The early wine industry in South East Australia produced wines of heavy, dry red wine variety and fortified wines that were popular domestically and in Britain. After the Second World War, the styles shifted to lighter table wines with the production of Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Find out more about the region's quality below, and why not book a tour to discover the vines that make this area so outstanding.

Notable Wineries in the Barossa Valley

One of the most well-known and highly regarded wineries in the Barossa Valley is Penfolds. Founded in 1844, Penfolds has a long history of producing high-quality wines that have garnered international recognition. Some of their most popular wines include the Grange, a rich, full-bodied Shiraz that has been called "Australia's First Growth" due to its exceptional quality, and the Bin 707, a Cabernet Sauvignon that is known for its depth and complexity.

Another notable winery is Jacob's Creek. Founded in 1847, Jacob's Creek is one of Australia's most famous, producing a wide range of wines that are enjoyed by wine lovers around the world. Some of their most popular wines include the Classic Riesling, a crisp, refreshing white wine with floral aromas and flavours of citrus and green apple, and the Classic Cabernet Sauvignon, a full-bodied red wine producing flavours of blackcurrant and cedar.

Also in the Valley is Yalumba. Established in 1849, Yalumba is Australia's oldest family-owned winery and has a reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality. Some of their most popular wines include the Y Series Viognier, a fragrant white wine with aromas of peach and apricot, and the Y Series Cabernet Sauvignon, a smooth, rich red wine with flavours of blackberry and chocolate.

In addition to these well-known wineries, the Barossa Valley is also home to many smaller, independent producers that produce a wide range of wines. Some of these wineries include Torbreck, E&E Black Pepper, and Henschke. These are known for their unique, artisanal wines that are made with a focus on quality and authenticity.

Where to try wines in the Barossa valley

If you're interested in trying wines from the Barossa Valley, there are many places where you can find them. Many of the regional producers offer tastings and tours, where you can learn about the history and winemaking process of the winery and sample their wines using different grape. You can also find different varieties of Barossa wines at many wine shops and speciality stores and at many restaurants and bars. Some of these shops include Barossa Valley Wine Company and the Barossa Valley Cheese Company.

In conclusion, it is a renowned wine-growing region in Australia known for its warm, dry climate and rich soil. The region is home to many well-known wineries, including Penfolds, Jacob's Creek, and Yalumba, as well as many smaller independents which produce premium wines found at many restaurants. You can find wines from the Barossa Valley at many wine shops, restaurants, and bars and by visiting the wineries themselves.

3 Barossa Vineyards to Visit

Seppeltsfield Winery

Seppeltsfield is a historic winery where you can see this region's heritage. Established in 1851 by Joseph and Johan Seppelt, the winery has played a significant role in developing the Australian wine industry. Seppeltsfield is best known for its fortified wines, particularly its 100-year-old tawny port, which is released annually and highly sought after by collectors. In addition to its fortified wines, Seppeltsfield also produces a range of red and white wines, including shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay. The winery's vineyards are located in some of the Barossa Valley's best-known wine regions, including the subregions of Marananga and Kalimna.

Seppeltsfield is a popular destination for wine tourists, with a tasting room and cellar door where visitors can sample the winery's wines and learn about the history of the Seppelt family and the Barossa Valley. The winery also offers guided tours of its vineyards, winemaking facilities, and food and wine pairing experiences.

In recent years, Seppeltsfield has undergone a significant restoration and expansion project, which has included the construction of a new visitors' centre and the refurbishment of several historic buildings on the property. This investment has solidified Seppeltsfield's position as one of the Barossa Valley's must-visit destinations for anyone interested in the South Australian Barossa wine industry.

Kellermeister Winery

Established in the 1980s by renowned winemaker Karl Keller, the winery has gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Barossa Valley.

One of Kellermeister's flagship wines is its Single Vineyard Shiraz, made from grapes grown in a single vineyard in the Barossa Valley. This wine is known for its deep, rich flavours of black fruit and spice, with a full-bodied and well-structured palate.

In addition to its Single Vineyard Shiraz, Kellermeister also produces a range of other wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Riesling.

Kellermeister's wines have received numerous accolades and awards, including gold medals at prestigious wine competitions such as the International Wine Challenge and the Decanter World Wine Awards. They have also been recognised for sustainability practices, including using renewable energy sources and water-efficient irrigation systems.

Visitors can take part in guided tastings and tours of the winery and vineyards, as well as enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, which features a menu that showcases local produce and ingredients. Overall, Kellermeister Winery is an excellent destination for wine lovers.

Wolf Blass

You may have noticed this name becoming increasingly popular in the supermarket. One of Wolf Blass' flagship wines is its Gold Label Shiraz, made from grapes grown in the Barossa Valley. This wine is known for its intense black fruit and spice flavours, with a full-bodied and well-structured palate.

As well as Gold Label Shiraz, Wolf Blass also produces a range of other wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

Wolf Blass' wines have been recognised with numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1976, the winery's 1973 Yellow Label Shiraz won the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy at the Melbourne Wine Show, the first time a non-European wine had ever won the trophy. Since then, Wolf Blass wines have won awards at major wine competitions.

Experience Barossa Valley in South East Australia

On our Australia motorhome holiday, Australia's Southern Delights, you can book a Barossa food and wine experience. Indulge in some of the best quality wines which has made South Australia so famous while enjoying the quality of the local food.

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