Barossa's New NewsBarossa's New News
There's always something new to see, do and celebrate in the Barossa... read up on the Barossa's latest news today!
January 2010
Blend it like Blass
If you are looking for a really special wine tasting experience, then why not have a go at one of the region's newest cellar door activites - Wolf Blass' BLEND IT LIKE BLASS.
Join the Wolf Blass team for an experimental session in making your own wine blend. Splash about, taste test and play with two Wolf Blass wines in order to create your own Blass Blended varietal. All guests will receive a bottle of wine as a memento of their visit.
Be sure to make an appointment, as it's surely becoming a visitor's favourite! Bookings for groups from 6-100 can be made, so its a great team building activity for those conferencing, or even for small groups wanting a private tasting experience. At $40.00pp this is certainly an affordable activity for everyone!
For more information please phone 8568 7311 or visit the Wolf Blass website
Azalea Cedar Rose - A romantic bed and breakfast for 2, 4, 6 or 8!
Azalea Cedar-Rose Bed and Breakfast in Lyndoch is home to all things beautiful with a Parisian flair. It is a spacious villa with a special touch of romance and intrigue that you will fall in love with as soon as you arrive.
A tastefully restored 1800s stone building with high ceilings, french doors, leadlight windows, polished baltic floor boards and luxurious furnishings. You will be tempted to choose from 4 gorgeous queen-size bedrooms, La chambre Rouge, Rose, Bleu or Vertes - and then once you have chosen your abode, relax in the 2-person spa while watching the stars at night through the glass ceiling.
To find out more about this stunning property, visit Bellescapes or contact Mandy Creed on 08 8524 4825.
December 2009
Lyndoch Hill is coming up Roses
Well known and world renowned Rose grower and Rose devotee Mr. David Ruston OAM, took some valuable time from his busy schedule to return to the beautiful Barossa on the 8th & 9th December, to re-visit the world famous rose garden located at Lyndoch Hill, he did so much to help establish almost 10 years ago.
David was one of the principal architects and driving forces behind the garden, working closely with the original owner Hermann Thumm to help create his vision. Mr Ruston received the prestigious President Emeritus Award for his work with the World Federation of Rose societies at an international conference in Vancouver, Canada, earlier in 2009, this award is held by only one man and one woman in the world.
The garden was opened by H.M. Queen Elizabeth in 2002, a significant achievement by Hermann Thumm. Recent years and dry conditions haven't been kind to the garden, however the owners are determined to return the garden to its former glory, but more than this, they intend to develop it much further, aiming to be recognised as a world class garden of great significance once again.
The Garden has over 4 km's of walking tracks, and is home to one of the world's largest collections of rose varieties and is open to the public for a quiet wander or to host that special event. Set among the gardens of Lyndoch Hill you will also find the 34 room s of accommodation, a stunning restaurant, and conference centre.
For more information please phone 8524 4268 www.lhretreat.com
Introducing the 2010 Barossa Regional Guide
Jaci and Paige from Tourism Barossa are excited to announce the launch of the 2010 Barossa Regional Guide!
The 2010 guide continues to position the Barossa as Australia's Most Famous Wine Region and has been totally refreshed with new images, revamped editorial and new exciting tourism operators.
Whilst the same structure of the content is maintained, a new style guide has been implemented which makes the guide a clean crisp manual for visitors to our region.
The guide will be available for download at barossa.com and will be on the shelves at all SA Visitor Information Centres in the new year.
KEEP YOUR EYE OUT FOR THESE NEW AND IMPROVED FEATURES >>>
- New ‘Shopping, Attractions and Experiences' section
- More comprehensive ‘Trails and Scenic Drives' throughout the region
- More experiences for families in the Barossa
- New map references (inside front cover) to 10 Barossa walking trails
- New and exciting tourism operators
November 2009
New Bus Tour for the Barossa!
'Taste the Barossa' is the newest tour operating out of Adelaide exclusively featuring the Barossa Valley. The day includes tastings at 4 of the Barossa Valley's world class wineries, Yaldara Estate, a gourmet lunch at the Peter Lehmann Winery.
The 3rd winery will be rotated around a few of the smaller wineries in the Valley to keep the day fresh and exciting. The final cellar door is Andrew Seppelts Murray Street Vineyards.
This tour blends historical wineries, sumptuous regional food, breathtaking scenery and the people that make the Barossa Valley a truly world class region. This is a day you are bound to enjoy.
