25/09/2026
What an absolute visionary. ❤️ I came into the family business in 2018.
By then, Kies Family Wines had already been operating for longer than I’d been alive, and one of the things Mum had done along the way was start this funny little place called the Monkey Nut Café.
Her thinking was actually pretty simple.
The Barossa had incredible fine dining. Wineries had beautiful platters.
But Mum saw this massive space somewhere in between.
A place where you could spend an afternoon at a w**ery, eat really good food and enjoy a glass of Barossa w**e, without it needing to be a special occasion or a fine dining experience.
And man, did she cop some heat for it.
There was feedback that we weren't doing w**e tourism “properly”. People made jokes about the name Monkey Nut Café, a name that actually has an incredibly heartfelt family story behind it.
There were tough years financially and plenty of reasons to change direction.
But Mum stuck to her guns.
Because underneath the café was a much bigger idea about what hospitality should look like.
Don't have a massive budget for lunch?
No worries. Come in. Our regular meals are capped at $26.
Got the kids in the car?
Excellent. Let me show you the enclosed lawns, the games and the Kids Tree they can climb.
Turned up with a big group?
The more the merrier. We'll work it out.
Don't know much about w**e?
Who cares? Come and have a glass anyway. Ask us anything. There are no silly questions here.
Her philosophy was basically:
If you've come to visit the Barossa, you deserve to feel like you belong here.
That's Tina.
That's the culture she built.
So seeing the Monkey Nut Café named a finalist in the 2026 South Australian Tourism Awards feels particularly special.
Because to me, this is recognition of a different kind of w**ery experience.
One that's relaxed and friendly.
One without the w**e jargon or intimidation.
One where you don't need a huge budget.
And one where the whole family is genuinely welcome.
Turns out Mum might have been onto something all those years ago. ❤️
And now there is one thing I'd really, really love to give her.
A vote of recognition for the tourism philosophy she stuck by when it wasn't always popular.
The Tourism Awards also have a People's Choice Award, and we're up against all the other finalists.
So if you've ever visited us and felt welcome...
If you've brought your kids and loved that they could just be kids...
If you've come for an affordable lunch, arrived with a big group, asked a w**e question and felt heard, or simply felt like there was a place for you here...
I'd absolutely love it if you voted for the Monkey Nut Café.
Because honestly, imagine Mum's face.
After the criticism, the jokes and the tough years when she could have changed direction...
Imagine if, in the end, the people chose her. 🥹
I can't think of a more fitting recognition of what she's spent all these years trying to create, a place where everyone feels welcome.
I'll pop the People's Choice voting link below if you'd like to help us give her that moment. ❤️ Once you have voted if you could comment so I can thank you properly i'd be super grateful. 🥹
And Mum, regardless of what happens from here, what an absolute visionary you are. 🥹 I literally have tears rolling down my face writing this.
Congratulations to our incredible Monkey Nut Café team too, who bring that vision to life every single day. The best of the best!
We're finalists thanks to all of you!! 🥹⭐️
