The best food, wine and gin tours in the Barossa Valley SA
From a sunrise journey over the vineyards on a hot-air balloon, to gliding around an estate on a Segway, here’s the best ways to explore SA’s Barossa Valley region.
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Deeply rooted in a rich wine heritage that spans seven generations, there’s a reason Barossa Valley is renowned as one of Australia’s most beloved wine regions.
Home to some of the best drinking and dining experiences in the world, nestled among breathtaking scenery, the Barossa is the perfect spot for a weekend adventure, whether you live an hour – or another state – away.
With Australians set to continue their love affair with exploring all that our backyard has to offer, there’s never been a better time to venture beyond Adelaide’s borders and head 90 minutes northeast.
DISCOVER THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE BAROSSA VALLEY
From fresh produce, food and wine to rich heritage and unbelievable experiences, a visit to the Barossa is a sure fire way to have a weekend you’ll never forget.
VISIT THE BAROSSA VALLEY BY BALLOON
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Barossa Valley, Travello, from $319
For the thrillseeker and as a way of experiencing the Barossa Valley like no other, there’s nothing quite as breathtaking as stepping inside the basket of a hot-air balloon to see the region from the sky.
As peaceful as it is exhilarating, the sunrise flight lasts for approximately one hour and offers a perfect – and very romantic – backdrop for the early morning trip of a lifetime.
The fun doesn’t stop there: after soaking in the scenery and views of the wine region, you’ll be treated to a delicious Barossa breakfast.
BREW YOUR OWN BESPOKE GIN
Barossa Gin Making Experience with 3 Course Lunch, Red Balloon, $295
The beauty of the Barossa Valley is that it’s not all about the grapes.
The region is also home to a number of gin distilleries – and at Maggie Beer’s, you can turn your gin obsession levels from novice to pro as you learn how to make your favourite spirit during an interactive, four-hour class.
Learn about the gin-making process at Durand Distillery while you concoct your bespoke gin.
While the stills work their magic, enjoy a beautiful three-course lunch at the Farm Eatery, before bottling and taking home your gin, ready to be shared or enjoyed all on your own.
EXPLORE THE BAROSSA VALLEY ON A SEGWAY
Segway Winery Tour, Adrenaline, $99
If the seat of a bus or perhaps the basket of a hot-air balloon doesn’t quite hit the mark, perhaps gliding around the vineyards on a Segway is more to your liking.
Rather than wander around the stunning 19th century site of Australia’s iconic Seppeltsfield Winery Estate, get a behind-the-scenes look on your Segway ride, experiencing areas of the estate regular tours aren’t given access to.
The trail will take you past heritage-listed sites and 19th century Barossa architecture, as well as peaceful gardens and, from the top of the vineyard, a 360-degree view of the beautiful valley.
FOOD AND WINE LOVER’S DREAM
Barossa Valley History and Heritage Private Wine Tour, Klook, $780
When it comes to tasting wine, lining the stomach is just as important.
Experience the best of both worlds with this private tour – where you’ll explore the Barossa’s boutique and iconic wineries across historical landscapes.
Indulge in a tasting of world-famous wines at Penfolds, before taking an unforgettable walk among the barrels of the 1878 Centennial Cellar at Seppeltsfield, the only winery in the world to release a 100-year-old single vintage wine every year, where you’ll taste your birth year wine straight from the barrel.
Follow a tasting at Yalumba Winery with a sumptuous lunch at the region’s beloved Harvest Kitchen, where you’ll enjoy a tasting menu of locally sourced and seasonally inspired dishes.
It’s your perfect tour to complement your getaway in the Barossa.
HOW MANY WINERIES ARE IN THE BAROSSA VALLEY?
The Barossa is widely regarded – by international wine writers, judges, retailers and consumers alike – as our nation’s most famous wine region, and it’s easy to see why.
Home to over 40 wine grape varieties, each with its own character, there are roughly 150 wineries in the area, where you can taste wine and enjoy local, seasonal produce at more than 80 cellar doors.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE BAROSSA VALLEY?
Every season in the Barossa is important to the region’s food and wine cycle – from growing to harvest to preservation – and each provides visitors with a unique experience.
Pay a visit in summer if you love sunshine and an outdoor dinner, while the grape harvest begins, with grapes being hand-picked before tractors and trucks transport them to wineries where they’re, of course, made into wine.
In autumn, the days become milder – perfect for exploring by bike, hiking through local native bushland or strolling cellar doors and local townships as the grape harvest continues.
Winter brings a chance to cozy up and seek out cellar doors with roaring fires and a bold glass of red, while a visit in spring brings the perfect weather for alfresco dining overlooking the vineyards or taking a tour by bike or on foot.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ‘MUST SEE’ SPOTS IN THE BAROSSA VALLEY?
The Barossa is as abundant with “must do” experiences as it is good food and wine.
Drop by famous names such as Penfolds, Jacob’s Creek, Wolf Blass, St Hugo and Henschke – and the historic Seppeltsfield.
And of course, no visit to the Barossa is complete without stopping in at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, where you can stock up on her signature pickles, sauces and chutneys before wandering next door to The Farm Eatery for a long lunch featuring the region’s best produce.
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