Discover the Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is known as Australia‘s wine mecca. Tucked between the rolling hills of Adelaide are some of the oldest vineyards in the country. Originally founded by German immigrants in 1842, you will find mainly German-style wines here. In fact, twenty percent of all Australian wines are produced here. With picturesque backdrops everywhere you look, it’s no wonder that this valley is a prime holiday destination. Surrender to a slower pace, embrace the luxury of time and space and reconnect with each other over the simple pleasures of amazing wine and food.
Welcome to “the Barossa”
Travel 65 kilometres northeast of Adelaide and you’ll find yourself in the Barossa. It is a region filled with gastronomic delights, with more than 150 different wineries and 80 cellar doors. Spend your days sampling Shiraz, the local speciality. Wander around the aromatic vineyards and learn about the process of winemaking. Savour the flavours of the Barossa in one of the countless award-winning restaurants in the region. Or head to the farmer’s market for fresh and locally grown produce.
Treat your senses on a winery tour
The Barossa is home to some of Australia’s most successful wine brands. Jacob’s Creek, Wolf Blass, Henschke, Yalumba and Penfold’s are just some of the legendary names from here.
Château Tanunda
Be sure to visit Château Tanunda, one of the most recognisable buildings in Australia and an internationally acclaimed winery. When constructed in 1890, it was the biggest winery in the southern hemisphere and the biggest building in South Australia. The majestic bluestone winery and vineyards is a living testament to the colourful history and pioneering spirit of Australia’s most famous wine region. The atmospheric cellar door, with its massive barrels, also houses the Barossa Small Winemakers Centre. Featuring mostly handmade wines made by over 20 small producers from the valley.
Seppeltsfield
Located along the palm-lined Seppeltsfield Road is the monumental bluestone winery of Seppeltsfield. Sure to make an impression is Fino, the epitome of progressive regional dining in South Australia. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the European-inspired garden terrace, before taking a tour around the Jam factory. A unique hub for craft and design in the Barossa, housed in a historic 1850s stables building which has been extensively renovated into craft & design studios, a gallery and a shop.
Shiraz
While the Barossa also produces first-rate Cabernet and Grenache, Shiraz is its star. Home to perhaps the world’s oldest Shiraz vines, the Barossa Valley is deservedly recognised for being one of the best regions for Shiraz anywhere on Earth. Styles vary, but Barossa Shiraz is generally full-bodied wine with beautiful ripe, dark fruit flavours and wonderfully balanced acidity. Richly textured with savoury notes of spice, the Barossa Shiraz is among the world’s most recognisable and celebrated Shiraz.
Torbreck is one of Barossa’s most celebrated wineries, and their Woodcutter’s Shiraz is a majestic wine. Full of fresh and bright youthful fruits, this vintage brings an opulence and class to the wines. At the London Wine Competition in 2019, the Wild Witch Shiraz from Kellermeister Wines’ 2015 vintage was awarded ‘World’s Best Shiraz’.
Things to see and do
As well as enjoying wine, there is so much more to discover in the Barossa Valley. Visit the Barossa Reservoir Park and its man-made wonder, the Whispering Wall. Try out your whisper and see if you can be heard on the other side. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos and koalas and plenty of bird species.
Fly in a hot-air balloon over vineyards, vast meadows and rolling hills as the sun rises. Or soak up the views from Mengler Hill Lookout and take a look around the Barossa Sculpture Park. Learn about the fascinating history of the Herbig Family Tree, a large, hollow red gum tree. Cycle through the fruitful vines, take a tour with a local guide or simply relax at a luxury day spa.
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The Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, Cheese Company and the Maggie Beer Farm Shop offer delicious products to be enjoyed by the entire family. Wander down the Barossa Farmers market on a Saturday morning. Based in the historic Yalumba Vintners shed in Angaston, the market offers a distinctly German vibe. Sample a range of artisan breads, German deli style meats, food and coffee and get to know the producers behind the food.
The Louise
For an extraordinary regional dining experience, head to the Appellation at The Louise, recognised as world-class dining in South Australia. 85% of the menu comes from within the Barossa Valley, so it is all about fresh ingredients. Devour thoughtfully curated dishes paired with boutique local wines while you watch the sun set over the surrounding vineyard. To top it all off, stay overnight in the luxury lodge which has all the ingredients to leave you rejuvenated.
Andrew Morten is Founder of A Journey DownUnder. A Journey DownUnder creates bespoke, tailored trips to Australia and New Zealand.
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We’ve only been to Australia once and we had such a packed programme that we didn’t have time to visit the Barossa Valley. Reading this makes me determined to fit it in next time.
It’s over 20 years since we called in on some of Barossa’s vineyards. After all that time I can’t remember where we went. But I do remember that we tried some of the best wines that I’ve ever had. Whenever I’m buying wine now I always try to find a couple of bottles from Barossa to stir those memories.
I had thought that there was something German about some of the Barossa wines. It’s only when I read this post that I really put 2 + 2 together and discovered the influence of the German immigrants.
Surely, if you’re doing a big tour of Australia then you’ve got call in on one of the top wine destinations? I don’t know how the stats could bear me out as I’m not an economics geek, I’m guessing that wine has to be one of Australia’s biggest exports spreading its reputation all around the planet.