Barossa Valley

Location: One hour drive north of Adelaide. The Barossa Valley is Australia’s best-known wine region, both nationally and internationally, and is South Australia’s most visited tourist destination. Only 60km northeast of the picturesque city of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley has a unique beauty of its own and is a place full of character. Most renowned for its opulent styles of shiraz, the region also produces fine examples of cabernet sauvignon, semillon and chardonnay.

Wine

• Artisans of the Barossa – the most exciting new development to come to the Barossa in recent times. Seven artisanal wine producers (Hobbs, John Duval, Massena, Sons of Eden, Spinifex, Schwarz and Teusner) are housed in this must visit cellar door experience. If you happen to visit towards the end of the day, take some time to chill out on the balcony to witness the view over the vineyard’s as the sun slips behind the Western Ridge, it’s pretty special. (Corner of Light Pass and Magnolia Roads, Vine Vale) Cellar door open 7 days, 11-6pm.
• Charles Melton – wonderfully made wines with Australia’s premier Rhone-style red, ‘nine popes’. Charlie Melton also makes small quantities of equally impressive shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and sparkling shiraz. (Krondorf Rd, Tanunda- very near Rockford cellar door) Cellar door open 7 days, 11-5pm.
• Eperosa– these wines are honest, robust and made with minimal intervention. A true representation of the modern Barossa with old vines and a rich family heritage as the backdrop. (24 Maria St, Tanunda) Tasting by appointment only 0428 111 121
• Hentley Farm– a boutique vineyard set among the rolling hills on the banks of Greenock Creek with a diverse range of full-flavoured wines. (Corner Gerald Roberts Road and Jenke Road, Seppeltsfield) Cellar door open 7 days, 10-5pm.
• Izway wines– Izway Wines produce small batch boutique wines from grapes that are organically grown.  Their wines are simplistically made with minimal intervention and old world, hands on techniques. My favourite producer in the valley! (923 Seppeltsfield Rd, Greenock) Cellar door open Thursday- Sunday, 11-5pm.
• Kalleske wines – are one of the regions leading grape-growing families consistently growing some of the Barossa’s best quality grapes. Their entry level Clarry’s GSM blend is a lovely, soft fruit driven wine. All the grapes are grown organically and the winery is certified organic. (6 Murray Street, Greenock) Cellar door open 7 days, 10-5pm.
• Laughing Jack Wines– The Kalleske family has been farming this remarkable Greenock vineyard since 1855 and Laughing Jack was formed in 1999. These wines come mostly from this site blessed with old vine, dry grown Shiraz planted in a contoured pattern. Low yields and careful fruit selection in the winery results in some of the purest Barossa Shiraz I have encountered. (194 Stonewell Rd, Marananga) Tasting by appointment only (08) 85623878
• Rockford wines – is one of Australia’s most famous cellar doors. Hand crafted wines in a winery built by the owner, Robert O’Callaghan. A wine lover’s delight! (Krondorf Rd, Tanunda) Cellar door open 7 days, 11-5pm
• Rusden wines – a diverse variety of premium wines. (221 Magnolia Road, Tanunda) Cellar door open 11-5 (Thursday to Monday)
• Soul growers– Soul growers stand for everything that is great about the Barossa; shared wisdom , new ideas, mateship and a passion for making and enjoying great wine. With this in mind they strive to make sure their wines emphasise the regional and varietal flavours of the Barossa Valley. (230 Murray St, Tanunda). Cellar door open Mon-Fri 10am-4:30pm
• Taste Eden Valley – there are some wonderful wines here that represent the finest in Eden Valley from the region’s smallest and most exclusive producers, so it’s well worth a visit. (6 Washington Street, Angaston). Cellar door open 7 days, 11-5pm.
• Torbreck wines – what America’s foremost wine critique has to say; Torbreck wines “have been revelations as examples of modern-styled Australian reds and whites that capture the greatest of the old vine vineyards in the Barossa with sensitivity towards fruit purity and overall balance. The spectacular current and up coming releases are among the most exciting wines being made on planet earth – “that’s how good this guy is!” Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Oct 2002 (Lot 51 Roennfeldt Road, Marananga) Cellar door open 7 days, 10-6pm
• Travis Earth wines– son of Robert O’Callahan of Rockford fame, Travis forged his own path and is more of a hermit winemaker, shunning the spotlight. The wines he produces are rich, elegant and definitively Barossa. (121b Radford Road, Seppeltsfield) Tastings by appointment only on 08 85 628 200.
• Tscharke Estate– Damien Tscharke is one of the region’s most respected younger winemakers. This is the place to go if you are interested in trying something other than Shiraz – Spanish and Italian varieties such as savagnin, tempranillo, montepulciano, zinfandel (you will find his wonderful touriga wine available for sale on my website). This is the place to broaden your wine knowledge and excite your palate! You’ll find Damien is wonderfully passionate about the outstanding wines he’s producing. (376 Seppeltsfield Road, Marananga) Cellar door open 5 days, 10-5pm- closed Tues & Wed.
• The Standish wine co– Dan Standish is a Barossa winemaker for a new generation. Each release of his wines could go toe-to-toe with any of the country’s finest. Shiraz fans, get at these wines while you can. They are something special. (319 Kalimna Rd, Light pass. Tasting by appointment only. Contact Dan on 0407366673)
• Yelland & Papps– a lovely, small, homely cellar door selling produce from the garden and a great range of small batch wines. The roussanne and grenache are some of the Barossa’s finest. (Lot 501 Nuraip Road, Nuriootpa) Cellar door open 10-4 (Monday, Wednesday to Saturday)

