Just an hour’s drive from Adelaide will have you driving by the Barossa Valley’s rolling hills of vineyards.
The Barossa Valley is Australia’s most famous wine region and one of the most well known in the world. The region is known for the longest unbroken lineage of grape growing and winemaking in Australia. It is home to over 40 wine grape varieties. But there are only two hero varieties of the Barossa Valley: shiraz and riesling.
Shiraz
Most wine lovers are aware that the Barossa Valley is best known for its shiraz. It is one of the premier wine regions globally for the bold shiraz produced here. Generally, the best types of shiraz from the Barossa feature dark berry flavours and a smokey tobacco hit.
A glass of shiraz is best to be paired with a red meat meal.
Kellermeister. Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Riesling
Luckily, if you’re not a fan of the bold red shiraz hero variety of the Barossa, there is still the hero white variety of riesling. This variety of wine is either sweet or dry, with aromas of apricot, peach, pear, and other fruits.
The best time of year to visit the Barossa for riesling is in October, known as the month of Eden Valley riesling. Events take place, including new vintage releases, lunches, tastings, and music to celebrate the queen of the Barossa.
The best Barossa cellar doors and wineries to visit
The Barossa Valley has about 150 wineries with over 80 cellar doors for wine tasting and enjoying delicious food. Each winery and cellar door produces some of the finest wine. While we can’t name every place, here are some of the best cellar doors and wineries you should visit.
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Seppeltsfield Winery and Estate
In the heart of the Barossa sits Seppeltsfield Winery and Estate. The historic winery offers premier wines that you can try at a wine tasting. There is also a range of tours available to learn the history of Seppeltsfield.
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Langmeil Winery
Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission
The Langmeil is believed to have the oldest shiraz vineyard in the world! Today, the winery offers outstanding and award winning wines, including shiraz. Avoid missing out and book a cellar door tasting!
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Chateau Yaldara
Chateau Yaldara. Credit: Isaac Forman
Known for its wines and the iconic building, Chateau Yaldara has some of the very best handcrafted wines. The winery offers a range of tastings and tours for visitors to get a true Barossa experience.
Book a wine tour
Numerous wine tours take place in the Barossa Valley, exploring the region and stopping by cellar doors for wine tastings. Wine tours are perhaps the best way to see and taste the Barossa Valley. You can happily taste the variety of wines with family and friends without one of you being the sober driver.
There’s no better way to experience the Barossa Valley than the wine and food lovers tour. This tour drives through the rolling vineyards, passes by towns, and stops at some of the best wineries for wine tastings. You also have a mouthwatering lunch and a chance to see some local shops in Tanunda.
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.