Meet Karen Davis, Cellar Door manager at Vineyard Road Cellar Door. Having worked for 17 years in the public system, Karen saw the light (or was it the wine and chocolate!?) and headed for the stunning vineyards in Langhorne Creek.

You are the Cellar Door Manager of Vineyard Road Cellar Door at Langhorne Creek. How long have you been at Vineyard Road and what inspired you to take on such a role?

I started at Vineyard Road Cellar Door nearly 3 years ago, I moved to Strathalbyn and began working at cellar door just before Christmas in 2017.

Prior to this I worked for the Department of Human Services for 17 years!! In a nutshell it was time for a change. I originally started my career in the hospitality industry and over the years I have worked in hotels, resorts, wine bars, restaurants and smaller wineries. I always loved the work so naturally it was something I was very keen to get back to. When my job was advertised at Vineyard Road Cellar Door the stars aligned and I jumped into it head first, the rest is history.

Chocolates and wine – yep – you’ve got me! What’s your favourite wine in your cellar door and your favourite chocolate? This is a tough question to answer. A little like being asked who is your favourite child? At the moment it has to be our Sangiovese Rosè, perfect for warm summer nights, with beautiful cherry and guava fruit and a dry, crisp finish. As for the chocolate I am a sucker for the Milk Chocolate Honeycomb. It is all hand made with SA honey, and the big pieces are often still a bit gooey in the middle. So good!! My favourite product in the Vasse Virgin range is definitely the Facial cleansers and Facial moisturisers. I love how they make my skin feel. Such a simple yet effective skin routine. 

You live locally. Have you always lived in this part of the Fleurieu?

I was actually born in England and moved to Australia when I was about 7. I grew up in Flagstaff Hill until I moved away in my late teens. I came back with my then boyfriend (now husband) and we built a home together in Mount Barker. We lived there for 10 wonderful years but felt a need to move further out with the increasing development in the area. We now call Strathalbyn home. We love the small town feel, the warmer weather compared to the hills and the central location to the beach and river.

Working in such an industry and location is pretty special. What is it that makes you proud of the place you live and Langhorne Creek as a wine region?

I love that Langhorne Creek is like a well-kept secret. So many are first time visitors to the region discovering first hand what the region has to offer. Visitors to the region are spoilt for choice. We have so much diversity among our cellar doors, all offering their own unique experiences, it is so exciting seeing the region grow.

Working in a cellar door must have its moments (good and bad!), what’s the most memorable?

One thing I will never take for granted at Cellar Door is the abundance of wildlife on our doorstep. After working in the city for so long, seeing animals such as Kangaroo’s, Lizards, Pelicans, Fairy Wrens, Foxes, Hawks and wild parrots on a regular basis is very special. The spiders and flies not so much.

On a more personal note, tell us a little about Karen and what you love to do out of work …. (OK if you prefer not too!!!):

Outside of work I like to keep active and try to make the most of precious days off. You will often find the Davis’ out Mountain Biking, bush walking and most recently Kayaking. We also spend a lot of time up the river and down the beach. We are also excellent home bodies. I am also currently playing summer 7’s Women’s soccer at the Strath Strikers. So much fun!

What is something many locals would not know about you (that you are willing to share!)

I am a massive nerd. I love all things Star Wars and Harry Potter!

YOUR TOP TIPS for the Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island:

Best place to....

· Grab a quick bite: Mother Duck at Goolwa

· Have a more serious feed: Kuti Shack Goolwa

· Get a cuppa: Appleseed and Hammer and Tongs

· Have a beer (or cold drink)…The Commercial or the Vic in Strath or the Wharf Barrel Shed in Goolwa.

· Taste some wine Well of course I’m going to say Vineyard Road Cellar Door…

· Go for a dip…Goolwa Beach, Horseshoe Bay

· Explore nature…Kuitpo Forrest, the mountain bike trails at Prospect Hill, Walks at Petrel Cove and the Bluff.

When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…

· Feel..Relaxed and invigorated

· always make sure I visit… local businesses such as café’s and bakeries and shops.

· stock up on… When out with a family we always stop for an ice-cream somewhere.

My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: 

Go explore! Visit places you have never been to and share your experiences with others.

Any links for further information/social media links for you & your business?

Follow Vineyard Road Cellar Door on FB and Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/vineyardroadcellardoor

https://www.facebook.com/vineyardroadcellardoor