A Perfect Barossa Valley Weekend (with maps!)

The old train tracks and bike path between Tanunda & Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley

Overview

Rise and shine! One of the highlights on my one week in Adelaide itinerary begins now! The famous Barossa Wine Valley is home to the big bold red and this weekend will see you whittling away the day on an electric bike, whilst cycling below the gum trees between some of the world’s best wineries and craft breweries. The Barossa is thought of a triangle made up of 3 towns: Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston (although there are other towns in the region).

It’s impossible to see it all in a weekend but keep reading for the very best highlights in this self-directed tour I’ve created for you! I’ve provided easy to follow maps over 2 fun-filled days, with each destination listed. This wine valley is not to be missed. If you’re a global traveller, you’ll almost certainly have been offered a tantalising drop from this region at any restaurant with an international wine list. Having grown up in South Australia in a family with a deep appreciation for ‘a drop of red’ (aka a meal in a glass), I feel well versed on this topic and can’t wait to bring you my favourites!
[NB: The Barossa produces many varietals; not just reds]

Iconic names such as Jacob’s Creek and Penfolds are amongst the many wineries we will visit … but the lure of the smaller boutique family-run wine cellars are the piece de resistance!

Itinerary

Day 1 Wine & Culinary Route

Map of Wine Route
Breakfast at Artisans of Barossa
Penfolds Barossa Valley Cellar Door
Gourmet food platter at David Franz Cellar Door
Langmeil Winery
Barossa Valley Brewing
Jacob’s Creek Cellar Door
Rockford Wines
Grant Burge Cellar Door
Dinner: 1918 Bistro & Grill

Day 2 Wine & Culinary Route

Map of Wine Route
St Hallett Wines
Seppeltsfield Winery & Mausoleum
Turkey Flat Vineyards
Bethany Wines
Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop & Restaurant
Tscharke Wines
Pindarie Wines
Dinner: St Hugo Restaurant, Hentley Farm or FermentAsian

Conscious Traveller Tip
Keep in mind that whilst the Barossa Valley is internationally renowned, many of the smaller boutique wineries are family run and owned and are subject to financial and environmental restrictions and hazards. Their passion exudes but be patient if a particular varietal is out of season or you experience any small-town hiccups.

Road signs in the Barossa listing the wineries in your direction and their distance!

Colourful visitors to some of the Barossa wineries

Relaxing at David Franz Cellar Door, Barossa Valley

But first, where is the Barossa Valley?

The Barossa Valley is approximately one hour drive from Adelaide city centre, South Australia.

Barossa Valley in relation to Adelaide, South Australia (Google Maps)

The Barossa Valley ‘triangle’: Tanunda, Nuriootpa & Angaston (with wider Barossa Valley also shown) (Google Maps)

The Rockford Alicante Bouchet, an icon of the Barossa Valley

What is the best way to get around the Barossa Valley?

Numerous navigation options present themselves to visitors of the Barossa Valley.

Options for travel to and within the Barossa Valley:
1. Hire car and drive from Adelaide and (sensibly) visit wineries - not recommended for this itinerary
2. Day trip from Adelaide through a tour provider which will take you to and from the Barossa in a day (major drawback: not able to stay overnight)
3. Hire car (or expensive taxi) from Adelaide and book locally operated tour guide who will drop you back at your evening accommodation. Note that some smaller wineries will opt out of guided tours.
4. Hire car (or expensive taxi) from Adelaide and book an electric bike to ride around the wineries of your choice at your own pace. The sky is the limit!

Over the years I’ve visited the Barossa numerous times and I just can’t explain how enjoyable it is to hire an electric bike and scoot around the vineyards at your own pace!

I’ve now completed two e-bike adventures throughout the Barossa and it is by far my favourite way to enjoy the wineries of my choice. You simply can’t go past Louis at Barossa Bike Hire for bike hire (email: admin@barossabikehire.com.au and mobile: +61 400 537 770). Bikes are $140 AUD per person for the day, with bike drop-off and pick-up from your accommodation. Louis is also a qualified bike mechanic so you’re guaranteed a safe journey on state-of-the-art electric bikes.

Note that this itinerary is designed to be completed on electric bikes but if you have a designated driver, then that works also!

