Explore the World-Famous Jacob’s Creek Winery

Jacob’s Creek Winery is one of the best-known vineyards in Australia, and maybe even the world.

Amongst its sprawling grounds and picturesque scenery, visitors can sample some delicious wine flavours. Be sure to tuck into tasty, local dishes, and soak up incredible views. Learn about the history of the vineyard, Jacob’s Creek, and how it became to be such a popular name.

The History of Jacob’s Creek Winery

The Jacob’s Creek journey began back in 1837, when Johann Gramp, a Bavarian-born seafarer, landed on Kangaroo Island. Two years later, he befriended a mineralogist called Menge, who discovered the huge potential for fruit growing and farming in the verdant Barossa Valley.

In 1840, William Jacob settles on the small creek, which is how the region got its name. The original cottage he set up home in is now the spot where the Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre lies.

It wasn’t until 1847 that Johann Gramp starts farming on the Barossa Valley. After missing the taste of wine from home, he bought 30 hectares of land along Jacob’s Creek with his wife. He quickly set up an underground cellar that produced its first batch of wine in 1850. Gramp’s aim was to produce wines that were imbued with the rich character of the land. He wanted showcase how each grape variety matured under the Australian sun.

In 1877, Gramp’s son Gustav moves the vineyard to the larger site. The winery continued to expand and build larger cellars, this is where you can visit today!

The vineyard has continued in this vein for more than a century, bringing flavoursome wines to the region and to the rest of the world. Over the years, it has perfected the art of creating full-bodied bottles, ranging from Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir.

Exploring Jacob’s Creek Winery

The most popular activity for visitors at Jacob’s Creek Winery is to take a tour of the vineyard, where they can learn more about the 14 different grape varieties, and the processes that go into making the world-famous wines. The tour leads visitors through the stunning grounds, past beautiful flowers and wildlife along the banks of Jacob’s Creek.

In the native Australian garden, there are local species to admire, as well as a deck to enjoy the sprawling views from. Then there’s Jacob’s Restaurant, which won the Restaurant and Catering Award for the best tourism restaurant in South Australia in 2010 and 2011.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.