Are you looking for a destination that combines world-class wines, gourmet food, stunning scenery, and fun activities? Look no further than the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s oldest and most renowned wine regions. Located just an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is a perfect place to escape the city and enjoy the best of South Australia’s culture, nature, and hospitality. Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget in the Barossa Valley.
In this article, we’ll show you the top things to do in the Barossa Valley, from winery experiences and foodie trails to hot air ballooning and cycling. We’ll also give you some tips and recommendations on when to visit, where to stay, and how to get around. So, get ready to explore the Barossa Valley with us, and discover why it’s one of the world’s most amazing wine destinations.
Winery Experiences
The Barossa Valley is famous for its wineries and cellar doors, where you can taste some of the world’s best and oldest wines, learn about their history and production, and meet the passionate people behind them. The Barossa Valley has more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors, offering a wide range of varieties and styles, from shiraz and grenache to riesling and chardonnay. Some of the most popular and renowned wineries and cellar doors in the Barossa Valley are:
Seppeltsfield:
A historic and iconic winery in the Barossa Valley, dating back to 1851. Seppeltsfield is famous for its Centennial Collection, a unique and priceless collection of every vintage of tawny port from 1878 to the present day. You can tour the winery and the heritage buildings, taste the wines and the port, and even sample your own birth year vintage. Seppeltsfield also offers a range of other experiences, such as art and craft workshops, fine dining, and spa treatments.
Hentley Farm:
A boutique and award-winning winery in the Barossa Valley, nestled among the rolling hills and vineyards. Hentley Farm specializes in single-estate and single-block wines, showcasing the diversity and quality of the Barossa terroir. You can visit the cellar door and taste the wines, or book a table at the restaurant, which serves a seasonal and degustation menu, paired with the wines.
Penfolds:
A legendary and prestigious winery in the Barossa Valley, founded in 1844. Penfolds is known for its Grange, one of Australia’s most famous and expensive wines, as well as its other premium and collectible wines. You can visit the original Penfolds cottage and cellar door, where you can taste the wines, join a tour, or even make your own blend.
Jacob’s Creek:
A modern and innovative winery in the Barossa Valley, established in 1847. Jacob’s Creek is one of Australia’s most popular and exported wine brands, offering a variety of wines for every occasion and palate. You can visit the visitor centre and cellar door, where you can taste the wines, join a tour, or enjoy a meal at the restaurant. You can also take part in other activities, such as cooking classes, bike hire, and picnics.
These are just some of the many wineries and cellar doors that you can visit in the Barossa Valley. Each one has its own story, personality, and charm, and you’ll be sure to find something that suits your taste and budget. You can also join a guided tour or a self-drive itinerary, which will take you to some of the best and hidden gems of the Barossa Valley.
Foodie Trail
The Barossa Valley is not only a paradise for wine lovers, but also for food lovers. The Barossa Valley has a rich and diverse culinary heritage, influenced by the German and British settlers who brought their traditions and recipes to the region. The Barossa Valley is also blessed with a bounty of local produce, from cheese and bread to meat and vegetables, which are used to create delicious and authentic dishes. Some of the best places to eat and drink in the Barossa Valley are:
Barossa Farmers Market:
A feast of fresh and delicious local produce, held every Saturday morning at the Vintners Sheds. The Barossa Farmers Market is a great place to meet the producers, sample their products, and buy some goodies to take home or enjoy on a picnic. You can find everything from cheese and bread to honey and jam, as well as coffee, cakes, and breakfast.
Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop:
A must-visit for any foodie, Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop is the home of one of Australia’s most famous and beloved cooks, Maggie Beer. You can visit the farm shop and taste her products, such as pate, verjuice, and ice cream, or join a cooking demonstration or a masterclass. You can also enjoy a lunch or a snack at the cafe, overlooking the lake and the orchard.
FermentAsian:
A fine dining restaurant that serves contemporary and fusion cuisine, inspired by the flavours and techniques of Southeast Asia. FermentAsian is run by chef Tuoi Do and her husband Grant Dickson, who is also the sommelier and the owner of one of the largest wine cellars in the Barossa Valley. You can enjoy a degustation or a la carte menu, paired with the wines, in a cozy and elegant setting.