Hire car or electric bike is the only way to discover these isolated Barossa gems for yourself!

Accommodation

If you are taking the electric bike option, I’d highly recommend staying somewhere nearby the last winery you intend to visit so that the ride back home is not too far.

We stayed at Blickinstal Barossa Valley Retreat, which fit perfectly with the wineries we visited (day 1 of this itinerary) and allowed us to keep our car on premesis well before check-in time in order to collect our e-bikes in the morning and begin our self-guided winery tour. The Barossa Valley is replete with old German-style B&Bs, an homage to its historic past.

Beautiful views at Blickinstal Barossa Valley Retreat, Bethany, Barossa Valley

Restaurants

The Barossa is not only renowned for its impeccable wines but also for its delicious locally-grown gourmet produce and some restaurants are booked out months in advance so be sure to book your preferred venue well ahead of time. Our first day in the Barossa Valley concluded with the chef’s menu with paired wines at Restaurant 1918. For a taxi to and from your accommodation and Barossa restaurant, call Barossa Cabs on 0400 631 631 or 0499 106 106. Note that there is a limited fleet in the Barossa and it pays to book ahead. Careful driving if you’ve been wine tasting all day!

Other award-winning restaurants include FermentAsian, Hentley Farm, Vintners Bar & Grill, Harvest and Appellation.

Day 1

Map of Winery Route for Day 1

Description

Snap those helmets on friends: it’s time to get cycling! After collecting your e-bikes and going for a wee test drive, we stretch our legs for about 20-30 minutes to cycle the beautiful countryside of the Barossa Valley. We pass through the township of Tanunda and onwards to its outskirts to reach Artisans of Barossa.

Artisans of Barossa

Here it’s time to fill up on a delicious breakfast. We could not go past a decadent carb-loading and tried our best to finish the ‘artisanal hot dog’: frankfurter, seeded mustard, ketchup, cheese, sauerkraut, dills and a german bun. You can check out the rest of their menu below which is a valiant homage to the region’s South Australian and German heritage.

Penfolds

From here it’s a short cycle to Penfolds Cellar Door, arguably one of Australia’s most famous wineries. The Penfolds Grange is an Australian icon: a heritage-listed wine protected by the National Trust of South Australia. The tasting list at the cellar door is $10 and includes 6 wines, including the iconic (and my personal favourite) St Henri Shiraz. For an additional $50, guests can sample the 2017 Grange, which retails at $950 per bottle.

“All Winemakers should possess a good fertile imagination if they are to be successful in their craft.”
— Max Schubert, Penfolds First Chief Winemaker

David Franz Cellar Door

This cute boutique cellar door was recommended to us by the friendly folk at Penfolds and we are sure glad to have visited! The small but spacious stone brick cellar door overlooks rolling fields of vines and visitors can choose from various tastings. It’s as simple as circling your order and then a friendly staff member will bring them straight to your seat (or barrel)! There are also a plethora of local produce smallgoods to choose from which can be made into a shared platter: we couldn’t go past the pecorino and triple cream brie with salt sticks.

Pro Tip!
Make sure you try David Franz’s Golden Scrumpy Lightly Sparkling, a scrumptious and intriguing mix of grape and apple!

Langmeil Winery

Get ready to be swept off your feet. Langmeil Winery is one of my favourites in the Barossa. With gorgeous grounds that showcase a restored 1842 trading village, this smaller family-run cellar door is what fairytales are made of. As soon as you enter the wrought iron gates and park your bike near the red brick home draped in vines, you just know you’re in for an old-world treat.

The Lindner family have been in the region for 6-generations and have curated a thoughtful, personalised tasting for guests. You’ll be touched by generosity and a welcome warmth here. Don’t miss it!

Fun Fact!
Langmeil Winery is home to what is believed to be the world’s oldest shiraz vineyard, The Freedom 1843.

Barossa Valley Brewing

Mosey down to this boutique brewing company: an old homestead under the strong and long boughs of a good ol’ Aussie gum tree.

If you’re not singing Waltzing Matilda as you share a tasting paddle of self-selected beers in their garden then I don’t know where we went wrong.

