Located in South Australia, Barossa Valley is world-renowned for being one of Australia’s top wine regions.
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This charming area Northeast of Adelaide boasts some of the oldest vines in the world and is and is not just rich in viticulture history but also offers incredible food experiences and a wide variety of activities to make it well worth a visit.
We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Barossa Valley a number of times, exploring new wineries and sampling new wines on every visit.
With over 250 wineries in the greater Barossa wine region, there are lots to choose from, so we’ve rounded up our favourite producers, cellar doors and wineries worth visiting on your next trip.
Let’s dive in.
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Brief History of Barossa Valley
Originally inhabited by the Kaurna people, who lived harmoniously with the land for centuries, the valley witnessed the arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century. German and English pioneers established roots, with German settlers notably leaving an indelible mark on the region, infusing it with their language, culture, and winemaking traditions.
The Barossa Valley’s iconic status comes from its rich wine history, dating back to 1842. The late 1800s saw a focus on fortified wines, with key grape varieties like Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon flourishing in the valley.
As Australia’s wine appreciation grew, emerging winemakers in the Barossa Valley shaped the region into what it is today.
About Barossa Region
The Barossa Region encompasses two distinct subregions: the Barossa Valley and the Eden Valley.
The Barossa Valley, characterized by its picturesque landscape of rolling hills and fertile valleys, is nestled between the Mount Lofty Ranges to the east and the Gulf St. Vincent to the west. Its unique geography is defined by a series of north-south oriented valleys, which create a range of mesoclimates and soil types ideal for viticulture.
Barossa Valley is famous for its warm climate, producing robust reds, especially the bold Barossa Shiraz. The valley is home to iconic wineries committed to a more traditional style of winemaking, offering a variety of red wines, including Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, to name a few.
Eden Valley, on the other hand, is distinguished by its higher elevation and cooler climate. Situated to the east of the Barossa Ranges, the Eden Valley benefits from its proximity to the Barossa Valley while offering a distinct terroir. The region’s cooler temperatures and higher altitude result in a longer growing season, allowing for the gradual ripening of grapes and the development of vibrant flavours and balanced acidity in the wines.
Eden Valley offers the perfect conditions for elegant whites, notably Riesling, famously known for its crisp acidity. This region also excels in cool-climate reds, providing a diverse range of lighter reds, like Pinor Noir and Mataro.
Best Wineries in Barossa Valley
With so many wineries in the region, choosing the best ones is not an easy feat. We’ve focused on wineries that produce fantastic wines and offer a unique experience, choosing to highlight not just the big brands but also smaller boutique-style producers.
Yalumba
Founded in 1849 by Samuel Smith, a British migrant, Yalumba is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Australia, boasting a legacy that spans over 170 years.
Nestled amidst verdant vineyards and rolling hills, the winery embodies a commitment to crafting wines of exceptional quality, authenticity, and character. Yalumba’s dedication to sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques is evident in every bottle, reflecting a deep respect for the land and a passion for producing wines that capture the essence of the Barossa Valley.
With higher altitude vineyards, their grapes are harvested a bit later than in other Barossa Valley wineries. From their acclaimed Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon to their elegant Riesling and Grenache, Yalumba’s diverse portfolio showcases the region’s terroir and the winery’s unwavering dedication to excellence. Be sure to also try the Yalumba Viognier; the winery holds the distinction of being the pioneering family to introduce this grape variety to Australia.
Tastings at Yalumba begin at just AUD $10/person.
Poonawatta
Poonawatta, situated in the heart of the Eden Valley within the Barossa region of South Australia, is a distinguished winery renowned for its commitment to producing premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
The winery’s vineyards, nestled amidst the picturesque hills and rocky terrain of the Eden Valley, benefit from the region’s cooler climate and higher altitude, allowing for the gradual ripening of grapes and the development of complex flavours. Specializing in traditional varietals such as Shiraz and Riesling, Poonawatta crafts wines of exceptional quality and elegance, showcasing the distinct characteristics of the Eden Valley terroir.
