The Barossa Valley is known as Australia’s wine Mecca. Nestled between the hills of Adelaide are some of the oldest wineries in the country. Originally founded by German immigrants in 1842, you’ll find mostly German-style wines here. In fact, twenty percent of all Australian wine is produced here. With picturesque backdrops everywhere you look, it’s no wonder this valley is a top holiday destination. Surrender to a slower pace, embrace the luxury of time and space, and reconnect with the simple pleasures of amazing wine and food.
Welcome to “the Barossa”
Travel 65 kilometers northeast of Adelaide and you’ll find yourself in the Barossa. It’s a region filled with gastronomic delights, with more than 150 different wineries and 80 wineries. Spend your days tasting Shiraz, the local specialty. Walk through the aromatic vineyards and learn about the winemaking process. Savor the flavors of the Barossa at one of the area’s countless award-winning restaurants. Or head to the Farmer’s Market for fresh, locally grown produce.
Indulge 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 a few of the legendary names here.
Tanunda Castle
Don’t miss a visit to Tanunda Castle, one of Australia’s most recognizable buildings and an internationally renowned winery. When built in 1890, it was the largest winery in the Southern Hemisphere and the largest building in South Australia. The majestic winery and its bluestone vineyards are a living testament to the colorful history and pioneering spirit of Australia’s most famous wine region. The atmospheric cellar door, with its massive barrels, also houses the Center des Petits Vignerons de Barossa. With mostly handmade wines from over 20 small producers in the valley.
Seppeltsfield
Situated along Seppeltsfield Road, lined with palm trees, is the monumental bluestone Seppeltsfield Cellar. Fino, the epitome of progressive regional dining in South Australia, is sure to make an impression. Savor a delicious lunch on the European-inspired garden terrace, before visiting the jam factory. A unique center for crafts and design in the Barossa, housed in a historic 1850s stable building that has been completely renovated into craft and design studios, a gallery and shop.
Shiraz
While the Barossa also produces top-notch Cabernets and Grenaches, Shiraz is the star. Home to perhaps the oldest shiraz vines in the world, the Barossa Valley is rightly recognized as one of the best regions for shiraz on Earth. Styles vary, but Barossa Shiraz is generally a full-bodied wine with lovely ripe dark fruit flavors and wonderfully balanced acidity. Richly textured with savory notes of spice, Barossa Shiraz is one of the most recognizable and famous Shiraz in the world.
Torbreck is one of Barossa’s most famous wineries, and their Lumberjack’s Shiraz is a majestic wine. Full of fresh fruit and brilliant youth, this vintage brings opulence and class to the wines. During the London Wine Competition in 2019, the Wild Witch Shiraz of the 2015 vintage from Kellermeister Wines received the award for “best shiraz in the world”.
Things to see and do
Besides enjoying the wine, there is so much more to experience in the Barossa Valley. Visit the Barossa Reservoir Park and its man-made wonder, the Whispering Wall. Try 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 many species of birds.
Fly in a hot air balloon over vineyards, vast meadows and rolling hills at sunrise. Or soak up the views from the Mengler Hill Lookout and take a peek at the Barossa Sculpture Park. Discover the fascinating history of the Herbig family tree, a large hollow red gum tree. Cycle through fruitful vineyards, take a guided tour with a local guide, or simply relax in a luxury spa.
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The Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, Cheese Company and Maggie Beer Farm Shop offer delicious products for the whole family to enjoy. Stroll through the Barossa Farmers Market on a Saturday morning. Based in the historic Yalumba Vintners shed in Angaston, the market offers a quintessentially German vibe. Taste a range of artisan breads, German cold cuts, entrees and coffees and get to know the producers behind the food.
The Louise
For an extraordinary regional dining experience, head to the Appellation at The Louise, recognized as a world-class restaurant in South Australia. 85% of the menu comes from the Barossa Valley, so it’s all about fresh ingredients. Devour carefully prepared dishes paired with boutique local wines as you watch the sun set over the surrounding vineyard. To top it off, spend the night in the luxury lodge which has all the ingredients to rejuvenate you.
Andrew Morten is the founder of A trip down. A Journey DownUnder creates tailor-made, tailor-made trips to Australia and New Zealand.
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