Sip from a glass of local wine, nibble from a grazing platter and take a walk through a venue which celebrates an icon — this is the unique tourism, food and wine experience awaiting visitors to the Wolf Blass Gallery and Museum.

A new jewel in the crown of Hahndorf’s main street, in the Adelaide Hills, the carefully restored building was once home to Hahndorf’s Schoolhouse and later the State Bank.

The exclusive venue has been thoughtfully renovated and features a cooperage, function space and large bar where guests can enjoy local wine, cheese and tapas.

It is an ideal location for group bookings and events, for the private and corporate sectors, and is just a 30-minute drive up the freeway from Adelaide.

Visitors can see a display of Wolf Blass’s private collection, including photographs and other items collected throughout his celebrated career, while wines are available to buy in the gallery, by the glass or bottle, to drink at the venue or to takeaway.

Mr Blass said the Wolf Blass Gallery and Museum — which saw the interior designed and decorated by his wife, Shirley Nyberg-Blass — was created to provide visitors with a unique tourism and food and wine offering.

“It took three years for this project to come to fruition and we wanted to design a truly unique space which celebrates our past, with a clear focus on our future,” Mr Blass said.

“The gallery and museum is proving to be a drawcard for tourists, whether they are local, national or international visitors.

“We hope people feel like they are coming into our home and enjoying a special food, wine and tourism experience, like no other.”

Guests who visit the gallery can choose a delicious wine and pair it with a tasty dish such as sautéed Chorizo and prawns with preserved lemon, a platter or a cheese plate.

A carefully curated list features Wolf’s own specially selected wine range under the Museum Selection label as well as a beer list supporting local breweries.

Mr Blass said the venue is the perfect mix of old and new — a celebration of the rich history of the Wolf Blass brand, with a modern twist.

“We think it’s a brilliant venue for events and its address, in Hahndorf, adds to its appeal,” he said.

“There is historic charm in this building and its bright and airy redesign has made it inviting and welcoming.

“We also have more plans in the pipeline and look forward to continually expanding our offering into an alfresco area.”

One such plan is to curate exclusive food and wine events and create a loyalty club for regular customers.

With a 60-year career to draw from, Mr Blass was able to source many artefacts, memorabilia and photographs to add to the gallery and museum’s collection.

His love of sport is also on display and showcases a passion for horse-racing, football, cricket and skiing.

While Ms Nyberg-Blass focused on interiors in the building, renowned local John Ashcroft, of Beyond Ink, worked on the design.

“We are thrilled to be able to welcome people to the gallery and museum and give them an experience they cannot find anywhere else,” Mr Blass added.

“Wine and food is such a critical part of South Australia’s tourism industry and we believe we have created a venue that takes pride of place alongside other tourism icons.

“It’s a joy to be able to share our history, and look to the future, with visitors from all over the world.”

The Wolf Blass Gallery and Museum is open Monday and Thursday, between 11am and 5pm, and from 11am to 7pm Friday to Sunday.

WHERE: 62 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf