Top 5 things to do in the Barossa
I’m almost embarrassed to admit that despite my favourite hobby being eating and drinking, until recently I had never visited the Barossa Valley. I know, I know. Crazy right? After a whirlwind visit I’m here to tell you my gourmet friends, it doesn’t disappoint.
Here are my top five tips for a memorable first-time (or repeat) visit to the Barossa.
Tip 1: Pick up supplies
As I enter the Barossa address in the GPS as we depart Adelaide, I have my eye on the prize: our first stop has to be The Barossa Valley Cheese Co.
It’s the stuff of dairy dreams, not only are the team super lovely, their cheeses are to die for and they’re generous with their tastings as you make your all-important purchasing decision. I highly recommend the Barossa Brie.
Nobody is more synonymous with the Barossa than Maggie Beer so a visit to Maggie’s Farm Shop is a no brainer. The gorgeous location makes it perfect for lunch (you can even picnic on the grounds) or simply pop in to sample her goodies to your heart’s content – the jams, the chutneys, the sauces, the ciders! – and contemplate how much room you have in your carry-on for multiple purchases.
Tip 2: Stay somewhere fabulous
There are plenty of accommodation options in the Barossa but you can’t go past the Barossa Pavillions.
The couples-only option features six freestanding self-contained chalets perched on 75 acres of hillside for complete privacy.
Designed with architectural flair, each pavilion is open-plan with lots of natural light and stunning panoramic views towards the Barossa Ranges. Floor-to-ceiling windows run the length of the property meaning the view is there for your viewing pleasure at all times and even though you’re on holidays, an early rise to see the sun rise over the rolling hills is totally worth it.
With any getaway, the little touches mean a lot and owner, James goes above and beyond for his lucky guests. Local wine and chocolates greet us on arrival. Along with a generous hamper of provisions, also from local suppliers, including cereals, jams, bread, biscuits, eggs, bacon, sausages, milk, juices and fruit.
From this…
To this! Brekkie with a view.
And it’s not just thoughtfulness on the gourmet front; the whole place is designed to feel like a luxe home away from home with the discerning traveller firmly in mind. Think an iPad loaded with movies and local tips, dedicated spa room with double spa bath and views, deck with BBQ, Nespresso machine, gas log fireplace, L’Occitaine toiletries, WiFi pillow selection and soft luxury robes.
If it wasn’t for the wineries and restaurants of the Barossa calling my name, I would have happily spent my trip in this little piece of relaxation perfection.
Tip 3 – Indulge your inner foodie
But of course I had a hit list and Artisans of Barossa was firmly one of my must-do’s for its wines. Which are fabulous just quietly – a group of six individual wineries with different winemaking styles band together to promote small batch, sub-regional winemaking under one roof. Basically six cellar doors all in one, how good is that? If in doubt, John Duval Wines and Spinifex were my firm favourites. But the surprise packet was the onsite restaurant, Harvest Kitchen.
Clever, flavoursome and honest dishes with a focus on local produce are the perfect complement to the wines on offer. And you can’t beat lunch with a view of the vineyards.
On the fancier food front, as soon as you’ve booked your flights and accommodation (or in my case, before!), book yourself a table at Hentley Farm. Winner of numerous impressive awards, Head Chef Lachlan Colwill and team offer up an innovative and technically brilliant dining experience with a strong focus on harvesting produce from the farm’s 150 acres. It would be rude not to go for the three hour ‘Discovery Menu’ with matching wines from Hentley Farm’s award winning collection ($245 per person or $180 without). Every bite and sip of the seven course menu with additional snacks and treats is foodie and wino heaven. Splurge and just do it.
L O N G L U N C H Not sure it gets any better than the four hour discovery menu with matching wines at @hentleyfarm A photo posted by Nicole Gentle (@nicgentle) on
And when you roll out of the restaurant, be sure to stop in at the cellar door and stock up on the wines you sampled and loved.
Tip 4: Get your winery on
With over 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries, including big names like Penfolds and Jacob’s Creek, it’s tough choosing which ones to go to. My love of a good Shiraz means the region was a firm favourite before I even visited. Add in the benefit of trying before you buy and the pleasant surprise that many cellar doors offer free shipping to Sydney, and the result is more than a few emails back at work with the subject line “Nic, there’s another wine delivery at reception for you.”
Hentley Farm and Artisans were two of my top picks but St Hallett, Seppetsfield and Rockford now all have a significant presence in my burgeoning wine collection. I can’t wait to go back already to hit up more of the cellar doors.
Monday done right A photo posted by Nicole Gentle (@nicgentle) on
Tip 5: Soak up the fresh country air
When you *hiccup* need a little break from the wine fumes and food smells, you’re in the just the right place for taking in the gorgeous scenery and breathing in fresh country air. A morning run past the vineyards is the perfect way to start the day – and earn the gourmet indulges of a day in the Barossa.
A photo posted by Nicole Gentle (@nicgentle) on
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