting a local tradie to take a look before the heavy rain returns. If you need a pointer to the right person, just hit reply and we’ll help where we can.

Thanks again for reading Adelaide Hills Life Weekly.

If you head to any of these events—or discover another great outing, cafe, winery or walk—reply to this email and tell us about it. We love hearing local recommendations, and we may feature them in a future issue. And if you know someone who lives in the Hills or visits often, feel free to forward this on so they can subscribe too.