Dine

• Appellation – considered one of the finest regional dining experiences in the country. The restaurant includes sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards, informed and friendly service, and exceptional food presented with finesse. Even more remarkable is the menu, which varies nightly and consists entirely of the finest locally sourced ingredients. Dining here is a must, whether or not you’re staying the night. Make sure you book well in advance. (Seppeltsfield Rd, Marananga) www.thelouise.com.au/dine/
• Barossa Cucina– serving traditional Italian-style food and classic staples, all featuring the best local ingredients in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. (235 Murray St, Tanunda)
• Blond Coffee – is an exciting place to eat and shop in the Barossa Valley. It’s passionate about its coffee, the food it prepares, and the produce it stocks and sells. (60 Murray Street, Angaston)
• Casa Carboni– a fantastic place to stop for lunch. The owners have transplanted a little bit of Italy into the main street of Angaston. Not only do they offer delicious fresh pasta dishes for lunch and an impressive range of imported wines, they also run a cooking school. A great option for those of the touring party that don’t fancy visiting cellar doors all day. Excellent coffee, too, as you would expect! (67 Murray Street, Angaston) www.casacarboni.com.au/
• El Estanco– Cooking on wood fires is chef Julian Velasquez forte, using unique South American methods. Head here for Latin-inspired food. (23 Murray St, Greenock)
• FermentAsian – such an ambitious undertaking is probably best explained by the chef and co-owner, Tuoi Do: “The food at FermentAsian has its roots firmly entrenched in my Vietnamese heritage and that of my parents who joined Grant and I in the Barossa Valley in March 2010. To these traditional dishes we have added dishes inspired by our favourite Australian restaurants serving Southeast Asian cuisine”. The wonderful food is well matched by one of South Australia’s best wine lists. (90 Murray Street Tanunda) www.fermentasian.com.au/
• Fino– inserts a touch of rural Mediterranean charm into picturesque Seppelstfield. Ultra-fresh produce remains central to the Fino experience. The service here is exceptional driven by a genuine enthusiasm for food and wine. (730 Seppeltsfield Rd, Seppeltsfield). https://fino.net.au/
• Hentley Farm– if you are searching for a vineyard restaurant providing a long, languishing, artistic, wine-friendly meal of small, perfectly formed proportions, then Hentley farm is for you. This restaurant offers no menu, but instead has a “discovery” of four or eight unseen courses, with or without matched wine, and many additional morsels in between. Chefs present and explain each course at the table, then on departure give a printed menu – a useful prompt to reflect on a harmonious and leisurely meal. (Corner Gerald Roberts Road and Jenke Roads, Seppeltsfield) https://www.hentleyfarm.com.au/food-philosophy/
• Musque food & wine– musque is a modern, funky restaurant set in the heart of Tanunda. A seasonal menu is offered with the premise that guests can expect something different, whether it be the food on offer or a fabulous wine or cocktail every time they visit. (Shop 1 / 109 Murray Street Tanunda) https://www.musque.com.au/food
• 1918 Bistro & Grill – the exciting seasonally changing menu has a tantalising selection of dishes and flavours borrowed from Asia and the Middle East. BYO is welcome. (94 Murray St Tanunda) www.1918.com.au/
• St Hugo– an intimate dining room has been constructed within a restored 1854 ironstone building, flanked by a grand wine tasting lounge and expansive timber deck. The restaurant serves only tasting menus matched to St Hugo wines – and chef Mark McNamara revels in the challenge, using ingenuity to avoid obvious or conservative pairings. (2141 Barossa Valley Way, Rowland flat). https://sthugo.com/restaurant
• Vintners Bar & Grill – a market-fresh and superb local produce approach makes up the hearty, fuss-free menu. BYO is welcome. (Nuriootpa Road, Angaston) www.vintners.com.au/
• 40’s Cafe – the region’s best pizzas using fresh local ingredients. (30 Murray St, Angaston) 