For more information and to make a booking please visit their website
There's more than meets the eye at Chateau Barrosa!
If you are looking for a fabulous gift for a friend, or about to embark on a Christmas shopping expedition, why not visit ‘All that Jazz' at Chateau Barrosa. Located amongst the 30,000 blooming roses, on the corner of Hermann Thumm Drive and Barossa Valley Way in Lyndoch, All that Jazz is currently showcasing some stunning Christmas gift ideas - from hand made artisan jewellery, European linen, French provincial inspired gifts and home wares and Italian and eco-friendly journals... and much more.
So if your planning a trip to the Barossa (or have decided to plan a trip after reading this!!) then a visit to Chateau Barrosa and All that Jazz is a must!
For more information please phone 08 8524 4923 or visit their website
Appellation's NEW wine bar and terrace
Appellation continues to evolve and have now greatly expanded their space to include a wine bar and terrace which can be enjoyed for sunset drinks from 5pm, 7 nights a week.
Their new Wine Bar is separate from the dining room and is a bright fresh space offering an expanded of range of wines by the glass or 250ml carafe as well as an extensive selection of beers, aperitifs and cocktails and a delicious menu of light bar snacks.
The terrace is the perfect spot for you to relax, unwind and enjoy our stunning views, lounging in comfort and watching the daylight hours come to a close.
Appellation's Wine Bar & Terrace...a new haven awaits you and your friends in the heart of Marananga. Open from 5pm to all and sundry - no bookings required. Hoping you can take some time out and come and enjoy our new space again and anytime...
For more information contact Ruby and the team at Appellation on 08 8562 4144 or visit their website
Barossa wins at SA Tourism Awards!
The Barossa has again excelled at the South Australian Tourism Awards, taking out four major awards for the year.
Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage was a standout performer at the gala dinner, winning two categories, Heritage and Cultural Tourism and Hosted Accommodation.
In addition, Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre won the Major Tourist Attractions category; and Getaways Reservation Service won the Specialised Tourism Services category. More medal winners >>>
Announcing 8 new Barons of the Barossa
In a colourful ceremony led by Stephen Henschke, the wine fraternity Barons of Barossa welcomed 8 men and women to their ranks including Allister Ashmead, Barbara Storey, James Lindner, James Godfrey, John Falland, Stefan Ahrens and Patsy Biscoe.
The eighth inductee was James Halliday, well respected doyen of Australian wine journalism and a life-long advocate for Australian wine quality.
Read the full article >>>
Congratulations Maggie!
Maggie Beer has won the 2009 Senior Australian of the year for South Australia!
She is a fabulous contributor to the food, wine and tourism industries in the Barossa and we will be pround to see her represent the state (and the Barossa!) at the National Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra in January 2010.
October 2009
A Family Affair, with a little opera thrown in too
Fabulous Fernfield Wines, located in the heart of Eden Valley is home to a number of internationally acclaimed wines, and a few great stories too.
Although the winery was built this century, the cellar door is located in the original homestead of the Lillecrapp family, and the first homestead built in the Eden Valley six generations ago in 1866. It was in 2002 when things changed for the women of the family. With Bronwyn Lillecrapp and Shannon Plummer commencing Bachelors of Oenology, and Rebecca Plummer starting a Bachelor of Wine Marketing. Bronwyn gained the elusive title of "oldest female winemaking student" at Flinders University, at only 55 years of age! Be sure to look out (or listen out) for Rebecca in cellar door, as a professionally trained Opera Singer, Rebecca often bursts into song to entertain her guests.
Oh and the wines. All reds have won medals locally and internationally and are diabetic friendly. The family are truly hands on and do everything but bottle the wine. This is a truly eclectic experience not to be missed.
For more information on Fernfield Wines contact Rebecca on 08 8564 1041 or visit Fernfield website
Happy Friday at Linfield Road Wines
The Linfield Road story begins in July 1860, when a nature loving Englishman named Edmund Major Wilson settled on the fringes of Williamstown in the Southern Barossa. Since Edmund's first plantings 149 years ago, the Wilson family have fostered a viticulture tradition that now spans five generations.
Their cellar door has stunning views overlooking the family vineyard, which is elevated high above the Barossa Valley floor, and has a large range of elegant, handcrafted red and white wines sourced entirely from the property. Make sure to keep an eye out for the zesty new release 2009 ‘Dear Nellie' Semillon.
