Morning All OZBR's,
We are visiting Adelaide this long weekend from Melbourne & have planned to spend some time in the Barossa. Which wineries or other regions are must do's for an overall good value for money wine /food & an all round great location/setting?
Prefer to stay away from the hordes at the big name places but open for all suggestions!
Cheers!
Firstly, you're spoiled for choice compared to Melbourne and nothing is going to be even remotely as busy as any of the Victorian wineries typically are!
Even the busy places will seem pretty tame to you I expect.
You didn't specify your wine preferences, so you're just getting my faves…
Mollydooker is different, but the wines are a bit "meh" in my opinion!
In McLaren Vale I'd recommend;
Coriole, Samuel's Gorge, Paxton and Oliver's Taranga, there's a day for you.
McLaren Vale is only 40 minutes from the CBD, so it's really easy to do just an afternoon trip.
If that's too far for a short day trip..
Adelaide Hills has some great wineries too, starting at less than 20 minutes from the CBD!
Hahndorf Hills, Bird in Hand, Golding all good starters.
Back to the Barossa… it's a good hour and bit's drive from the CBD. It's by far the most corporate Wine Region in SA (perhaps after the Riverland, but that's not really a tourist region for wine).. So if you want to steer clear of the Corporate's, and the bulk of the tourists, go to any of the other regions. That's not to steer you away cause there's plenty of gold there too.
Langmeil has great wine and a long history, continue past Peter Lehman, where everyone else will be going.
Whistler is pretty fun with bonus pet Kangaroo!
Grenock Creek - amazing wines and tiny little tasting room fitting no more than 6 people at a pinch literally in a cellar!
Chateau Yaldara has an awesome little picnic spot down by the river.
Artisans has a fantastic view.. wines and food don't live up to it unfortunately, but still a beautiful spot.
Seppeltsfield is spectacular… worth the drive just for its grandness!
The Barossa Brewing Company do great food and excellent beers. Probably need to reserve a table if it's not too late though.
Personally I'd skip Maggie Beer's if it's on your list, it's always crazy busy, noisy and really just a massive shop of Maggie Beer stuff that you can largely get in supermarkets these days.
Finally, don't write off Clare… /You did say you were staying for the week didn't you? And have a spare liver packed and ready?/ :-)
90 minute drive from the CBD, far less corporate than Barossa.
Eldgredge, Sevenhill, Skillogalee, Jeanneret, Claymore, Shut the Gate to name but a few
Elderton.
Yeah good one. In the Barossa.
Thanks djsweet & scubacoles , couple of mentions to Mollydooker so might stay around the Mclaren region. The 'corporate' type winerys is what i want to stay away from.
Pretty beautiful there…
Plenty of places on the coast at Moana/Seaford/Aldinga Beach only a few minutes drive inland to the wineries.
Oh..
If you're set on McLaren Vale, add Pertaringa and K1 (probably the most spectacular winery grounds in SA, if not Australia. Wines are OK too. Set up a camera to record your response as you crest the hill on the drive in! :-) )
Battle of Bosworth is cool, Shottesbrooke, Leconfield.
Stein’s Taphouse this long weekend have an awesome craft beer showcase if you're interested in diversifying your trip ;)
Address: 18-28 Barossa Valley Way, Nuriootpa, SA 5355
Bethany is a nice one. Quiet when I have been and has great views and great wine.
Also, if you end up in Mclaren Vale, don't miss out on Mollydooker - it is far and away the best tasting experience I have ever had. Been multiple times :)