There are over 80 cellar door experiences in the Barossa, with wine made from some of the oldest vines in the world. But the internationally-acclaimed wine region is about more than just grapevines. There’s also some of the best food experiences and luxury stays right on your doorstep.
wine
Recognised as the ‘birthplace’ of The Barossa Valley, Château Tanunda is a historical display of winemaking in the region. While the Geber family have been producing Australian wines for 24 years, the Chateau itself has been standing tall for more than 130. Various winemaking legends have worked the cellars of the Chateau, with the winemaking now led by one of the Drinks Business Top 100 Winemakers of the World, Neville Rowe. The distinctive architecture of the estate is impressive enough, however it’s the esteemed Old Vines Expressions and The Everest wines that offer that extra prestige. Sip away on the flavours of The Barossa’s finest fruits while looking out to 350 acres of vineyards. Book in for a Château experience, from tours to tastings, or stay the night at The Barossa Vineyard Guesthouse nestled within the valley.
Château Tanunda
9 Basedow Road, Tanunda
08 8563 3888
@chateautanunda
dine
Hidden away amongst the vineyards, you’ll find the elegant Vintners Bar & Grill. This restaurant represents The Barossa region in its finest form with delicious food and locally-made wines. Surrounded by some of the best produce the country has to offer, chef Peter Clarke has crafted a menu specialising in modern Australian cuisine. Located next door to The Barossa Farmer’s Market, when new harvest comes into season you can be sure that the Vintner’s chefs are the first to have it on their menu. With an atmosphere that’s warm and sheltered in the winter and serene and bright in the summer, there is a reason why Vintners is one of the longest operating restaurants in the Barossa Valley.
Vintners Bar & Grill
752 Stockwell Road, Angaston
08 8564 2488
stay
Growing grapes and making small-batch artisanal wine from historic Barossa vines is the DNA of Tomfoolery Wines, but a fully renovated B&B cottage completes the experience.
Renowned for producing wines that are aromatic, floral and with an intense depth of flavour, Tomfoolery’s husband and wife team have an approach to winemaking that is both modern and traditional.
From indigenous yeast fermentation to basket pressing and wine that is matured in-barrel, it’s a low-intervention technique that ensures each bottle reflects the individual characteristics of the vineyard, and of course, the fruit itself.
Chief winemaker and Tomfoolery co-owner, Ben Chipman, calls the philosophy ‘old world simplicity in a new world of wine’.
“The fruit from our selected vineyards is hand-picked and fermented in small open fermenters, which are pumped over by hand twice daily. Our wines are matured in barrel, stacked in pyramids on traditional stillage and bottled with no fining or filtration.”
As a result, Tomfoolery’s wines are routinely listed as some of the best value for money wines in Australia, including their ‘Artful Dodger’ Shiraz, which was first produced back in 2004 by Ben and his best mate Toby Yap.
Now with 16 different wines to choose from they’ve expanded to include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Grenache and Tempranillo, which Ben fell in love with during several vintages in Spain.
“I really want those pretty and aromatic flavours and smells, and I want a bit of depth in there as well. When you’ve got a bit of both, I think that’s what makes a really great drink.”
A product of the Rockford Wines academy, where he and wife Sarah both worked under legendary figures Robert O’Callaghan and Chris Ringland, they took the plunge and purchased Tomfoolery Wines’ home in Light Pass back in 2011, turning it into the state-of-the-art facility it is today.
Dating back to the 1940s, the 20-acre property is inclusive of a fully renovated B&B cottage and a by-appointment cellar door experience that takes you into the heart of the winery, as well as their fruit and vegetable orchard. A two-night stay will get you all the luxury trimmings, and there’s even a helipad for anyone looking to make a statement.
Tomfoolery Wines
517 Stockwell Road, Lights Pass
08 8564 2214
shop
When Carol Dadds stumbled across a box of leather hides and working tools at her mother’s house, little did she know that this was a glimpse into her future working life. With generations of leather craftsmanship in her family, it wasn’t such a surprise that she was continue in their footsteps. Today, she crafts an endless list of leather goods, including beautiful bags, purses, clutches, wine bottle carriers, satchels, leather bar stools, knife rolls, belts, journals and more. What she loves most about leather is that with each hide comes their own scarring and marks, ensuring each piece tells a story. Much like our own lives and her designs, original and unique.
Sunshine Barossa Australia
8 Stockwell Road, Barossa Valley
0400 020 061
@sunshinebarossa
Images by Meaghan Coles