Plan Book Travel Australia

Although relatively small in area, the Barossa Valley is Australia's best-known wine region. Each year thousands of visitors tour the region, tasting the wines and making cellar-door purchases.

The Barossa's Mediterranean-type climate and differing soils make it an ideal place for growing diverse varieties of grapes, producing consistently high quality wines. German immigrants initially settled the region and in 1847, the valley's first vines were planted at the Orlando vineyards.

While the Barossa Valley boasts more than 50 wineries, ranging from household names such as Penfolds to boutique wineries like Charles Melton and Grant Burge Wines, the region also offers lots of other attractions, including its history and scenery. This lovely, closely settled valley is dotted with small Lutheran churches, yet another legacy of the German settlers who escaped religious persecution. As well, there are quaint townships featuring antique stores, bakeries and old-fashioned pubs.

The Barossa Valley's proximity to Adelaide makes it an ideal daytrip destination, and with a range of great accommodation options and attractions available, it is worthwhile staying a few days.

Barossa Festivals

German influence is very much alive in some of the Barossa festivals. The biennial Barossa Vintage Festival, held from Easter Monday during odd-numbered years attracts more than 100 000 people. Other festivals in the region include Barossa Under the Stars (Feb), Melodienacht (May) and Barossa International Music Festival (Oct).