The first thing that I noticed when I arrived at Meadows Country Market was a sense of community. People everywhere were greeting and chatting, unlike other markets in Adelaide where there is more of a sense of purpose emanating from the buyers.
Meadows Country Market in the Adelaide Hills
The Meadows Market is in the
Battunga Country, reached by a pleasant drive through the Adelaide Hills, and the market stalls are sited in and around the Meadows Memorial Hall. It's quite large with a good range of local foods, produce, books, tools, plants and collectibles, and even wine.
Market Stalls With Collectable Cars
My first stop was the BBQ market stall where I quickly consumed a hot dog laced with delicious caramelised onions. Too late, I noticed one of my favourite foods - a saliva inducing variety of
country baked pies from
Bull Creek Bakery. I think I will need to take a trip soon to the Stirling Market where they are also available.
Bull Creek Bakery Pies at the Meadows Market
Another thing that caught my attention was the imaginative range of locally made products blended with Cabernet grapes. They include Cabernet gel with a choice of berry, pear, quince, plum and grape - ideal as an accompaniment for cheese.
Cabernet Grape Products in the Battunga Country
A few tables away Tony Perrini was showcasing his local range of
Perrini Estate wines, with cleanskins available from $39 a dozen. Although not set up for tasting when I visited, I bought a couple of reds to take away and sample. It will be interesting to see how they compare with those from the McLaren Vale region.
Perrini Estate is a small family owned winery located in
Meadows. Started in 1997, they don't sell through retail outlets in Adelaide, preferring instead to concentrate on cellar door sales and a growing export market.
Perrini Estate Wine in the Meadows Memorial Hall
My friend's resistance crumbled when dark chocolate Apricot Snowballs from PJ's Cottage Delights in Strathalbyn were spotted. They were also being sold in a standard chocolate, with the option of a dusting of coconut.
Markets in Adelaide: Dark Chocolate Apricot Snowballs
There were plenty of home made handicrafts on display too, with one lady busily spinning away while waiting to make a sale. Inside the hall other women were happily knitting goods for sale between serving customers.
Working the Spinning Wheel at Meadows Country Market
After leaving the market we had an enjoyable walk around
the town before taking the scenic route back home via Kangarilla, Clarendon, Coromandel Valley, and Blackwood. We'll be back to enjoy the fun things to do at the
Meadows Country Fair.
Cyclamen Plants From the Adelaide Hills
You can find out more about the Meadows Country Market on
their website or follow them
on Facebook.
