Vino Culture: Why the Barossa Should Be at the Top of Your 2022 Travel List

The Barossa Valley is the sparkling gem of Aussie wine regions. Revered for its world class Shiraz, the Barossa is home to some of the world’s best wineries producing some of the most collectible vintages.

For wine lovers, there is no better Australian region to visit than this wonderfully bucolic, highly fertile valley, as you can be sure you are going to have some incredible cellar door experiences as well as enjoy some truly delightful cuisine.

With this in mind, here are a few reasons why this amazing wine region should be at the top of your Aussie travel list (as well as a few places to try some of that legendary Barossa Shiraz):

The wineries (obviously!)

This is, after all, one of the world’s top wine regions, and so why shouldn’t it be home to some of the very best vino you can try in this wide and fertile land? Not only is the region famous for Barossa Shiraz, but you can also enjoy fabulous Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Semillon and much, much more.

There are many world famous wineries in the valley, with a large number of them offering unforgettable cellar door experiences amongst super lush surroundings (think grand estates, charming gardens, contemporary designs and more!).

The top cellar door experiences that should really be on your list include legendary vineyards like Peter Lehmann, Chateau Tanunda, Jacob’s Creek, Yalumba and more.

It’s also a foodie’s paradise

If you consider yourself a bit of a gourmand and one who enjoys fine food as much as they do fine wine then you won’t be short of sumptuous dining and produce options in this amazing valley.

Some awesome experiences include:

  • The Maggie Beer Farm Shop: Maggie Beer is an Australian icon; a culinary legend that has long called this charming and plentiful region home. She makes no secret of the fact that her heart – and her business – is rooted in the valley, and for this very reason you can head to her fabulous farm shop.

    Here, you can pick up the delectable delights that make her brand a household name, as well as partake in cooking classes and verjuice making demonstrations. If you find yourself getting a little knackered with all this gourmet goodness going on you can even stay in a charming onsite homestead…

  • The farmers markets: The valley is replete with the fabulous produce that should go alongside some of the world’s best wine. And, of course, wherever there is good wine there is bound to be pretty delicious food, and so the region is absolutely no exception!

    Be sure to head to both the Barossa Valley Farmers Market and the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market to find some of the most delightful fruit, veg, cheese, meat, poultry, fish, bread, sweets and pretty much anything else you can add to your cornucopia (and, naturally, there are wine stalls there, too!).

Hot air balloon ride

This might be something you want to experience before heading to all those wineries, but a hot air balloon experience is one of the best ways you can marvel upon this beautiful expanse in all its vibrant glory!

Climb aboard for an incredible, truly unforgettable hot air balloon ride that will soar above all the beautiful greens, golds, reds and yellows that produce the wondrous food and vino that come from the region – it’s a most magical experience once you’ve had all your winery-hopping fun.