Linfield Road are running regular events at the cellar door, including the popular Friday Unwind sessions that are an ideal chance to kick back and chill out at the end of the week with live music and cheese boards. There's also a free Family Picnic day coming up on November 15th which is being held on the cellar door lawns, featuring live music and games for all ages.
And for those looking for a relaxing getaway, the luxurious self contained Linfield Cottage is located on the corner of the family vineyard. With an outdoor entertaining area, extensive gardens and spa, it's the perfect base for exploring all the nearby wineries, or you can just enjoy having your own place to call home in the world famous Barossa Valley.
For more information on Linfield Road Wines and their fabulous events, please contact Daniel on 08 8524 6140 or visit Linfield Road Wines website
September 2009
Tea for two and two for tea
Timeless Tearooms has just opened in the historic Clocktower in Gawler, and is a beautifully decorated oasis for tea lovers, or those people with a sweet tooth. Delicious home made desserts line the counter, and one can whittle away the hours sipping tea and chatting away.
For a really special experience, a private high tea room is available to book and is an absolute delight.
Open Wednesday - Sunday 9am-4pm, 61 Murray Street Gawler, phone 0885 234 621
The Kirche @ Charles Melton
A new accommodation has just opened in the Barossa and we are very excited to introduce The Kirche @ Charles Melton Wines. Kirche is German for church. "The Zum Kripplein Christi" Lutheran Church was the centre of village life from 1864 through to the 1950's. Charlie and Virginia have taken this unique, historical building and tastefully turned it into superb luxury vineyard accommodation without compromising the wonderful warmth and space evident in its origins.
Situated on beautiful Krondorf Road, only three minutes from Tanunda, it offers a tranquil setting for either a long term or short term stay in the famous Barossa Valley, well within easy distance of all the Barossa's charms of great food, wine and architecture. With two large bedrooms, a beautiful living area, state of the art kitchen and a bathroom you will not want to leave, The Kirche is one of a kind in the Barossa.
For booking enquiries contact 08 8563 3606, email The Kirche, or visit their website
Barossa gets technical!
Have a laugh at Paige & Jaci's Brilliant Barossa Adventure on youtube... definitely worth a view!
Become a fan of the Barossa and keep in touch with all the new news on I love the Barossa facebook fan page.
August 2009
Appellation expands
Appellation restaurant in the Barossa has recently reopened it's substantially expanded and upgraded facilities following its annual July closure. While maintaining an intimate, romantic feel, Appellation's nightly capacity for guests has increased from 28 to 48 seats with the addition of a new dining room adjoining the existing venue. Investment in this expanded space has been guided by continuing demand for bookings which could not be met in the original restaurant.
Appellation's cellar, housing South Australia's top wine list, has doubled in size and features a glass walled wine display. Likewise, the lounge has tripled in size and features an upbeat contemporary décor, allowing for additional seating for pre- and post-dinner drinks in luxe surrounds. And, in the coming warmer months, Appellation will open a new outdoor terrace for sunset drinks with one of the most appealing vineyard vistas in the Barossa.
The restaurant, co-located with The Louise luxury vineyard retreat on Seppeltsfield Road in the north-western Barossa, is open daily from 5pm for drinks and from 7pm for dinner. Both the signature Wine Flight Tasting Menu and À La Carte Menu are available every night, each demonstrating Appellation's ongoing commitment to seasonal evolution of ingredients and regionally sourced, wine-friendly food.
Appellation is also pleased to develop custom menus for small groups of up to 16 guests dining in its private room. Reservations are essential on (08) 8562 4144 or dine@appellation.com.au
Barossa Slow; traditions and transitions
The Barossa has long been known as a food haven, a place where the evolution of the ‘waste not want not' principle has simmered into an industry in its own right.
Welcome to 2009 Barossa Slow which proudly highlights the traditions and transitions of the region's rich food culture. Participants in this event have a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the very heart of these customs, to meet the makers and savour the exciting elements contributed by insightful newcomers.
Share meals with local artisans, take tours with primary producers, get into the minds of those who exemplify small-scale production, meet the locals and make new friends with like-minded food lovers. Share exquisite wine and discuss the intricacies of long held beliefs and time-honoured rituals.
This is how we do things here - slowly but surely, lovingly and carefully. It's about mixing tradition with the now, progressing but withholding, being commercially viable but maintaining integrity. Bringing it back, moving it forward. Keeping it real. Slowing us down.