Barossa Valley Brewing:
A craft brewery that produces award-winning beers, using the finest ingredients and the purest water from the Barossa Valley. Barossa Valley Brewing offers a range of beers, from lagers and ales to stouts and porters, as well as seasonal and limited editions. You can visit the brewery and the taproom, where you can taste the beers, join a tour, or enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
These are just some of the many places to eat and drink in the Barossa Valley. You’ll be spoilt for choice and quality, as the Barossa Valley has something for every appetite and budget. You can also explore the Barossa Valley’s gourmet food scene, by joining a food tour, a cooking class, or a wine and food pairing session.
Hot Air Balloon
One of the best ways to experience the beauty and the charm of the Barossa Valley is from the air, on a hot air balloon ride. The Barossa Valley is a perfect destination for hot air ballooning, as it offers stunning views of the vineyards, the valleys, and the sky. You’ll be able to see the sunrise over the horizon, the mist over the hills, and the wildlife on the ground, as you float gently and peacefully in the air. Some of the best operators and options for hot air ballooning in the Barossa Valley are:
Barossa Balloon Adventures:
A breathtaking and memorable experience in the sky, with one of the most experienced and professional operators in the Barossa Valley. Barossa Balloon Adventures offers a 60-minute flight, followed by a champagne breakfast at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort. You’ll also receive a flight certificate, a souvenir pack, and a digital photo album of your flight.
Barossa Valley Ballooning:
A scenic and romantic adventure in the air, with one of the most friendly and passionate operators in the Barossa Valley. Barossa Valley Ballooning offers a 60-minute flight, followed by a gourmet breakfast at the Barossa Chateau. You’ll also receive a flight certificate, a souvenir pack, and a digital photo album of your flight.
Balloon Aloft:
A fun and exciting journey in the air, with one of the most reputable and reliable operators in the Barossa Valley. Balloon Aloft offers a 60-minute flight, followed by a buffet breakfast at the Mercure Barossa Valley Resort. You’ll also receive a flight certificate, a souvenir pack, and a digital photo album of your flight.
These are just some of the many options for hot air ballooning in the Barossa Valley. Each one has its own advantages and features, and you’ll be sure to find something that suits your taste and budget. You can also book a private or a group flight, which will make your experience even more special and personalized.
Cycling Trail
Another great way to explore and enjoy the Barossa Valley is by bike, on a cycling trail. The Barossa Valley has a number of cycling trails and tours, which cater to all levels of cyclists, from beginners to experts. You’ll be able to see the sights and the sounds of the Barossa Valley, from the wineries and the villages to the forests and the fields, as you pedal along the paths and the roads. Some of the best cycling trails and tours in the Barossa Valley are:
Barossa Trail:
A family-friendly and easy cycling route in the Barossa Valley, which runs for 40 kilometres from Gawler to Angaston. The Barossa Trail is mostly flat and paved, and follows the old railway line, passing through vineyards, farms, and towns. You can stop at any of the attractions and facilities along the way, such as wineries, cafes, playgrounds, and toilets. You can also join or leave the trail at any of the access points, such as Tanunda, Nuriootpa, or Lyndoch.
Jack Bobridge Track:
A challenging and rewarding cycling route in the Barossa Valley, which runs for 27 kilometres from Gawler to Tanunda. The Jack Bobridge Track is mostly hilly and gravel, and follows the North Para River, passing through bushland, wetlands, and vineyards. You can enjoy the views and the wildlife, as well as the challenges and the thrills of the track. You can also stop at any of the attractions and facilities along the way, such as wineries, pubs, parks, and toilets. You can also join or leave the track at any of the access points, such as Gawler, Sandy Creek, or Lyndoch.
