For Kym Masters, the journey to becoming a cheese maker took on an interesting path. Originally hailing from the grain paddocks of the Eyre Peninsula, Kym had a successful corporate career before ditching the suit to forge his way as a cheese maker.

Now under his label Section 28, he has handcrafted a range of alpine-style cheeses using traditional methods with milk sourced from local dairy farmers. Recognition for his talents are pouring in, with Section 28 winning two prestigious champion titles at the 2018 Australian Grand Dairy Awards.

Live like a local

Just a short drive from the Section 28 factory is Woodside Providore, a firm favourite of Kym and his family. And as champion of the local food movement, you’ll find a selection of Section 28 cheeses available here. “Woodside Providore is my go-to coffee place in the Hills, but also when I work in our factory on the weekends, I will often meet my wife and our two sons there for a family breakfast. It has amazing breakfasts and brilliant coffee, a fabulous atmosphere, lovely staff and food. Their homemade scones with jam and cream are to die for!”

The spectacular Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens provide abundant opportunities for the Masters family, all year round. This park boasts walking trails, sprawling gardens an even its own artwork collection across almost 100 hectares. “I love to get lost on any number of the random walking trails and then have a family picnic on the lawn below the main lake with my family.

I love the autumn foliage around the main lake when it’s at its brightest and most vivid. Every time we visit, there are dramatic seasonal changes or we discover a new part of the garden. Make sure you pack a picnic and visit again and again.”

Just a short drive from Stirling is Deviation Road, a winery and cellar door that Kym loves to visit with his wife, Joanne. “For me, they have two (or possibly three) of my favourite Australian sparkling wines, one of which is their Beltana Blanc de Blancs. I love having a glass of sparkling and an Adelaide Hills produce platter on the deck with my wife. Deviation Road also host masterclasses with their winemakers to guide you through their wines. They are very popular and sell out quickly, so get in quick!”

Kym is just one of several artisan cheese makers who call the Hills home. Also look out for Udder Delights in Hahndorf and Woodside Cheesewrights.

Look out for the new Adelaide Hills Visitor Guide for more information about what to see, do, taste and experience in the region. Read online or on your device here.