Exploring The Barossa Valley
A Simple Guide For The Wine Tourist in The Barossa Valley.
Jul 20, 2009
No other region is more recognisable as representing high quality Australian wine than the Barossa Valley. This region carries its name with pride, shaking off traditions and conformity to produce wines in distinct bold styles that reflect this pioneering region of Australian winemaking.
Grape Growers and Winemakers
Unlike many European wine regions where the grapes are frequently grown by the same people who make the wine, in the Barossa and much of Australia, viticulturists are often separated from Oenologists. This means the grapes are tended out on the open market for wineries to independently secure themselves. The pros and cons of such an arrangement could be the focus of many a wine nerd's evening rant. However, the main thing to consider here is the arrangement tends to focus experimentation and development in the winery.
With each vintage different yeast strains, enzymes and oak treatments may be used in order to finely hone the oenological tools and methods that go into producing some of this regions greatest wines. With the winemaker in the forefront, the Barossa is unlike any European region, where the vineyard and vines rule. Here it is the other way around. Therefore, don't go to the Barossa and expect to see the vines that produce the Grange proudly on display as the vineyard blocks aren't neatly labeled like some European counter-parts. No, the Barossa is about heading to the wineries, and as such they are extremely well set-up for accommodating wine loving tourists.
Planning A Route
The first piece of advice is to pick up a touring map of the region and its wineries, www.barossa.com offer a comprehensive one. A map is essential, to plan your course of attack, making the most of out of what ever time you have. If you are staying in the region for more than one day, and you really should, there are some great accommodation options available, ranging from budget motels to five star Bed&Breakfasts. Everyday amenities can be found in either, Nuriootpa or Tanunda. Both medium sized towns with good local bakers, supermarkets, banks and pharmacy. The Germanic and Polish influence is still strong here, and so finding a good butcher and trying out their speciality Mettwurst with a glass of Shiraz can be the perfect accompanier to sunset across the vines.
Wines and Producers
The white wine styles found here vary, from the steely and citrus tinted Rieslings of the cooler Eden Valley to the fuller bodied and textural Viogners of the Barossa. Depending on your preference there are many producers to choose from. Yalumba is worth it, if only for their flagship white, the Virgilus and their lively Rieslings. The range of wines you can taste here is huge, not all worth it but it will give you a varied taste across the region. Whilst in the same area, the legendary Henschke is just down the road. Definitely worth while visiting to taste your way through a generous selection of their wines.
Moving further into the Barossa and back to Nuriootpa, a stop at Saltram Estate is a great place for lunch. The restaurant specialises in wood fired pizza and offers some of the best outside of Italy.
The Barossa can be a forever expanding exploration of many different wineries. Ranging from the large industrial producers like Penfold's and Jacobs Creek to small boutique producers such as Greenock Creek and Hentley Farm Wines. It is definitely worthwhile compiling a short list of those wines you've tasted in the past and admire. It seems like some of the friendliest people around have been put on the cellar door sales and it is well worth asking these guys and gals their advice on where to go next. Being locals they'll know of the best new and up-and-coming wineries such as Standish and Massena which aren't included on any maps yet. A little bit of local knowledge goes a long way. To get a true taste of the outstanding potential of this region then the following producers are a must; Two Hands Wines, John Duval, Kalleske Wines, Spinifex, Rockford and Torbreck.
