The Barossa Valley is Australia’s high achieving haven for foodies and gastronomes. Carrying almost a quarter of the country’s wine reputation on a relatively compact stretch of rolling hillsides, the region actually consists of a cluster of towns (Nuriootpa, Tanunda, Rowland Flat and Lyndoch) surrounded by over 50 vineyards. But whether you know your Shiraz from your Semillon, there’s plenty to explore, enjoy and educate. Here’s how to get started …
The Barossa is an easily accessible 1 hour and 20 minute drive from the centre of Adelaide via the Port Wakefield Road and Northern Expressway to Tanunda, although many travellers take the slow way round via the scenic route of North East Road through Chain of Ponds to Williamstown. Or take the daily bus service from LinkSA, connecting to the Barossa via the Gawler Railway Station.
When it comes to getting your head around Australia’s wine mecca it pays to start at the top, or in Barossa’s case, the oldest. Seppeltsfield is home to arguably the most historic collection of vintages in the country inviting visitors to enjoy a sample of wines made at important moments in time, such as when the Titanic sank (1912) or when Elvis Presley died (1977) on the Moments in History Tour.
The Barossa Valley’s rolling hills and endless rows of vines are certainly hypnotic from the road but appreciating it from the sky is a whole other experience. Both Barossa Valley Ballooning and Balloon Adventures know this well and have been taking daredevil gastronomes on flights of fancy daily for over a decade. And when it’s time to come back down to earth travellers are invited to slowly acclimate back to reality over a gourmet champagne breakfast.
Travellers timing their visit to coincide with the annual Barossa Vintage Festival better gird their stomachs with the five-day celebration serving up a smorgasbord of events each tailored to tell the story of the Barossa region through the power of taste, sight and sound. Think high teas, long lunches, live music and, of course, wine tasting galore.
But those that miss the large-scale festivities can still revel in all the charm of local life at the regular Barossa Farmers Market, run every Saturday at Vintners Sheds, Angaston.
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Romantic weekends in the Barossa don’t come any more lavish than at The Louise. Part of the Small Luxury Hotels Of The World group, ‘The Lou’ consists of a cluster of beautifully appointed terraces with dreamy views across the wines and convenient proximity to the award-winning Appellation Restaurant (located on the grounds).
Those looking for more of a fairy-tale aesthetic will love the French-vineyard energy Grand Cru Estate. Complete with stonemason turrets and pheasants freely strolling the grounds, Grand Cru is like a cross between Beauty & The Beast meets early Australian settler in all the best ways.
The Barossa is a place that inspires exploration so pleasure seekers simply looking for a comfy place to lay their heads will appreciate the restful haven that is the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort. A stone’s throw from iconic Jacobs Creek Vineyards, as well as the 18 hole Tanunda Pines Golf Course, it’s the perfect middle-ground for an indulgent weekend.
Barossa Weintal is another firm favourite amongst wine-loving wanderers for its proximity to several of the regions top wineries and local gourmet producers, as well as sitting in prime position within the town of Tanunda, the Barossa’s cosmopolitan heart.
A motel with a world-class restaurant attached? Well that’s so typically Barossa. Lyndoch Hill is one of the regions most unique venues, offering well-appointed motel-style accommodation but with a lush 30,000-strong rose garden attached. Not to mention their namesake restaurant which celebrates true farm-to-table fare, from both their in-house garden and local producers. On the other end of the scale, Barossa Gateway Motel prefers to keep things simple with its picturesque Wisteria-lined rooms. Located just 15-minutes from Tanunda, the Gateway offers an affordable option for travellers who prefer to splurge on the great outdoors rather than the indoors.
Like your luxury with a side of safari? Discovery parks Eco Camping Lodge offers all the amenities of a hotel contained in an fun tented setting, making it a perfect option for families.
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Where to eat? More like where to start. For every vineyard that dots the skyline it seems there’s a fine-dining eatery to match. St Hugo may have carved its reputation as one of the country’s premier wine brands thanks to their silky Cabernet Sauvignon but it’s fully complemented by its restaurant, which serves up an ultra inventive menu ensuring it’s always ahead of the pack.
Still on the winery trail, Fino at Seppeltsfield has long been heralded as the best place in Australia for a long lunch thanks to its Euro-inspired garden terrace, an ideal setting to savour the flavours of the region.
Spice addicts are even well catered for inside Ferment Asian, offering authentic and modern takes on chef and owner Tuoi Do’s favourite Vietnamese dishes.
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CellarDoor Tours full-day Barossa tour takes travellers to the very best big name and boutique wineries with a lavish a-la carte lunch in between to replenish (and no doubt help recover from all the revelry).
Those looking to up the luxe factor can be ferried to and from Barossa’s best in a 1966 Mustang Convertible from Barossa Unique Tours or a chauffeur-driven tour of Penfolds, Wolf Blass and Grant Burge in a 1962 Majestic Major Daimler.
