Australia: Barossa Valley SA

Mention South Australia’s Barossa Valley and images of gorgeous stone cottages with rose gardens, rolling acres of vineyards, good wine and equally good local fare come to mind.

Little wonder then that the Barossa made the perfect food and drink fest for our long awaited covid free girls’ trip. Friends since our 70s uni days, we three flew into Adelaide, picked up a hire car and carved out an itinerary featuring some of the 170 wineries and restaurants on offer in this Mediterranean climate blessed region.

Settled for years by Peramangk people, Germans arrived in the Barossa in good numbers in the 1840s. Escaping religious persecution, these Lutheran Prussians, mainly farmers, honed their skills in grape growing and wine production. Today, the Barossa is world renowned for its reds, particularly Shiraz, but Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon have quickly gained ground.

We based ourselves in Tanunda, a buoyant town which fitted our bill given its focus on cafes, wine bars and an array of interesting shops, all within an hour’s drive from Adelaide.

Barossa Bed and Breakfast a thoughtfully restored stone cottage was our home for 4 wonderful nights. Luxury fittings with touches of extras as well as a short walk from the town centre mean it comes highly recommended. Check booking.com for this stunning gem.

The following pics tell the story of our Barossa sojourn

The Barossa worked its magic in that nice, slow, easy way that makes you vow to return. There’s something really, really terrific about great company, choice wine and first rate food. Something akin to winning the trifecta.

Adding on two nights in Adelaide – on arrival and departure – made sense. Gave us the chance to explore a little of South Australia’s capital city – large country town that it is.

Auf Wiedersehen Barossa!