Things to do in Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley is one of the best wine regions in Australia. With ancient vines, boutique operators and generations of winemakers all calling the valley home, it’s easy to see why such high-quality wine comes out of the region.
Located just an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is home to over 150 wineries, 80 cellar doors and a plethora of world-class restaurants. A quilt of vines covers the valley, growing grapes ripened for red, white and sparkling wines. Spattered throughout the sprawling green hills and wineries are small towns and the occasional craft brewery.
Prior to European settlement, the land was cultivated by the local Aboriginal community, the Peramangk and Kaurna people. Their regular burning of the land to clear out undergrowth enriched the soils for today’s vines. If not for this cultivation, the region would likely not have had such wine growing success.
The Barossa Valley region is divided into two official subregions; Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. This distinction identifies the varying climate and altitude of the area. Because the climate changes slightly between winery properties and the hills change the growing altitude of the vines, the grapes grow differently. Look out for these differences in the tasting notes of the wines from the region.
Some of Australia’s top wineries can be found in the Barossa Valley, including a collection of household names. Visit Jacobs Creek, Wolf Blass, Seppeltsfield and Penfolds. Experience the taste of Grange, Australia’s most revered wine, or sit down at cellar doors for blind tastings. Here you can learn about the process of making wine, from vine to bottle, gain an understanding of tasting notes and open your palate to new styles of wine. Spend a weekend or more in the Barossa to fully appreciate the range of wines available.
Book into luxury private accommodation and relax surrounded by stunning views. The serenity of the valley makes it the perfect place for a romantic getaway, girls’ weekend, or trip to unwind. Stay at the accommodation offered by the wineries or choose a private lakeside cottage or opulent refurbished B&B. For something less extravagant, stay in one of the quaint towns peppered amongst the wineries. Dating back to the time of the German settlement, they comprise stone cottages, vine-covered facades, historic buildings and good old-fashioned hospitality. Wherever you are in the Barossa Valley, you’re sure to find the accommodation of your dreams.
As you travel through the valley, collect yourself the perfect picnic. With amazing fresh produce available and delicatessens selling their goods in delis and at cellar doors you’ll quickly find your basket overloaded with delicious food. If you’d rather sit down for your meal, there is an abundance of award-winning restaurants available serving everything from sit down meals to share plates to dégustations. And no matter where you find yourself, the wine pairings will be perfect.
The Barossa Valley produces 20% of Australia’s wine and it’s easy to see why. With a beautiful climate and such rich growing abilities, the wine produced here is simply divine. A trip to South Australia would not be complete without a visit to the Barossa Valley.