The Wheatsheaf Inn
Gawler is bubbling with country charm, and a fantastic menu
After leasing the Restaurant for the past 20 years, owners, Christopher and Genevieve Hebart have decided to manage the establishment for the first time since their purchase in the late 80s.
New head chef Warwick Fox, who recently moved here from Queensland with his family, is the only chef in Australia who works under the Certified Australian Angus Beef accredited system, which means an assured quality of Angus beef is provided. Warwick and the Restaurant are also accredited with Meat Standards Australia, where they are certified to provide top line meat.
The menu on offer is al-la-carte and described as rustic Australian with a modern flair, using seasonal foods and local produce where possible. The Restaurant is family friendly with a special children's menu. The Wheatsheaf Inn is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and public holidays for lunch and dinner, and Sunday for lunch with bookings only for dinner. The Wheatsheaf is also available for functions such as weddings and parties and special dinners and lunches.
The Wheatsheaf Inn is located at 2 Sunnydale Ave Gawler East phone 08 8523 5588 for bookings.
July 2009
Vine Inn welcomes New Head Chef - Craig Boys
Craig comes to the Barossa with many years of experience in the food industry behind him. Craig is passionate about the use of local produce and it is this passion that underpins his new menu at the Vine Inn Hotel. Some of the new dishes include:
- Chicken Mignon, chicken breast wrapped in prosciutto, served on mash with a garlic sauce
- Oven roast pork belly, Barossa belly of pork filled with chorizo sausage, bacon and cream cheese served with red pepper pesto, broccolini and asparagus
- Szechuan prawns, black tiger prawns pan fried in oriental spices served with Asian greens and rice pilaf
And for those of you looking to get connected, The Branch is now a Wi-Fi Hot Spot!
Please visit www.vineinn.com.au for more information or to book a table!
Getting around the Barossa just got a little easier
Gawler Hire Car has just reintroduced evening taxi services into the Barossa. With three cars available in the area seven days a week, proprietor Phill Druitt feels a responsibility to ensure that visitors and local alike have access to taxi services during the week and on weekends. The Barossa attracts the highest proportion of visitors who visit cellar doors than any other South Australian wine region (41%) therefore having access to safe transport is essential to growing tourism in the region.
Phil encourages people to pre-book taxis, especially on weekends where major events are happening. Services run from 6am-11pm Sunday - Thursday and 24 hours Friday and Saturday.
Gawler Hire Car can be contacted on 8523 1366 or after hours 0408826717
June 2009
The Food Forest
Environmentally sustainable living at its core.
With all the hype around eco tourism and organic produce, it is sometimes difficult to understand if the produce you are buying is the real deal. We are very lucky here in the Barossa Tourism Region to be home to the Food Forest, which is a humble and very well established Permaculture property near Gawler 100% committed to sustainable living. They have been Certified Organic with NASAA since 1995 and sell produce at the Adelaide Showground Farmers Market fortnightly. The most exciting thing that
The property takes in passive solar designed buildings, winery, veggie patches, orchards and waste water treatment facilities. In addition to guided tours, the Food Forest also runs open days and workshops.
For more information contact Annemarie Brookman on 08 8522 6450 or www.foodforest.com.au
Butcher block tastings
Turkey Flat is a family owned and run business that has been in the Schulz for generations. First a butchers shop in 1865 set amongst the vines planted almost two decades prior, which developed into dairying but the vineyards were kept until recent years which is when the transition from grape growing to winemaking occurred. The historic bluestone butchers shop, which is the location of the new Butcher's Block tastings. Visitors can experience a flight of five handcrafted wines matched to a selection of locally produced cheese and try rare and back vintage wines not usually available for tasting.
For more details and pricing information contact Turkey Flat on 08 8563 2851 or www.turkeyflat.com.au
Barossa Business Events Planner
Tourism Barossa have just released their latest regional publication - the Barossa Business Events Planner.
The planner is a cooperative initiative between Tourism Barossa and tourism operators in the region. It is essentially an event manager's right hand man when it comes to planning an event /conference/meeting in the region. It features businesses in the region who can offer their products and services to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibition (MICE) market such as conference facilities, accommodation, tours and transport, and other business event services.
So if you are deciding where to host your next business meeting or conference, looking for a place to send your valued employees or indeed already planning an event in the Barossa, then make sure you check out the new Barossa Business Event Planner.