Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley was settled by Lutheran refugees from Prussia and Silesia in the 1840s. Many brought vine cuttings with them, and some of those original vines (now classified as Old Vine, Survivor, Centenarian, and Ancestor by the Barossa Old Vine Charter) are still producing fruit today. The region is best known for full-bodied Shiraz, but also produces world-class Grenache, Mataro, and increasingly excellent white varieties.

The valley sits about 60 kilometres north-east of Adelaide. The main towns are Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston, all linked by a 13 kilometre stretch of road through the heart of the wine country. There are more than 150 cellar doors in the region, ranging from international brands like Penfolds and Wolf Blass to small family producers in restored stone cottages.

The Barossa Vintage Festival runs every two years in autumn (April), and the Barossa Gourmet Weekend in September draws crowds from across the country. Outside festival times, the region is best visited as part of a 2 to 3 day trip from Adelaide, with overnights in Tanunda or one of the country guesthouses.