The best eight coffee spots as recommended by the people of Barossa, Clare and Gawler revealed

Meet the baristas kickstarting the days of coffee lovers across the Barossa and Clare valleys with the region’s best cuppas, as taste-tested by the locals.

South Australia’s dining scene is renown and the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and Gawler are no exception.

The region is home to exceptional hospitality venues, including restaurants, hotels, and cafes.

But there’s nothing better than a good cup of jarva.

We asked the locals to nominate the best of the best – their favourite coffee spot – and narrowed them down to a shortlist of eight businesses.

Meet the people behind the cafes and hotels who go above and beyond with their coffee and customer service:

El Estanco, Greenock

El Estanco is a delightful little cafe in the Barossa town of Greenock.

With multiple dining rooms, a beautiful outdoor area and even a small shop, it is packed with surprises.

But the biggest surprise of all might be that they have coffee roasters on-site – Michael and Nick Daloisio, who own and manage Charlie Black Coffee Co.

In addition to training the baristas (and anybody else interested in coffee preparation), the Daloisios sell their blends and even create a coffee of the month at the cafe.

“It’s been quite good, the locals have been very supportive of us and the cafe,” Michael said.

“Abby Osborne and Julian Velasquez (El Estanco owners) have done an awesome job and Cheryse Zagler the pastry chef does incredible work.”

Brothers Nick and Michael Daloisio, who created Charlie Black Coffee Co. The small company is set up within El Estanco in Greenock, and delivers fresh roasted coffee to customers. Picture: Amy Maynard

A macchiato from El Estanco, which was smooth and buttery. Picture: Amy Maynard

Watervale General Store and Post Office, Watervale

The Watervale General Store and Post Office was established in 1851, and has built its reputation on providing some of the best local produce the Adelaide Plains has to offer.

“We use Fleurieu Milk Company’s milk and Monjava coffee, which I believe makes a difference,” said owner Lou Haines of its coffee which is a hit with the locals.

“We also consciously use biodegradable cups.

“We’re really passionate about coffee and we do what we can to make people happy. We’re fortunate to have loyal customers.”

Delicia Gawler, Gawler

Delicia Gawler, according to manager Daniel Gregorace, has the advantages of a beautiful location, great customer service and consistent coffee.

The cafe is part of the SA-based Delicia franchise.

“Delicia have their own award-winning blend, created at The Coffee Barun, it’s unique to us,” Mr Gregorace said.

He and his sister Natalie Allwood and barista Makayla Cramwell are also constantly checking the coffee weight, temperature and time, to ensure the coffee is always rich but not bitter.

The cafe has an airy and plant-filled dining space and is located on a prime retail space on the main street.

The macchiato was dark, robust and single origin, with the perfect amount of foam.

“We actually had the best opening weekend sales of any Delicia in the state,” Mr Gregorace said.

“People think Gawler is sleepy, but people definitely come out to support small businesses.”

Delicia Gawler barista Makayla Cramwell and owner/manager Daniel Gregorace. Picture: Amy Maynard

Delicia Gawler, like other Delicia franchises, has its own custom blend created at The Coffee Barun. Their macchiato was dark and robust. Picture: Amy Maynard

The Golden Fleece Hotel, Gawler

The Golden Fleece takes its name from the Greek myth of The Argonauts.

And like The Argonauts, there’s treasure to be found – if you know which local to ask.

Assistant manager Julie Heron said the baristas had a small in-house competition each week with a regular named Martin.

“He comes in, has a coffee, asks the baristas a question and has a little document where he makes notes before deciding a winner,” Ms Heron said.

Prince Albert Hotel, Gawler

The Prince Albert Hotel is a stately institution in the heart of Gawler, with all the usual charm of a country pub.

It’s the welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.

“I consider them my team – not my staff,” manager Danni Critchley said.

Talented barista Jess (JL) Lee is among the best according to Ms Critchley and often juggles 10 coffee orders at once during the weekend rush.

“Customer service is one of the things we pride ourselves on here, it’s service with a smile,” Ms Critchley said.

Barista Jess Lee at the Prince Albert Hotel. Ms Lee was identified by manager Danni Critchley as a talented coffee maker, who often handles the busy weekend shifts. Picture: Supplied

The Prince Albert macchiato was creamy and light. Picture: Amy Maynard

Michelle’s Gourmet Kitchen, Williamstown

This family-owned cafe and providore in the Barossa has a custom-made blend of coffee and more importantly, plenty of heart.

“Everything we do, we do with love,” Michelle’s Gourmet Kitchen owner and manager Michelle Pope said.

Its blend is from Nuriootpa’s Bean Addiction Coffee Roaster and was chosen by Ms Pope and her daughter Tarni.

“We also sell the coffee beans on-site,” she said.

Stocking a wide range of products from other Barossa businesses, Ms Pope said it was an honour to be nominated by locals.

Michelle's Gourmet Kitchen in Williamstown was established by the Pope family and has quickly become a sought-after destination. Picture: Instagram

Coffee with Canines, Willaston

Sue Brecevic and Karen French started Coffee with Canines by saving $50 a fortnight from their full-time jobs.

After finding success with a coffee van in markets and parks, they have achieved the dream of opening their own cafe, a brightly coloured little place in Willaston, just north of Gawler.

“We wanted to have somewhere comfortable, where people could relax with their pets,” Ms French said.

“It’s an extremely casual atmosphere,” Ms Bercevic said.

As a self-described “coffee snob”, she and Ms French went through many coffee brands before settling on Brasilia, from Windsor Gardens.

“There’s nothing worse than the taste of bitter coffee,” she said.

One of the newest cafes on the list, Coffee with Canines officially opened on March 12 and sells dog treats as well as human treats.

Sue Brecevic, Mathilda and Karen French from Coffee and Canines in Willaston. Picture: Amy Maynard

Red Door Espresso, Tanunda

A lively and bustling cafe in the middle of the Barossa, Red Door Espresso stands out due to its charming staff and focus on giving customers the best experience possible when they walk through the doors.

“Our customer satisfaction is based on providing friendly approachable service, so when you dine at Red Door Espresso, it’s like stepping into a friend’s home,” restaurant and marketing co-ordinator Penelope De Ruiter said.

“We create an environment which is comfortable and inviting, we want you to feel welcome, and then walk away satisfied, full and happy.”

The business uses Amanti coffee, with the Golden Moka medium blend being used in most of its coffees.

However for the more wild at heart there’s the RIP – Wake the Dead blend, an extra dark blend available on request, and according to Ms De Ruiter, guaranteed to do what its name suggests!

Red Door Espresso in Tanunda have been a hit with customers for years due to their friendly service. Picture: Amy Maynard