Visit the valleys and vines in South Australia’s beautiful Barossa

Beautiful splashes of colour from myriad vines: welcome to the Barossa Valley – one of the world’s most revered wine regions.

Rogasch Cottage. Picture: Elliot Grafton

Wide, open spaces. Clean, fresh air. The sound of birdsong. Beautiful splashes of colour from myriad vines. Welcome to the Barossa Valley – one of the world’s most revered wine regions where luxury is a given and unforgettable experiences lie around every turn in the road. Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, this is where the sky is no limit to stimulating your every sense, whether soaring above the clouds in a hot-air balloon or indulging in premium wine and degustation encounters on the ground.

EXPERIENCE THIS

Yalumba cooperage tour. Picture: SATC

Yalumba cooperage tour

Take a unique look at the only onsite winery cooperage in Australia and just one of five in the world. The experience begins with a short introduction of the iconic South Australian winery, which carried out its first planting in 1849. The tour provides a rare insight into the craft of wine barrel making, a tradition that has been happening at Yalumba for more than 100 years. Depending on the time of year, visitors can also see first-hand the coopers hard at work preparing or maintaining wine barrels for Yalumba’s fine wines. The tour concludes in the wine room with a tasting of five wines, featuring varieties iconic to both Yalumba and the Barossa. yalumba.com/events/yalumba-cooperage-tour

Seppeltsfield

Set on more than 200 acres of ancient vineyard on the western ridge of the Barossa Valley, Seppeltsfield is more than a winery: it’s an unforgettable adventure. From wine tasting and private tours to progressive regional dining at Fino or house roasted coffee at Octeine, Seppeltsfield’s range of food and beverage options will satisfy every palate. Tick off the bucket list with a Taste Your Birth Year Tour of Centennial Cellar, which boasts the longest lineage of single vintage wines in the world, dating back to 1878. Complete the tour with an exclusive experience – a taste of Para Vintage Tawny direct from barrel of your birth year. There’s also plenty to delight arts and cultural lovers. Contemporary craft and design space JamFactory houses professional artisans working in a variety of media, including knife making, ceramics, millinery, glass and leather. Visitors can watch the makers in action or participate in a public workshop. Or indulge your senses at Vasse Virgin to witness products made from the finest quality natural ingredients and join in on a workshop or masterclass. seppeltsfield.com.au

STAY HERE

Peppertree Bar, Kingsford The Barossa. Picture: Adam Bruzzone

Kingsford the Barossa

A lot has changed since Kingsford was the setting for one of Australia’s best-loved TV series, McLeod’s Daughters. Today, the grounds are home to one of the country’s most exclusive retreats, with 16 luxurious suites, two incredible wine cellars, a team of dedicated chefs serving the finest local produce, stunning landscapes and guaranteed privacy. The property exudes style, sophistication and grace. Guests also have access to bespoke signature experiences, including an alfresco bush bath, solar-heated saltwater pool, in-room spa treatments and more. kingsfordbarossa.com.au

Rogasch Cottage

Nestled amid nine acres of vineyard, this renovated 1860s cottage offers two bedrooms with king beds, open fireplace, private plunge pool and private cellar. The fully equipped cottage comes complete with stocked fridge and wine cellar, BBQ and kitchen, while local coffee shops and restaurants are a mere five-minute stroll away. Soak up the bliss, listen out for the call of native birds and watch out for visiting kangaroos from your private patio. Pour a glass of premium Barossa wine and take a wander down to the creek, hit a few golf balls off the driving range or take a sundown yoga session on the lawn. rogaschcottage.com.au

INDULGE HERE

Artisans of Barossa

The Artisans of Barossa are eight small winemakers bought together by a passion for the art of small-batch Barossa winemaking. Discover more than 100 Barossa wines in one place, presented through tastings and deep dive experiences; or book a four or five-course food tasting session at Essen Restaurant, featuring a selection of seasonal produce paired with Barossa wines. artisansofbarossa.com

Hentley Farm

Nestled among rolling hills in the west of the region, single estate boutique winery Hentley Farm uses meticulous viticultural planning and modern winemaking to produce award-winning craft wines. Guests can immerse themselves in the unique diversity of the range at a wine tasting before visiting the adjoining atrium for a lunch discovery experience or more exclusive chef’s table. hentleyfarm.com.au

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Barossa Contemporary

It may be one of South Australia’s premium wine regions but, this spring, the Barossa Valley will also be suffused in music, art and culinary experiences as Barossa Contemporary: Festival for the Curious returns. The 10-day event, from September 30 to October 9, features exclusive music, art, food and wine adventures at stunning locations throughout the region. More than 200 performances will offer a feast for the senses, with live entertainment, installations and exclusive dining encounters presented by some of South Australia’s most celebrated musicians, artists, chefs and more. barossacontemporary.com.au