You can enjoy your favourite wine amid ancient river gums during their VIP cellar tasting experiences starting at AUD $40 per person. The tasting includes artisan cheese plates. If you want to stay a bit longer, their gourmet platters showcase local produce and delightful artisan foods for you to enjoy.
Greenock Creek Wines
Nestled in the quaint village of Marananga, Greenock Creek Wines offers a captivating journey into the world of bold and rich Shiraz, epitomizing the essence of the renowned Barossa Valley.
Established by Michael and Annabelle Waugh in 1988, this winery has garnered acclaim for its exceptional, handcrafted wines, including several award-winning varieties that have achieved perfect 100-point scores.
While the atmospheric cellar door draws in visitors with its rustic charm, Greenock Creek’s focus remains firmly on the wines themselves, sourced from three distinct vineyards. Specializing in old-vine Shiraz and Grenache, Greenock Creek meticulously nurtures its vineyards and employs traditional winemaking techniques to create wines of remarkable depth, complexity, and longevity.
They offer a free tasting experience by the glass if you purchase anything over A$100, making it irresistibly easy to drink reds.
Seppeltsfield
If you’re looking for a wine tasting with spectacular views and the charming old buildings that make up the tasting room and restaurant, Seppeltsfield is your one-stop solution.
Seppeltsfield stands as one of Australia’s most historic estates, crafting exceptional port-styled wines like Fino, Amontillado, sweet Muscat, and rich, aged Tawnies in Barossa Valley since the mid-1800s by the famous Joseph Seppelt. They’ve earned numerous awards, including the recent 2023 South Australian Tourism Awards.
Explore their Centennial Cellar for a rare chance to taste the 100-Year-Old 1923 Para Vintage Tawny from the Collection and enjoy a wine from your birth year, starting at AUD $209 per person.
Langmeil Winery
Famous for its delicious Shiraz wines, this historic winery is located in Rockford, on the other side of Tununda. Here, you will witness the world’s oldest Shiraz vines.
The cellar door is cozy, offering a variety of beautiful wines to try, including some from their old vines. Due to limited quantities, not everything is available for tasting, but we particularly enjoyed the old vine Grenache.
They also feature lighter-style wines not commonly found elsewhere, such as Mediterranean varieties and a crisp Chardonnay. Langmeil Winery is committed to Sustainable Production Practices, making it a great choice for those looking for a sustainable wine experience!
Turkey Flat
Nestled amidst the picturesque Barossa Valley landscape in Tanunda, South Australia, Turkey Flat Vineyards stands as a beacon of tradition and excellence in winemaking. With a history dating back to 1847, this historic winery has been meticulously tended by the Schulz family for six generations, preserving its heritage while embracing innovation.
Turkey Flat is well-known for its red wines and is home to some of Australia’s oldest and finest Shiraz vines. They craft excellent red wines using Rhône-style varietals.
Their cellar door is housed in a charming rustic bluestone building. After a wine tasting, you can enjoy some food with a shared bottle in their on-site restaurant by the fireplace.
They’re family-friendly, dog-friendly, and committed to sustainable production practices. The popular wine-tasting package lets you try 4 different wines showcasing Turkey Flat for A$40 per person.
Chateau Yaldara
Nestled on the banks of the picturesque North Para River in the heart of the Barossa Valley, Chateau Yaldara exudes old-world charm and elegance. Originally constructed in 1847 by German winemaker Hermann Thumm, this historic chateau boasts stunning sandstone architecture reminiscent of a European castle, creating a captivating ambiance for visitors.
Chateau Yaldara is known for crafting rich flavours, especially their famous Yaldara Estate Cellars TB Wine Selection.
Teaming up with Vintage Chef Co, they’ve designed a warm and inviting space in their on-site restaurant for your next relaxed, casual dining experience, complemented by Seven Miles coffee.
