If you like your wine, chances are you’ve heard of the Barossa Valley. The Barossa is well known for Shiraz (or Syrah). But, if you’re not a Shiraz fan that’s ok – there are plenty more wines on offer.

The thing we loved the most about the Barossa is that it made us feel like we were back in Europe, or somewhere in the 19th century. It was a cool day for us, so we were rugged up, driving around picturesque roads surrounded by green rolling hills, stone cottages, vineyards (of course) and best of all- when we arrived at many of the cellar doors, they had their fire places going. It was perfect.

We had only a weekend planned for Adelaide and decided to spend our first day in the famous Barossa Valley. For us, one day was enough but if you’re really into your wine, you can stay out in the Barossa and make a weekend of it.

Where is the Barossa Valley

About an hour north of Adelaide, you will find the Barossa Valley. The area itself is massive and is actually around 900 square km’s and connects three towns! So, it isn’t a small little wine region that’s for sure.

How to get to the Barossa Valley

There are plenty of tour options from Adelaide. But, if you’re like us and hate being stuck on a coach with no say on where you’re going or how long you’d like to stay, then do yourself a favour and hire a car!! We hired a car through Hertz Australia and it made it so much easier. Click here to read our full review including tips and tricks on renting a car.

We had complete flexibility when it came to where we wanted to visit and how long we wanted to stay at each place. Lucky for me, Jenna isn’t a big drinker so she was my designated driver! 

Here is a short video of us exploring the Barossa!

When is the best time to visit the Barossa

We visited at the end of August, and that meant there was no fruit or leaves on any of the vines and a lot of trees had shed their leaves… that being said, it was still lovely and green. We were told by a few places that September and October are the better months for visiting the Barossa.

What to do in the Barossa Valley

Visit the wineries (of course!!)

If you’re visiting the Barossa then you will no doubt be going to some wineries. There are so many to choose from, in fact, there are over 70 different wineries. So there is no way you’ll be able to fit them all into your trip, nor would you want to. Narrow the wineries down and aim to visit between 5-10 depending on how much time you have to allow yourself to really appreciate what the Barossa has on offer. See further down for the list of wineries we visited!

For a full list of wineries, click here for your official touring map.

Barossa Visitor Information Centre

If you haven’t visited this region before, stop in at the information centre and they can guide you in the right direction depending on your preferences.

Drive along Seppeltsfield Road

Probably one of the most beautiful streets int he Barossa Valley! It is worth driving down the 10km road leading to the Seppeltsfield winery!

Visit Mengler’s Hill Lookout

The Barossa is just so pretty and there is no better way to enjoy the view than from Mengler’s Hill Lookout. The views are definitely worth the stop!

Visit The Keg Factory

It isn’t always all about drinking the wine! The Keg Factory, established in 1985 make handcrafted oak keg barrels. It is incredible to visit the factory and see how the barrels are traditionally made!

We were on the lookout for a cheese board made from the top of a wine barrel. We saw one at a winery that was alright but not quite what we were looking for. The Keg Factory had the perfect barrel top for a fraction of the price and he even put handles on it while we were waiting! The service was fantastic and the quality of the product is great.

They sell a heap of other products there as well from wine holders, candle holders, kegs etc. It is worth a stop!

Red Door Espresso

If you need something to either start your day or break up your wine tasting, drop into Red Door Espresso in Tanunda. It’s a great spot for a pit-stop.

Visit Maggie Beer’s Farm

You will see Maggie Beer’s Farm on all of the reviews. Maggie Beer is a cook, restaurant owner and a food author and has won many awards. You can walk around the Farm Shop and try just about every product made by Maggie Beer. You can also stop for a bite to eat here if you wish.

Wineries in the Barossa Valley

We stopped in at a number of wineries, some of which were recommended by several friends so we knew they were a must visit!

Rockford Winery

Hands down, one of our favourite stops for the day (in the top two!).

It was so small and crowded but that added to the atmosphere. The wines are absolutely delicious and the staff are super friendly. The cottage has an original wood stove on to keep you warm (if it’s cold outside!) and the atmosphere was just great.

Hentley Farm

And to go with Rockford at the top of our list is Hentley Farm. This place was just gorgeous. You pay a $10 tasting fee but that is deducted from your purchase (and I say purchase because you’re guaranteed to walk away with a bottle (or a few).

Their tasting menu is really good and their wine great- a very good variety with a great ending, the beauty and the beast. The rooms are well set up with lounge chairs and tables and a gorgeous fire place to keep you warm. Definitely a favourite for us.

Chateau Tanunda

The grounds of Chateau Tanunda are amazing. They were setting up for a wedding when we arrived and it was a lovely blue sky sort of day so it was great for the bridal party!

The cellar door is quite large, and there are plenty of staff on hand to help you out.

Murray Street Vineyards

This was our first stop of the day. The grounds are very pretty, the cottages and barns made me feel like I was in the countryside of England – so pretty!

It was pretty early in the morning (around 11) and we were the first people there so there wasn’t really an atmosphere going.

Langmeil Winery

Langmeil is home to the oldest surviving Shiraz vineyard in the world – the freedom 1843.

The grounds were really beautiful, especially the cherry blossom trees which Jenna loved!

Seppeltsfield Wines

We stopped in at Seppeltsfield Wines, impressive grounds and very well done- but we certainly didn’t stay long, it just wasn’t for us, it is very commercialised with tour busses and groups. The grounds are great so if you have a family and need to have a break, you can have a picnic and relax for a bit.

They do have a large restaurant if you’re wanting some lunch, but we much preferred the smaller more personalised wineries.

Two Hands Wines Cellar Door

A little off the main track, but a nice looking cellar door, friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere. It is just around the corner from Seppeltsfield so if you’re in the area you should pop over.

Where to stay in Adelaide

If you’re looking for accommodation in Adelaide that is conveniently located and has everything you need then we can personally recommend the Mercure Grosvenor. Click here for our full review and short video.

We are Platinum Accor members and Accor Plus members.

Other things to do in Adelaide

If you have some more spare time in Adelaide, click here for our list of suggested things to see and do, including the gorgeous town of Hahndorf!

Do you have travel insurance?

Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.

“Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain