A Perfect Day in Barossa – 5 great wineries

A Perfect Day in Barossa – 5 great wineries that showcase the region’s versatility

 

The Barossa Valley is Australia’s most globally recognised wine region. “Barossa Wine” – the very word conjures to sensation the broad mouth-feel of big Shiraz and bright summer day images of large polished wineries. And true, that is a lot of what you’ll find in the Barossa, but the region also offers a much wider variety of wines and experiences to be enjoyed.

 

The following five excellent wineries make for an easily achievable one-day itinerary. They showcase the region’s diversity in great wine and special experiences. Give it a go!

 

* Kies Family Wines offers an old(Barossa)-world cellar door experience full of rustic charm. Here you’ll find friendly wine slingers and a wide variety of wines to try. Notably, Kies produces a number of fortified and dessert wines in addition to its more modern table wine range. The Barossa’s origins are heavily intertwined with fortified wines, and we appreciate the nod to history! Don’t miss the 2020 Suit Cabernet Sauvignon – a softly glowing orb on the palate that casts off flavour sparks of blackberry, leather and tobacco. Sophisticated and satisfying yum! It really is a James Bond of a wine

 

* Seabrook Wines offers a very personal and informative cellar door experience. There’s every chance that fifth generation winemaker (Seabrook traces its family history in the region back some 150 years!) Hamish will pour your tasting. He’s such an enthusiastic fount of wine knowledge and experience! Seabrook offers a wide range of varieties, from Riesling to Montepulciano to, of course, Shiraz. Be sure to try the 2019 Merchant Shiraz, a quintessential expression of the Barossa that ticks all the right boxes – rich plum, vibrant spices, a touch of vanilla – yes, please

 

* For a polished biggie, Yalumba offers a sleek, dare we say fabulous experience. The winery’s grounds and gardens are sure to impress upon arrival. The cellar door, all oak and shine really is special. With its extensive range, Yalumba cleverly offers visitors a variety of tasting flight experiences. The pours are big enough such that two people could share two different flights and really explore the breadth of what the Barossa produces. Pick a flight that includes the 2020 Virgilius Viognier – a stunner. Subtly complex with musky depth and thrashing nettles in the background. Sophisticated, engaging – rivals the best Rhone whites.

 

* In many ways, Elderton Wines is our favourite type of wine producer. There is a modern, clinical “cleanness” and precision to Elderton’s wines, a degree of polish, and yet they retain plenty of varietal nuance to really engage. The types of wines that satisfy novices and sommeliers alike. The cellar door is shiny and neatly appointed, the staff friendly, engaged, and knowledgeable. Be sure to try the 2019 Ode to Loraine Cabernet Shiraz Merlot – a rich, stewy witch’s brew on the palate. Some crazy take on a Bordeaux blend that so works!

 

* Hewitson Wines is one of our long time Barossa favourites. Many years coming here, and the place never disappoints, even when the friendly vineyard hand has to be called in to do the tasting because it’s holidays Hewitson boasts a bright and beautiful cellar door with a sunny deck perched above the vines. Notably, almost every wine here is really good. They even manage to make a rose worth drinking (no small feat! – lol). We absolutely love the 2020 Truffle Row Shiraz Carignan – stunningly robust nose – on the palate, walks a tight rope between rich and savoury. An intense, powerful wine that will age well.

 

And finally, if you have a little extra time, do visit Izway Wines. A tiny, experimental winery that produces minuscule batches, pushes the boundaries, and can’t seem to produce a wine that isn’t perfect, from Aglianico to Grenache to Shiraz.

 

Magical days in the Barossa like the one above are #WhyWeLoveWine

 

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