Barossa Valley Wine Region

The Barossa Valley is undoubtedly Australia's most famous wine region. This wine region is situated about an hour's drive north of Adelaide, an ideal distance or a day tour.

The name was given to the area by explorer Colonel Light based on the supposed similarity of the Barossa Range to a similar range in Spain. The region is most notable for its red wines, particularly those made from Shiraz. But as we shall see, other grape varieties, both red and white play an important role in the vineyards and wineries here.

The region generally about three hundred metres above sea level, but the altitude of many of the vineyards is much higher. In the lower and warmer areas, red wine predominates while on the cooler higher slopes Riesling is common. In fact the Barossa abuts the Eden Valley wine region which is regarded as one of Australia's premier regions for Riesling.

The history of the region is inextricably linked to the influence of the German immigrants who were encouraged to settle in the region by local landowner George Angas. Many of these migrants were Lutherans from Silesia, who were suffering persecution in their homeland. By the 1850s viticulture was well established in the valley. Among these migrants were Johann Gramp who planted the first vineyard of the region at Jacobs Creek in 1847 and Joseph Seppelt, whose name lives on in a famous Australian wine brand name.

Visiting the Barossa

The Barossa Valley is easily visited on a day trip from Adelaide, but this wine region has so many wineries that you should consider at least an overnight stay. The main towns are Lyndoch, Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston. In these towns and in the many smaller villages you will find a large range of accommodation options including resorts, hotels, motels, cottages, guesthouses, caravan parks and camping grounds.

See this interactive map of the Barossa Region

When you are planning your Barossa Valley tour you should also make sure you try some of the regional food specialties. The local butchers and gourmet food shops will provide you with the Barossa version of some German delights. My personal favourite is the garlic mettwurst.

The region is also home to food writer and TV personality Maggie Beer, whose Farm Shop will sell you such delights as quince paste, local olives and Sangiovese verjuice.

As is fitting in such an area, there many dining options, including restaurants at some of the wineries which will provide you with opportunities to try the local fare.

Wines of the Barossa Valley

The wines of the region are dominated by reds made from either Shiraz or Cabernet, but if you are looking for a different experience then there is plenty of diversity to explore. The varietal profile of the Barossa is similar to that of the Rhone Valley, with the predominant Shiraz being supplemented by Grenache, Mourvedre, and more recently Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne are being introduced.

As the table below indicates Grenache is the leading minor variety here. It is used as a straight varietal wine, but perhaps more commonly in blends with Shiraz and Mourvedre. The latter variety is also known as Mataro, but the French version of its name is now almost universally preferred. Mourvedre is almost never used as a straight varietal but is rather used in blends.

Grenache is also used to produce some excellent rose wines.

Perhaps the most interesting innovator in the region is Robin Day who has plantings of Viognier, Sangiovese, Saperavi, Lagrein, Gargenega and Sangrantino at his Domaine Day vineyard.

Yalumba at Angaston is the acknowledged leader of the pack with its Viognier, but is also growing Cienna, Marsanne and Tempranillo.

Another regional innovator is Kabminye Wines who make a wine called Irma Adeline which is a blend of six Rhone varieties, namely Shiraz, Mourvedre, Grenache, Marsanne, Roussanne and Ugni blanc (Trebbiano).

Some alternative varieties that you may find in the Barossa Valley