No one does the Barossa quite like the Barossa. Visitors from around the globe flock to the famous Barossa Valley, consistently, year after year to experience the world-class cellar doors and increasingly incredible local produce. Not to mention the stunning landscape and fascinating history of the region. Even with very little international arrivals and imposed restrictions during the pandemic beginnings of 2020, the valley still expected a total visitor expenditure of $227 million thanks to local Australians with 58% of those visitors being from South Australia.² 

When it comes to luxury accommodation of the area, you can not look past The Louise. A founding member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection, this impeccable property sits pride of place atop a hill, boasting sweeping vineyard views throughout. A stay here will exceed your expectations and feed your soul. The ambience is understated elegance, evident from the moment you arrive, as you are welcomed by staff as you enter and shown straight to your private accommodation. The beautifully appointed suites are a luxury home away from home, with every detail thought of. From the personal walk through of the property, the included mini-bar items replenished daily, the inviting local produce of biscuits, fudge and more, to the evening turn down service and thoughtful sleep tea prepared, the pampering continues. 

Dining options at The Louise include the casual style three75 restaurant for breakfast, meals or drinks or the more formal and incredible Appellation degustation experience – a true showcase of the superb local ingredients and an absolute must do dinner. Other facilities include a boutique housing locally produced art, teas and more, a fitness room, 24-hour sauna and an impressive infinity pool overlooking the vines. Even as you relax by the pool, more luxury details have been pre-empted with the cushions for the lounge chairs, sunscreen in the change room and the fully stocked self-serve pool bar of light snacks, drinks and ice-cream based on an honour system.

Venturing outside of the property, the wonderful Barossa is ready to welcome you with open arms and warm country hospitality. The locals here are resoundingly proud, not only for what they produce, but also for their fascinating humble beginnings. One hidden gem that must be seen is located nearby to The Louise, in Seppeltsfield. Not looking overly much from the outside, as you walk down the internal entrance way of Seppeltsfield Barossa estate, you emerge into a surprising courtyard oasis of sorts, surrounded by generations of family history and the iconic and striking palm trees of the local area. Soak in the atmosphere here at Fino, for a regionally inspired menu progressive dining encounter or enjoy one of their tours such as the Legends of Seppeltsfield (exclusive to The Louise guests).  Learn of the remarkable vision of Oscar Benno Pedro Seppelt as you journey through the family’s winemaking start and taste their trademark tawnys in this VIP occasion. Another great alternative available to the public is the Seppeltsfield & FINO Signature Experience - an immersive tour of the Centennial Cellar followed by a long lunch of award winning food and wines.

The towns of the region are in close proximity, each offering something special and unique. Angaston is picturesque and quaint, home to a lovely main street of local eateries and country shops, surrounded with beautiful historical buildings and holder of the popular Barossa Farmers Market. Held every Saturday from 7.30 am to 11.30 am, expect to find fresh fruit and vegetables and so many enticing local stalls of artisan breads, cured meats, pastries, coffee you’ll be in pure foodie heaven. Nearby Tanunda is equally as inviting with its European feel main street, thanks to the strong German history of the valley, and full of great restaurants like Vino Lokale and 1918. Nuriootpa is the largest of the towns, offering a larger array of supermarkets and general shopping and more of those tempting local cafes and outlets.

While the region is obviously known for its countless award-winning wines, gin distilleries have also begun to make their mark here too. One such one being Durand Distillery. Conveniently located at Maggie Beer's Farm, Premium Australian Craft Gin Distiller, Brett Durand, offers South Australia’s first craft gin distilling experience in the form of the Barossa Gin School, or guided masterclass some may say. Here visitors can unleash their inner mad scientist and create their very own personalised gin, right down to proudly wax sealing their signature bottle at the end. Be as traditional or creative as you like with ingredients like local lavender, rosemary, ginger root, star anise and exotic dried berries. The lesson is also complemented by a 3-course meal at The Eatery while the gin works its magic in the hand-made Italian copper stills. Another Barossa must do.

Which wineries to visit? With over 150 cellar doors in the region, this is a personal preference depending on your taste and palate. However, you have the likes of long-standing globally recognised brands such as Penfolds and Jacobs Creek to the traditional blends of Rockfords or the boutique Two Hands and biodynamic Whistler Wines to get you started. Best thing to do, pick up a regional cellar door map from almost anywhere here and work your way through. 

We may not be able to travel overseas for some time still, but do we need to when we have destinations like the entirely fulfilling Barossa Valley on our doorstep?

Click here for our Barossa Valley accommodation and touring or contact one of our Short Breaks Australia team to create an amazing Barossa Valley getaway to suit you.

Written by Sarah Stevens

Image credit: The Louise, South Australian Tourism Commission - Adam Bruzzone

2. Source: www. https://tourism.sa.gov.au/insights/regional-statistics