Barossa Bike Hire:
A convenient and affordable way to experience the Barossa Valley by bike, with one of the largest and most reliable bike hire companies in the region. Barossa Bike Hire offers a range of bikes, from mountain bikes and road bikes to electric bikes and tandem bikes, as well as helmets, locks, maps, and accessories. You can hire a bike for a half day, a full day, or longer, and choose your own itinerary, or follow one of their suggested routes. You can also join a guided tour or a self-guided tour, which will take you to some of the best and hidden gems of the Barossa Valley.
These are just some of the many cycling trails and tours that you can enjoy in the Barossa Valley. You’ll be able to see the Barossa Valley from a different perspective, and discover its beauty and diversity at your own pace. You can also find other cycling options and information, such as bike shops, bike clubs, and bike events, on the Barossa Valley website.
World-Class Wines
The Barossa Valley is home to some of the world’s best and oldest wines, and you can’t leave the region without trying some of them. The Barossa Valley produces a variety of wines, from reds and whites to roses and sparklings, but it is especially famous for its shiraz, which accounts for more than half of its wine production. The Barossa Valley shiraz is known for its rich and full-bodied flavour, with notes of blackberry, plum, chocolate, and spice. Some of the other varieties and styles that the Barossa Valley produces are:
Grenache:
A red wine that is one of the oldest and most widely planted varieties in the Barossa Valley. Grenache is known for its light and fruity flavour, with notes of strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and pepper. Grenache is often blended with other varieties, such as shiraz and mataro, to create complex and balanced wines.
Mataro:
A red wine that is also known as mourvedre or monastrell, and is one of the oldest and most rare varieties in the Barossa Valley. Mataro is known for its dark and savoury flavour, with notes of blackberry, leather, smoke, and earth. Mataro is often blended with other varieties, such as shiraz and grenache, to add structure and depth to the wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon:
A red wine that is one of the most popular and prestigious varieties in the world, and is also grown in the Barossa Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its powerful and elegant flavour, with notes of blackcurrant, cassis, cedar, and mint. Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with other varieties, such as shiraz and merlot, to create smooth and harmonious wines.
Semillon:
A white wine that is one of the oldest and most unique varieties in the Barossa Valley. Semillon is known for its crisp and refreshing flavour, with notes of lemon, lime, apple, and honey. Semillon is often aged in oak barrels, which gives it a rich and complex character. Semillon is also used to make sweet and dessert wines, such as botrytis semillon.
These are just some of the many wines that you can taste and buy in the Barossa Valley. You’ll be amazed by the quality and diversity of the wines, and the stories and traditions behind them. You can also learn more about the wines and the winemaking process, by joining a wine tour, a wine tasting, or a wine education session.
Luxe Accommodation
The Barossa Valley is a ideal place for a relaxing and romantic getaway, and it offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a cozy and charming cottage, a historic and elegant homestead, a modern and luxurious hotel, or a fun and adventurous glamping site, you’ll find something that meets your needs and expectations in the Barossa Valley. Some of the best accommodation options in the Barossa Valley are:
Vineyard Cottages:
A cozy and charming stay in the Barossa Valley, surrounded by vineyards and gardens. Vineyard Cottages offer a selection of self-contained cottages, each with their own features and amenities, such as fireplaces, spas, kitchens, and patios. You can enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own cottage, or mingle with other guests at the communal lounge and dining area. You can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast, a wine tasting, and a bike hire.
Historic Homesteads:
A historic and elegant stay in the Barossa Valley, steeped in history and heritage. Historic Homesteads offer a selection of restored and renovated homesteads, each with their own story and personality, such as Collingrove, Kingsford, and Seppeltsfield. You can enjoy the luxury and style of your own homestead, or share it with other guests or friends. You can also enjoy a range of services and facilities, such as pools, tennis courts, gardens, and libraries.
Luxury Hotels:
A modern and luxurious stay in the Barossa Valley, with all the comforts and conveniences of a hotel. Luxury Hotels offer a selection of high-end hotels, each with their own standards and services, such as The Louise, Novotel, and Mercure. You can enjoy the spacious and stylish rooms and suites, or upgrade to a spa or a balcony. You can also enjoy a range of amenities and facilities, such as restaurants, bars, pools, spas, and gyms.