Recline

• Abbotsford Country House – enjoying arguably the best views in the Barossa and set on 50 acres of farmland, this country house retreat is run as a fully hosted, traditional and luxurious guesthouse.  www.abbotsfordhouse.com/
• Barossa Pavilions – a spectacular hillside accommodation retreat consisting of six freestanding architectural pavilions (self contained chalets) situated on 75 acres. www.barossapavilions.com.au/
• Kingsford Homestead– situated on 225 acres, the property has seven spacious suites catering to a total of 14 guests. Kingsford Homestead is all-inclusive (yes, that includes the liquor cabinets), with a two-night minimum stay, and sees alternating five and three course dinners and country breakfasts served in the dining room.  www.kingsfordhomestead.com.au/
• The Kirche @ Charles Melton – self-contained luxurious B&B with a large kitchen filled with gourmet provisions.  www.charlesmeltonwines.com.au/the-kirche
• The Louise – their are myriad accomodation choices in the Barossa but for exclusivity it’s hard to go past one of Australia’s top boutique vineyard retreats. Suits feature king beds with crisp linen, in-room fireplaces, large dual spa tubs, outdoor showers, heated flooring, and terraces overlooking the vines. Their in house restaurant “Appellation” is recognized as a world class destination for dining in South Australia.  www.thelouise.com.au/

Plus

• Apex bakery – specialties include ‘slow ferment’ breads, pies and pastries – all of which are made from recipes dating back to the 1920’s in the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest wood-fired oven. (1a Elizabeth St, Tanunda) Open Monday to Friday, 9-5 and on Saturday 8-12
• Barossa helicopters – established in 1989, it is South Australia’s longest running helicopter company and is family owned and operated. (261 Hoffnungsthal Road Lyndoch) http://www.barossahelicopters.com.au/
• Barossa farmers market – every Saturday morning from 7:30-11:30am (corner of Nuriootpa and Light Pass Roads, Angaston)
• Barossa Valley Brewing – premium hand crafted beer. (2A Murray Street, Heinemann Park, Tanunda) http://bvbeer.com.au/home/
• Bethany Reserve – an ideal picnic spot (Bethany Rd, Bethany)
• Croquet lawn @ chateau tanunda estate – for those of you who take delight in croquet! (9 Basedow Road, Tanunda)
• The Keg Factory – watch real-life coopers construct and repair wine barrels for the local wineries – an exercise in high art in the hands of such masters. (Lot 10, St Hallett Road, Rowland Flat) www.thekegfactory.com.au/home/
• The Stillery– in the shed once used by Penfolds as a distillery, the Barossa Distilling Company presents its two gins for tasting and sale, as well as tasting flights of spirits from South Australia and around the world.  (18-28 Tanunda Rd, Nuriootpa)
• Limousine service– Barossa Daimler Tours (www.barossadaimlertours.com.au/)
• Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop – a visit here is an absolute must whilst in the Barossa Valley. Maggie Beer – cook, writer and founder of ‘Maggie Beer Products’, offers tastings and sales of her full product range including limited edition seasonal produce. Cooking demonstrations take place at 2pm everyday using Maggie’s wonderful products for take home ideas. (50 Pheasant Farm Rd Nuriootpa) www.maggiebeer.com.au/
• Tanunda Cellars – a premium wine retailer with over 3,000 wines on display all showcased throughout seven rooms. Particular emphasis on fine local drops. (14 Murray Street, Tanunda) Open 7 days, 9am-8pm
• Tanunda Pines Golf Club – for your next round of golf. (Golf Links Rd, Rowland Flat, Barossa Valley) www.tanundapines.com.au/welcome/index.mhtml
• Whispering Wall – This local landmark got its name due to its startling acoustics. A whisper from one end is clearly heard at the other more than 100 metres away. Try it yourself! (Whispering Wall Rd, Williamstown) Open 7 days, 8-5
• EVENTS– Barossa Airshow (www.barossaairshow.com.au/). Barossa Vintage Festival (24th April to 28th April 2019). Barossa Gourmet Weekend (6th September to 8th September 2019). Santos Tour Down Under (some of the local town’s usually feature in each year’s race, www.tourdownunder.com.au/). Jacob’s Creek Barossa Marathon- participate in either the marathon, half marathon, 10km or 5km events (23rd August 2020).