Jacob’s Creek Cellar Door

Despite getting a little off track thanks to unclear sign posting on the way into Jacob’s Creek (and ending up on a picturesque bike path to their sister winery St Hugo’s) and then missing our winery tasting time and being made to reschedule for the next day, we did finally experience a Jacob’s Creek wine tasting. It can be a bit hit and miss dependant upon your host. However, being an icon of Australia on the global market, it’s worth the effort. Guests must pre-book a 30 minute session and can choose from one of 4 wine flights. Note that any wines prefaced with OLR (Our Limited Range) depict wines that can only be sampled at the Cellar Door.

Rockford Wines

Ask a handful of South Australians what their favourite ‘rose’ is and I’m going to bet my pet horse that more than half of them say Rockford Alicante. (I don’t really have a pet horse). It’s become an infamous symbol of the region and of summer days on the porch or back lawn watching the sun sink on the horizon with friends around a grazing table of delicious produce and snacks. (Note: it is technically not a rose). Their other notable varietal is the Basket Press Shiraz: just try getting your hands on a bottle from this small wine producer. It’s become more and more difficult in recent years but it’s all yours for the taking at a Rockford tasting!

The cellar door is vintage itself: you’ll find the homely stone building with a tin shed just past its famous pressing baskets that sit in the yard. If you’re lucky to be there at the right time of year, you’ll even see it in action as the grapes are pressed!

Grant Burge Wines

If you still have time before 5pm closure of most wineries, then make a last stop at the picturesque Grant Burge Cellar Door. Nestled in the vineyards at the top of Krondorf Road sits their Meshach Cellar. With commanding views across the Barossa Valley, it’s the perfect place to taste their quality range of wines.

Dinner: 1918 Bistro & Grill

A staple in the heart of Tanunda and the Barossa Valley, is 1918 Bistro & Grill. This gorgeous 100 year old home will greet you with roaring open fires in the winter and with lush gardens and its giant Norfolk pine for relaxed outdoor summer dining. At night, diners will be spellbound walking past the fairy lights adorning the trees and up to the wisteria-scented verandah of the old homestead. Hearty fare is served in a setting that feels as if you’re being taken to dinner in a well-to-do friend’s home.

If the day has tuckered you out, then feel free to order take away or home delivery from the restaurant. (Yes: the chargrilled kangaroo loin is also miraculously on their home delivery menu!)

We couldn’t go past the chef selected menu, enjoying the ambience of the restaurant in person.

Chef's Menu with Paired Wines at Restaurant 1918, Tanunda

Entree:
Local produce smallgoods charcuterie board with metwurst, prosciutto, olives, pickles, rocket, grilled ciabatta and avocado hummus
Paired wine: Amelia Burge Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut Sparkling Wine

Mains: 
1. Chargrilled Squid Salad with Spicy Merlot Dressing
Paired wine: Tomfoolery Wines Pinot Gris
2. Crab Linguine
Paired wine: Turkey Flat Rose
3. Chargrilled Kangaroo Loin with Sweet Potato Puree, Asparagus, Red Wine Jus
Paired wine: Kurtz Family Vineyards Boundary Row Grenache Shiraz Mataro

Dessert:
Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce, Vanilla Bean Icecream
Paired wine: Laughing Jack Wines 15 year old Tawny

Day 2

Map of Winery Route for Day 2

The idyllic setting of Barossa Valley, South Australia

Breakfast

If you’re up and ready for another day in the Barossa Valley, then it’s time for a good breakfast first. Some of the smaller accommodations (which you can easily book through Booking.com) will provide breakfast. The thoughtful staff at Blickinstal Barossa Valley Retreat had left us with a small basket of goodies. This included Uncle Tobys rolled oats, eggs, tomatoes, bread, butter, milk and juice for a self prepared breakfast which we loved. Alternatively, I’d recommend one of the smaller cafes on the main street for a quick takeaway breakfast, or the Tanunda Bakery.

St Hallett

Chocolate for breakfast? Why not?! In addition to their divine Old Block Shiraz, the team at St Hallett have carefully selected some crafted artisan Australian made chocolates to matched exquisitely with a selected flight of St Hallett wines for a beautiful sensory experience.