Glamping Sites:
A fun and adventurous stay in the Barossa Valley, with a touch of glamour and nature. Glamping Sites offer a selection of tents and cabins, each with their own features and amenities, such as beds, bathrooms, kitchens, and decks. You can enjoy the views and the sounds of the Barossa Valley, or explore the nearby attractions and activities. You can also enjoy a range of extras and services, such as breakfast, barbecue, fire pit, and hot tub.
These are just some of the many accommodation options that you can choose from in the Barossa Valley. You’ll be able to find something that suits your taste and budget, and that will make your stay in the Barossa Valley even more memorable and enjoyable.
National Park
The Barossa Valley is not only a wonderful place for wine and food lovers, but also for nature lovers. The Barossa Valley boasts a beautiful and diverse national park, which protects its flora and fauna, and offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. The Barossa Valley National Park covers an area of more than 10,000 hectares, and features a variety of landscapes and habitats, from vineyards and valleys to forests and hills. Some of the best attractions and activities in the Barossa Valley National Park are:
Hiking:
A fun and healthy way to explore the Barossa Valley National Park, and to enjoy the views and the wildlife. The Barossa Valley National Park has a number of hiking trails, which cater to different levels of difficulty and duration, from easy and short to hard and long. You can choose from trails such as the Heysen Trail, the Mawson Trail, the Whispering Wall Trail, and the Steingarten Trail. You can also join a guided hike or a self-guided hike, which will provide you with maps, information, and equipment.
Wildlife Watching:
A rewarding and exciting way to experience the Barossa Valley National Park, and to see its native and exotic animals. The Barossa Valley National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas, emus, echidnas, and birds. You can spot them in their natural habitats, or visit the wildlife sanctuaries and centres, such as the Barossa Wildlife Park, the Gorge Wildlife Park, and the Barossa Bird Club. You can also join a wildlife tour or a wildlife encounter, which will give you a closer and more interactive look at the animals.
Camping:
A relaxing and adventurous way to enjoy the Barossa Valley National Park, and to immerse yourself in nature. The Barossa Valley National Park has a number of camping sites, which offer different levels of comfort and facilities, from basic and rustic to deluxe and serviced. You can choose from sites such as the Warren Conservation Park, the Para Wirra Conservation Park, the Hale Conservation Park, and the Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park. You can also book a campsite or a cabin, which will provide you with amenities and security.
Picnicking:
A simple and enjoyable way to appreciate the Barossa Valley National Park, and to have a meal with a view. The Barossa Valley National Park has a number of picnic areas, which offer different levels of convenience and scenery, from secluded and shady to open and sunny. You can choose from areas such as the Menglers Hill Lookout, the Barossa Reservoir, the Kaiserstuhl Picnic Area, and the Para Wirra Picnic Area. You can also bring your own food and drinks, or buy them from the nearby shops and cafes.
Barossa Bike Hire:
A convenient and flexible way to cycle around the Barossa Valley, with a range of bikes and accessories to suit your needs and preferences. Barossa Bike Hire offers quality bikes, helmets, locks, maps, and water bottles, as well as delivery and pick-up services. You can choose from different types of bikes, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, electric bikes, and tandem bikes. You can also choose from different routes and itineraries, such as the Barossa Highlights, the Barossa Heritage, or the Barossa Epicurean.
These are just some of the many cycling trails and tours that you can enjoy in the Barossa Valley. You’ll be able to experience the Barossa Valley at your own pace and style, while staying fit and healthy. You can also join a guided tour or a group ride, which will make your cycling adventure more fun and social.
The Barossa Valley is one of the most amazing and diverse wine destinations in the world, and it has so much to offer to visitors of all ages and interests. From winery experiences and foodie trails to hot air ballooning and cycling, from world-class wines and luxe accommodation to national park and gin making, the Barossa Valley has something for everyone and every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing and romantic getaway, a fun and adventurous holiday, or a cultural and educational trip, you’ll find it in the Barossa Valley.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to the Barossa Valley today, and discover why it’s one of the world’s wine paradises. And don’t forget to share your feedback or questions in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you soon in the Barossa Valley.
