Wines of the Barossa Valley...

Wine has been synonymous with the Barossa   Valley since it was first settled in the 1840's by German settlers. The Barossa   Valley is a major international producer of top quality wines throughout the world.  This is no wonder when the region prides itself on continuing to carry on the culture and traditions of wine making techniques.  With some vines over 150 years old, the region is most famous for its Shiraz wines, but also grows quality Cabernet Sauvignon, some of Australia’s best quality Riesling comes from the cooler Eden Valley region of the Barossa, and also Grenache, and Semillon among others.

It wasn’t until the 1880’s and after that the wine industry in the Barossa Valley really took off. It was the wealth of the English in South Australia who originally began funding the beginning of the commercial wine industry in the area. And it was then that the German and English settlers began selling their wine to the extensive market in London through their connections. It was as a result of this that saw the wine industry here go from strength to strength.   

Today the success of the Barossa Valley’s wine industry is based on the commitment to the skill of grape growing, wine producing, and knowledge of the soils, land, and climate which has been passed down from generation to generation, and the seamless blending of this with more modern day methods.  

Most notable for its bold, strong Shiraz wines, the Barossa Valley  has produced many wines which have won international awards and with over 50 cellar doors in the region you can enjoy a vast variety of wine tasting experiences, from some of the finest vintages to some of the latest wine releases.  

Below we have listed the most common grape varieties grown all throughout the Barossa Valley region .  

Red:   

v  Shiraz - tobacco, black/white pepper, blackberry, smoke

v  Grenache - smoky, pepper, raspberry

v  Cabernet Sauvignon - blackcurrants, eucalyptus, chocolate, tobacco

v  Merlot - black cherry, plums, tomato

v  Malbec - violet, plums, tart red fruit, earthy minerality

v  Mourvèdre - thyme, clove, cinnamon, black pepper, violet, blackberry

White: 

v  Riesling - citrus fruits, peach, honey, petrol 

v  Sémillon - honey,orange, lime

v  Muscat -honey, grapes, lime

v  Voignier - peach, pear,nutmeg,apricot

Some of the more popular wine events held in the Barossa Valley include: 

The Barossa Vintage Festival, held in April 

The Barossa Gourmet Weekend, held in August 

The Barossa Wine Show 

Lastly, but certainly not least, the Barossa Valley’s wine industry and its success exists to this day due to the fact the entire region is free from Phylloxera, which is an insect that kills grapevines.  In order to protect the region’s heritage vineyards it is important to follow a few simple rules:

Don’t walk through vineyards

Never enter a vineyard or drive a vehicle into a vineyard without permission

Ensure you stick to all designated paths in and around vineyards

When leaving a vineyard check your shoes for dirt and clean them thoroughly before you leave

If we all work together and remain vigilant, we can ensure the safe future of the precious vineyards that make the Barossa Valley what it is today.