Foodie's Paradise

Discover eight delicious reasons to explore Australia’s Barossa Valley, the tiny southern region with a big reputation for gourmet food and award-winning wines.

Just a short drive from Adelaide, there's a bounty of culinary curiosities to keep you sated amidst vineyard-blanketed hills.

The Barossa Valley is an ideal corner of Australia where epicurean culture is celebrated and savored. With Ker & Downey, you can wind your way through the villages and wineries in a vintage car or soar high above in a hot air balloon to get a bird’s eye view of the rows upon rows of vineyards, sometimes visited by kangaroos. Settled by German immigrants in the 19th century, the sixth generation of these grape-growing families are still producing some of Australia’s most popular wines. It's a foodie destination that can't be missed. Here are eight fun ways to wine and dine in the Land Down Under.

1. SEPPELTSFIELD

Take a tour of the historic Seppeltsfield estate, one of the oldest wineries in the country. Founded in 1851, it is known for its Para Tawny — the world's only unbroken collection spanning 120 years. Enjoy tastings with a timeline as your guide, or create a custom flight based on anniversaries and birthdates from your own personal history.

The historic Seppeltsfield winery in Barossa Valley.

2. TWO HANDS WINES

Jump into a Land Rover and head out to the Two Hands Wines’ vineyards to see the actively cultivated blocks. Unwind with a glass of Semillon on superbly situated decks that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. It feels like home here: Rhodesian Ridgebacks Daisy and Saffy frequently lounge in front of the fireplace and the tasting room is cozy.

Stunning vineyards surround Two Hands Wines

3. LANGMEIL WINERY

Sample vintages produced from the world’s oldest surviving Shiraz vines, dating back to 1842. In the tasting room, you'll also hear stories about the German family that founded this quaint and quiet place. Even if you don’t drink wine, you will enjoy the history and tranquil setting.

4. JAMFACTORY

Browse the shops at the JamFactory, an 1850s horse stable converted into a hub for local artists and craftspeople to make, exhibit and sell their wares.

Custom glass on display at JamFactory

5. MARANANGA

Snap postcard-worthy pictures and enjoy visions of a bygone era in this village. The towering white steeple of the town's Lutheran church is a striking contrast against the blue sky and green fields. You can also listen as the century-old Maranga Brass Band belt out a tune during a practice session.

6. ANGASTON

Stroll along the main street and pop into little cheese shops, cafes, bakeries and wine shops. On Saturday mornings, the town hosts the Barossa Farmers Market, brimming with over 50 vendors selling the best of the area’s seasonal dairy and produce.

Taking a walk in Angaston

7. LYNDOCH LAVENDER FARM

Near Angaston, breathe in the heady scent of the 90 varieties of lavender that grow here. Fluttering happily among the flowers, butterflies make up the majority of the farm’s thriving population of fauna.

8. THE LOUISE

Stay in one of the 15 luxury suites at this intimate and entirely relaxing boutique hotel. Freshly baked bread and food prepared from produce plucked from its garden is always on menu at the Appellation Restaurant. Be sure to try the local Grenache.

Wine and chocolates at the Appellation

PRO TIP!

If you visit Seppeltsfield, plan ahead and bring a list of your significant dates for the customized taste your life experience. - Lisa Chapman, Luxury Travel Expert

By Rina Chandarana

Photos courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission | The Louise