Seppeltsfield

Often touted as the greatest showpiece in the Barossa Valley, this large-scale winery has something for everyone. The straight narrow palm tree-lined road to its estate heralds excellence. The property has undergone a renaissance in recent years, adding food, craft, design, art and beauty to its wine experiences. Established in 1851, the Estate has evolved into a modern village with its cellar door at the centre. Notably, Seppeltsfield lays claim to the longest unbroken line of Single Vintage Tawny’s in the world, dating back to 1878. For those interested in history, there’s also a grandiose Seppeltsfield Mausoleum nearby, in memorium of the original Seppelt family who founded the winery.

Turkey Flat Vineyards

I can’t recall the number of summers I have spent enjoying Turkey Flat’s light, crisp and extremely alluring rose, in addition to the number of winters savouring their Butcher’s Block Shiraz. This gorgeous cellar door is located in the old Schulz family butchers shop on the edge of Tanunda. It offers several tasting flights, as well as platters with cheese, charcuterie, local sourdough and other smallgoods.

Bethany Wines

The understated and picturesque Bethany Wines cellar door boats a secluded vineyard view and full bodied wines. You will wish that you could park yourself here all afternoon! Brilliantly lit up in autumn colours, the inviting old German-style beauty of this vineyard will stay with you in your dreams! Come, take a breath and relax in this old homestead.

Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop & Restaurant

As one of Australia’s most famous chefs, does she need an introduction? In addition to her successful TV show, ‘The Cook and the Chef‘, Maggie Beer AO (Order of Australia) has travelled the world over and holds the titles of chef, food auther, restaurateur and food manufacturer. Oh, and she lives in the Barossa Valley! Maggie Beer is also one of the judges on The Great Australian Bake Off alongside Matt Moran and is a regular guest on MasterChef Australia.

You simply can’t miss a visit to her gorgeous farm and restaurant, where you can order fresh scones, taste test homemade jams and sauces and enjoy your chosen fare while relaxing with views of turtles swimming in the dam. Stop here for a well-deserved lunch!

The beautiful dam and premesis at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop & Restaurant

Tscharke Wines

The unique charm of this cellar door is what puts it on the map! The adorable Swiss-chalet barn style aesthetic is rather unassuming from the road but simply gorgeous within. From the stunning Red Gum tasting bench and table to the upstairs pottery store (all handmade by Eva Tscharke), you’ll be on cutesie overload. Don’t miss their Mediterranean varietals, especially the Tempranillo and Montepulciano.

Pindarie Wines

Pindarie is another of my personal favourites. Their bespoke labelled hay bale stack is a focal point for guests on entry and there is nothing better than relaxing under the gum trees overlooking the rolling fields and grazing sheep while sipping away on a glass of their Risk Taker Tempranillo. Guests also have the option of partaking in a wine tasting within The Stables Wine Room. For anyone needing some sustenance to counteract the liquid of the day, you can’t go past the homemade pie plates. Saltbush Lamb, Quince, Rosemary & Potato Pie anyone?

One of my favourite Barossa wineries: Pindarie

Dinner: St Hugo Restaurant, Hentley Farm or FermentAsian

Book ahead to eat at one of these two well recognised and distinguished restaurants.

St Hugo Restaurant is an Australian Good Food Guide 2-hatted restaurant, which specialises in local produce that is expertly crafted on coals by Executive Chef Nik Tucker, in a maximum capacity 50 guest space.

Hentley Farm brings diners a chef’s degustation menu like no other, showcasing the amazing produce grown in and around the local Greenock Creek.

FermentAsian offers southeast Asian food (rooted in Vietnamese history) using homegrown produce and complemented with fine wines in their classic stone house.

Appellation is a highly esteemed and awarded restaurant serving up modern Australian fare in a degustation style menu with paired wines. Note that it is temporarily closed for renovations.

Other Highly Recommended Wineries

St Hugo
Henschke
Charles Melton Wines
Barossa Valley Estate Winery & Cellar Door
Kalleske Wines
Gomersal Wines

The rolling hills of the Barossa Valley, Souht Australia

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Mengler Hill Lookout and Barossa Sculpture Park – views across the Barossa Valley with quirky art sculptures
The Whispering Wall – fun for the kids – a large concrete dam where you can audibly whisper to someone standing on the other side!
The Big Rocking Horse – I mean it wouldn’t be Australia without a ‘big’ icon, would it?!
Para Wirra Conservation Park – great for camping and Australian wildlife