With some of the world’s oldest vines tended to by sixth-generation winemakers, you’d be forgiven for thinking South Australia’s Barossa Valley is a destination for wine-lovers only.
Think again. In addition to 70+ wineries, the Barossa is home to award-winning restaurants and a dynamic artisan scene, historic stone churches, chateaus and European architecture, all set amongst a stunning landscape of gum trees and thriving vineyards. Listen closely and you might even hear the local German ‘Barossa Deutsch’ being spoken.
Read on for nine ways to immerse yourself in Barossa’s intriguing mix of old-world Europe and cosmopolitan living.
- To market, to market
Where there’s a wine region, there’s always a good country market or two! The legendary Barossa Farmers Markets, held in the historic Vintner’s Sheds in Angaston every Saturday morning, serves a mouth-watering brunch from 7.30 – 11am. Roam the markets for free-range lamb, pork, poultry and chutneys, the Barossa’s famous smallgoods, stunning pastries and baked goods, freshly roasted coffee and blended teas, gin and confectionery.
This legendary community of farmers’ stalls is a proud recipient of The Barossa Trust Mark which recognises and celebrates excellence in food, wine and tourism offerings from across the Barossa region.
- Take a Masterclass
Feel a spine-tingling sense of arrival as you enter the driveway of St Hugo, framed by a majestic cork tree plantation. Whether you consider yourself a wine aficionados or a novice, the St Hugo & Riedel Masterclass will awaken your senses as you discover how glassware influences the taste of St Hugo wines.
Explore why a varietal-specific wine glass is a critical component of enjoying wine to its fullest. As you taste four St Hugo favourites, you’ll understand how the shape of a glass draws different characters and personality from the wines. Location: 2141 Barossa Valley Way, Rowland Flat
- Taste your birthday wine
Seppeltsfield is the only winery in the world to release a 100-year-old, single vintage wine each year. In fact, its Centennial Collection boasts an unbroken lineage of Tawny of every vintage from 1878 to today. At the Seppeltsfield Centennial Cellar you can taste Tawny made in your birth year directly from the barrel, table reds released in small batches from the historic 1888 Gravity Flow Winery, or the renowned 100-year-old Para Vintage Tawny. Don’t miss out on the Seppeltsfield Centenary Tour, one of Australia’s great travel experiences and a ‘must’ when visiting the Barossa Valley.
You could easily spend a day at the Seppeltsfield Estate, exploring the buzzing community of wine, food, art and beauty, complemented by the world-class cellar door and tasting rooms. Book a workshop at the JamFactory Contemporary Art & Design studio for a hands-on experience in a variety of media, including ceramics, glass and millinery. Location: 730 Seppeltsfield Road, Seppeltsfield
- Bird’s eye view
Take to the skies and witness the beauty of the Barossa from above in a hot-air balloon. There’s something about the serenity of floating above the world that makes time stand still on this Barossa Balloon Adventure. Warning – you might never want to come down to earth!
- Picnic at Jacob’s Creek
One of Australia’s most iconic wineries, Jacob’s Creek is the perfect picnic pit-stop. Pick up your map and hamper from the cellar door and choose your own spot to lay out the blanket. Take in sweeping views of vineyards and hills as you feast on locally sourced goodies and a bottle of Jacob’s Creek impeccable wine. Before you head off, take advantage of a complimentary tasting flight and check out the stunning winery, featuring cutting-edge design based on principles of sustainability, recycling and energy conservation. Location: Barossa Valley Way, Rowland Flat
- A taste of history
The Yalumba Wine Company is the most historic family-owned winery in Australia, established in 1849, with its magnificent estate located near the town of Angaston in South Australia’s Eden Valley in the Barossa region.
Oak barrels, family artefacts and artworks line the walls of the famous Wine Room where passionate Wine Room Ambassadors introduce visitors to the wines and many stories of Yalumba. This the only winery in Australia and one of a few worldwide to craft their own oak barrels onsite. Explore the cooperage on a self-guided tour, smell the woody scent and see the coopers in a workshop that dates back to the late 1800s. The Yalumba Cooperage Tour includes a tasting of five wines from the portfolio, featuring varietals iconic to Yalumba and the Barossa. Location: Eden Valley Road, Angaston
- Retail therapy
Barossa Valley is famous for its boutique shopping, with everything from unique homewares, arts and crafts, antiques and artisan edibles all here for the taking throughout the region.
- Feed your Instagram
Stop off at Steingarten Vineyard for the quintessential Barossa Valley snap. Situated at the end of a dirt road, this picturesque spot is well worth the effort. Spend a romantic sunset taking in the views and sipping on a glass of Jacob’s Creek Steingarten Reisling or hit the Mawson Trail during the day on foot or mountain bike. 373 Steingarten Road, Rowland Flat.
- Check into The Louise
In the heart of the Barossa, The Louise is blissfully nestled among old vineyards and rolling hills, under a vast blue skyscape. This luxury resort is the perfect place to lay your head during your idyllic Barossa weekender. Enjoy a sunrise breakfast with kangaroos in native bushland, cycle the bush tracks adorned with native flours and keep the camera ready to capture local birds and wildlife. Location: 375 Seppeltsfield Road, Marananga, Barossa Valley
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