This winter, high tea with Martindale Hall and The Merry Wolf inspires gentle ceremony and a shared slowing-down
An Invitation to Gather
The Clare Valley inspires a quiet contemplation. Never was this more apparent than in winter, when its rolling hills and wineries are limned in a gentle beauty. Frayed nerves are soothed; deceleration and reconnection follow. These are all symptoms of the ritual, the art of which Martindale Hall is working to bring back into the gently lit limelight.
The Georgian-style, sandstone mansion is found at Mintaro, just under two hours from Adelaide. Constructed in the 19th century for a wealthy bachelor pastoralist, the sprawling estate was privately owned until 1979 and gained its heritage listing in 1980. Notably, the house served as the set for Appleyard College in Peter Weir’s 1975 adaptation of Picnic at Hanging Rock.
Grand houses can be a challenge to outfit, not just with furnishings, but with inhabitants. Thankfully, Martindale Hall remains in the hands of the state, so it can continue to be enjoyed by the public. However, the house has become something to admire, more than experienced. That is where this high tea experience comes in.
As a natural antidote to the busy mind and an overpacked schedule, a well-considered ritual provides an anchor to the present, oneself and other people. As it happens, very few rituals are as steeped in tradition as the high tea, from the time of the day it is taken to the direction in which a teaspoon is stirred.
By design, this high tea eschews the tone of stuffier events in favour of one that inspires connection. Guests will dine along original dining tables, with vintage crockery, in shared conversation. According to The Merry Wolf’s founder, Jacinta Gibson, it should feel like being invited into someone’s home. To us, the symbiosis is clear. Guests partake in the estate’s fabric; Martindale Hall is a home once again.
In its prime, the house was structured around service and gathering, with a rumoured fourteen full-time staff. Martindale Hall’s high teas draw gently on that history, restoring rhythm and a sense of belonging. Guests can enjoy a considered service, hosted by a certified tea master. A selection of sweet and savoury teatime treats, like sandwiches, pastries, scones, cakes and seasonal fruit, are thoughtfully paired with whole-leaf, organic teas from The Merry Wolf. The local label shares in the desire for belonging over theatrics, and together, the two brands make for a perfectly balanced brew.
Keep an eye on martindalehall.com.au for upcoming dates.
A Natural Pairing
Born in the Barossa, ritual is at the centre of The Merry Wolf’s ethos. The brand was founded by Jacinta Gibson, certified tea master and alumna of the Australian wine industry.
Inspired by a life living and working in the region, The Merry Wolf serves as a counterpoint to modern overstimulation, honouring ritual at its most unhurried. Their range of teas, including familiar breakfast styles and refined Earl Greys, are designed to simplify the morning and offer moments that anchor the day.
At its best, the ritual of a cuppa is highly dependable, creating structure and quiet contemplation. While The Merry Wolf’s blends are elevated, there is no pretension, artificial flavouring or unnecessary complexity. For them, the best magic is the simplest: in this case, carefully sourced tea leaves, locally blended and packaged in elegant, stainless steel tins. The brand also offers thoughtfully designed brewing tools, bringing a grounding weight to any morning routine.
The Merry Wolf finds a natural place on the shelves and in the cupboards of real kitchens, boutique accommodation and thoughtful retailers. For Jacinta, the range responds perfectly to how regional businesses operate. “Great hospitality works because it’s dependable,” she says. “Guests notice when something feels considered, even if they can’t quite put their finger on it.”
Ultimately, the brand is an invitation to return to slow mornings and considered living, offering “a reliable pause before the day takes hold”. Put the kettle on and look forward to grounding your hands, your mind and your tastebuds.
You can shop The Merry Wolf online at sociatea.com.
South Australian Style Magazine 