The Barossa Valley home to some of the oldest wine producing grape vines in the world. A region rich in European heritage and Australian history. A valley with over 50 of Australia’s top quality vineyards producing some of the worlds most celebrated and awarded wines.

Whatever your taste in wine and fine food the gentle sloping hills of the Barossa is sure to inspire and bring you back again and again for more.
 

First settled in 1842 by German settlers fleeing religious persecution in Prussia and Silesia, the valley still retains its distinct Germanic flavour and architecture. A beautiful, well-tended area, only 50 minutes drive from Adelaide which encourages casual visits for tastings and cellar sales. Wine has become a basic part of life in the area. Wealthy settlers first established the wine industry here in the 1850’s and 60’s. The major difference in the Barossa from European wine growing practice is that the Barossa growers sold their wines to the wineries whereas in Europe the growers bottle their own wine.

To fully appreciate the area, you need to get off the main road and take the narrow back roads between settlements. The central town is Tanunda. The first settlement in the region is Bethany a hamlet settled by Prussians a little off the beaten track but well worth a look on the way to Mengler Hill Lookout which provides a panoramic view over the entire district. There are many small settlements throughout the region each providing their own flavour and some with a distinct Germanic flavour others such as Angaston a distinctly English town.

The region abounds with Festivals such as the Lyndoch Lavender Festival, the famous Barossa Vintage Festival - Australia’s most prestigious wine festival celebrating everything Barossa, Barossa Jazz Weekend, Kapunda Celtic Festival, Barossa under the Stars, Barossa Music Festival, Para Road Wine Path, Angaston Garden Affair & Rose Show, Viognier Symposium - featuring International and Australian Viognier experts, and the Barossa Markets held each weekend at the Chateau Dorrien Winery, Barossa Valley Way between Tanunda and Nuriootpa.

The least scenic time to visit is between July and October, because the vines are heavily pruned during the winter months. The busiest months are from March to May when the grapes are harvested.

There are several other wine-growing regions in the state, notably the south-eastern corner around Penola, Coonawarra and Padthaway; in the Clare Valley, north of the Barossa; and around McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

For Barossa Valley accommodation click here. With so much to see and do, check out some of our listings and links, as well as taking the time to drop into the local visitor centres for the latest information on what to see and do, and what is happening in the area.