For something extra special, join a tour exploring the historic cellars and maturation areas, starting at AUD $100 per person.
Henschke
Henschke Winery, an esteemed icon of Australian winemaking, epitomizes the harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and terroir-driven excellence. Situated in the picturesque Eden Valley of the Barossa region, this family-owned estate has a storied history dating back to 1868 when Johann Christian Henschke planted the first vines.
Today, the legacy of six generations of winemakers is evident in every bottle produced by Stephen and Prue Henschke, who meticulously craft wines that showcase the unique character of their vineyards. Renowned for their signature Hill of Grace Shiraz, sourced from ancient vines planted in the 1860s, Henschke’s portfolio also includes other acclaimed varietals such as Mount Edelstone Shiraz and Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon.
In 2021, they were named Wine Enthusiast New World Winery of the Year and James Halliday’ Wine Companion Winery of the Year, also earning recognition for sustainable wine production.
While they don’t have an on-site restaurant, you can still explore their Henschke Distinguished tasting for AUD $40 per person. It features wines from unique sites, aged 30 to over 100 years, presented with insightful stories about their history and background.
Rockford Wines
Rockford Wines, nestled in the heart of the Barossa Valley, stands as a beacon of tradition and craftsmanship in Australian winemaking. Founded in 1984 by Robert O’Callaghan, this family-owned winery holds steadfast to its commitment to producing handcrafted wines of exceptional quality and character. Specializing in traditional Barossa varietals such as Shiraz, Grenache, and Mataro, Rockford sources its grapes from old-vine, dry-grown vineyards, some of which date back over a century
Rockford’s cellar door is bustling and popular, though it’s quite small for such a well-known winery. Housed in an old dairy, it offers a unique tasting experience with barrels of fortified wine above you as you go through the wine flight tasting (waived with any purchase). While there’s no on-site restaurant, they provide sides to munch on, and the low ceilings create a cosy and intimate atmosphere.
Their most famous wines are Rod & Spurs and Sparkling Black Shiraz. During harvest time, you might even catch a glimpse of the winemaking process in the courtyard outside the cellar door! Rockford is famous for its basket press, but it sells out quickly each year, so plan to visit in March for a taste.
Kies Family Wines
Kies Family Wines, situated in the heart of the Barossa Valley, is a testament to the passion and dedication of the Kies family in crafting exceptional wines that reflect the region’s rich heritage. Founded in 1857 by Johann Kies, the winery has remained family-owned and operated for over six generations. Embracing both traditional and modern winemaking techniques, Kies Family Wines produces a diverse range of varietals, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Grenache.
With years of grape-growing experience, the Kies Family is offering world-class small-batch wines with traditional labels no fuss. They’ve earned many awards for both their outstanding hospitality and their distinctive flavours. Plus, you can enjoy a free tasting of six hand-crafted, single-vineyard wines at their cozy cellar door.
Here’s a tip: Check out Kies Wines’ charming Monkey Nut Tree Cafe and ask about how it got its name!
Murray Street Vineyards
Murray Street Vineyards, nestled in the heart of the Barossa Valley, is renowned for its commitment to crafting premium wines that showcase the region’s rich terroir and winemaking heritage. Established in 2001 by the Buttery family, the winery’s philosophy revolves around sustainability, authenticity, and respect for the land. Specializing in small-batch, handcrafted wines, Murray Street Vineyards sources its fruit from meticulously tended vineyards throughout the Barossa, including the iconic Greenock and Ebenezer subregions
Murray Street offers an award-winning tasting experience with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon starting at AUD $15. Each tasting comes with delicious cheese plates and platters for an extra indulgence. Known for producing outstanding artisan wines and award-winning reds, Murray Street is a favourite Barossa Valley destination, as ranked #1 by Tripadvisor.
Hentley Farm
Hentley Farm is a premier winery renowned for its commitment to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Established in 1997 on historic farmland dating back to the 1840s, Hentley Farm is dedicated to producing wines of outstanding quality and distinction.
