Nestled in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, Sensory House invites visitors on an extraordinary journey through the senses. Created by acclaimed winemaker and distiller Rose Kentish, this cellar door experience is much more than a tasting room. It is a personal project weaving together decades of craft, connection, and creativity.
Rose believes that the true uniqueness of a place reveals itself through the senses. “The scents of botanicals from gardens and farms drift through the air, blend into food and drink, and linger on the skin,” she explains. “These scents and flavors are truly memorable.”
At Sensory House, every product—from wine to spirits to liqueurs and soon fragrances—tells a story deeply rooted in the land and its people.
A Journey from Vine to Spirit
Rose’s journey began in her husband Sam’s family vineyard in McLaren Vale. “I could imagine the taste of the wine, but I needed to learn the science behind winemaking,” she recalls. Balancing raising four children, she studied winemaking by night and learned from a skilled technical winemaker by day.
In 2010, a life-changing move to France took her to Provence and Corsica, where she first encountered distilling. This experience inspired her return to the Adelaide Hills and the founding of Full Circle Spirits.
“I wanted to share my excitement about South Australia through spirits and liqueurs,” Rose says. “It has been an incredible journey.”
The Star of the Cellar Door: Fig Liqueur from Kangaroo Island
One standout product is Rose’s fig liqueur, crafted from fruit harvested from a century-old fig tree on Kangaroo Island. This resilient tree survived fire and continues to flourish by the sea.
Rose describes her process: “I pick the figs, char them on the stove, then add them to the wine with special honey and spices. It’s a small-batch liqueur that truly captures the rugged essence of the land.”
Sustainability at the Heart of the Craft
Full Circle Spirits embraces sustainability in every step. Rose is launching a “recycle and reuse” program to encourage customers to return bottles and corks for refills at discounted prices.
“Full Circle is about seasonality and mindful use of resources,” she says. “We forage in bulk, use excess produce, and recycle our bottles wherever possible.”
Beyond Tasting: A Space to Play and Learn
Sensory House offers more than traditional tastings. Visitors can engage in cocktail classes, food pairings, masterclasses, and storytelling sessions designed to deepen sensory awareness.
“Words are powerful,” Rose notes. “I want people to enjoy the sensory experience on a deeper level.”
Upcoming Fragrance Collection: Connecting Memory and Place
Later this year, Sensory House will unveil its final sensory element: a fragrance collection. Drawing on perfumery studies in Grasse, France, Rose has crafted personalized scents for years.
“I’m launching fragrances that explore memory and our connection to ‘place’ in a new way,” she reveals. “I can’t wait to share this with visitors.”
Rooted in Community and Heritage
Located in Hahndorf, Sensory House benefits from a rich community spirit close to Rose’s heart. “My mum lived in Hahndorf, and my late dad was a passionate community leader,” she shares. “The locals care deeply about their town, and I’m honoured to contribute through Sensory House.”
An Invitation to Savor Beauty and Craft
Whether you are a wine lover, cocktail enthusiast, or seeker of beautiful and thoughtful experiences, Sensory House offers an authentic, handcrafted adventure. With products carefully crafted from South Australian terroir and beyond, this destination leaves a lasting impression long after your last sip.
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