Set among the rolling hills by Greenock Creek at Seppeltsfield, it provides the ultimate wine-tasting and dining experience. Their tasting experience starts from A$40 and is waived upon a few bottle purchases. Even if you don’t buy it, we think it’s well worth the price.
Their boutique single-estate vineyard yields three highly sought-after wines in Seppeltsfield: The Beauty Shiraz Viognier, The Beast Shiraz, and The Quintessential Shiraz Cabernet. Locals rave about their fantastic Wine-Matching Dinner, making it a go-to spot for a delightful evening of wine and dining.
Bethany Wines
Bethany Wines, nestled in the picturesque Barossa Valley, stands as a revered institution with a rich heritage dating back to 1852 when the Schrapel family established the estate. As one of the oldest continuously operated family-owned wineries in Australia, Bethany Wines embodies a deep connection to the land and a steadfast commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality and character. The estate’s vineyards, located in the heart of the Barossa, benefit from the region’s diverse terroir, ancient soils, and Mediterranean climate, allowing for the cultivation of premium grape varieties.
The cool climate is perfect for growing Shiraz and Grenache grapes for their award-winning red wines, as well as Semillon for whites. They also get high-quality Riesling and Chardonnay from the cooler Eden Valley.
Bethany has secured major Australian and international awards and consumer tastings for its hand-made, fruit-driven wines. Try their tasting experience starting at AUD $10, and don’t forget to add their delicious cheese platter!
Jacob’s Creek
Jacob’s Creek is probably one of the most iconic names in Australian wine industry, a winery that has been crafting wines of exceptional quality since its establishment in 1847. Named after the creek that runs through the region, Jacob’s Creek has become a global symbol of Australian winemaking. With vineyards spanning across some of the most prestigious wine regions in Australia, including the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, and Adelaide Hills, Jacob’s Creek has access to a diverse range of terroirs, allowing for the production of a wide variety of wines, from classic Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon to elegant Chardonnay and Riesling.
Jacob’s Creek is not our favourite winery, but its iconic appeal makes it a popular winery to visit for first-timers in the region. Don’t miss their famous double barrel Shiraz, first aged in French and American oak barrels, which then finished in aged whisky barrels. Visitors can enjoy free cellar-door tastings of 4 wines.
Jacob’s Creek Winery is committed to sustainability, recycling all its water and preserving the creek and its native species. Their Gourmet Picnic offers a daily lunch menu seven days a week, and their on-site fine dining restaurant and kitchen garden are filled with fresh seasonal food from the region.
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Artisans of Barossa
Artisans of Barossa isn’t just a cellar door, it’s the go-to place if you want to explore wines from various boutique producers without cellar doors. Owned by multiple directors with their own award-winning wine labels, wine enthusiasts will find over 100 exceptional options, including the famous Schwarz Wine Co The Schiller Shiraz 2019, Riesling, Semillon, Piquepoul, Gewurztraminer, Koerner, Clairette, Viognier, Chardonnay, and more!
Tasting fee is waived upon a few bottle purchases, and with a restaurant and deli attached, Artisans should be high on your winery bucket list and the perfect spot for a tasting and lunch or to spend a leisurely afternoon in the sun.
We absolutely loved our time in Barossa Valley and can’t wait to return. There are still many wineries to explore, like the Elderton Wines, Burge Wines, Edenmae, and we are excited to see what surprises they have in store for us.
We know we’ve only scratched the surface, and we could easily spend months here and still not see everything.
The best part is the sense of community in Barossa wineries; everyone is friendly and supportive. Of course, it makes it easy to spend more, from souvenirs to delicious meals at their Barossa Valley restaurants. Barossa Valley makes for a fantastic trip, whether or not you’re a wine enthusiast. No matter your preference, there’s something for everyone, even if you’re not a fan of jammy Shiraz!
Have You Ever Visited Barossa Valley? What Are Some Of Your Favourite Wineries In Barossa Valley?
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