Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
2 Side Trips from Adelaide
THE BAROSSA: ON THE TRAIL OF THE GRAPE
More than a quarter of Australia's wines, and a disproportionate number of top
labels, originate in the Barossa and Eden valleys—collectively known as the
Barossa.
Beginning just 45km (28 miles) northeast of Adelaide and easily acces-
sible, the area has had an enormous influence on the city's culture. In fact, Ade-
laidians of all socioeconomic levels partake in more wine talk than the French.
German settlers from Silesia, who came to escape religious persecution, first set-
tled the area. They brought with them their culture, their food, and their vines.
They built the Lutheran churches that dominate the Barossa's skyline. With the
help of English aristocrats, the wine industry went from strength to strength.
Today, there are over 50 wineries in an area that retains its German flavor.
The focal points of the area are
Angaston,
farthest away from Adelaide;
Nuri-
ootpa,
the center of the rural services industry; and
Tanunda,
the nearest town
to the city. Each has interesting architecture, crafts and antiques shops, and spe-
cialty food outlets. If you are adventurous, you might want to hire a bike in Ade-
laide and take it on the train to
Gawler,
and cycle through the Barossa. Other
options are exploring the area by hot-air balloon, motorcycle, or limousine.
ESSENTIALS
WHEN TO GO
The best times to visit the Barossa and other South Aus-
tralian wine regions are in the spring (Sept-Oct), when it's not too hot and there
are plenty of flowering trees and shrubs, and in the fall (Apr-May), when the
leaves turn red. The main wine harvest is late summer/early autumn (Feb-Apr).
The least crowded time is winter (June-Aug). Hotel prices can be more expen-
sive on the weekend.
GETTING THERE
If you have a car (by far the most flexible way to visit the
Barossa), I recommend taking the scenic route from Adelaide. (The route doesn't
have a specific name, but it's obvious on a map.) It takes about half an hour
longer than the Main North Road through Gawler, but the trip is well worth it.
Follow the signs to Birdwood, Springton, Mount Pleasant, and Angaston.
So Much Wine, So Little Time
If you have the choice of exploring the Barossa or the Hunter Valley in
New South Wales (see chapter 4), I recommend the
Barossa,
which
despite being a little more touristy, has more to offer in history and
architecture.
Another famous wine-producing region is the
Coonawarra,
381km
(236 miles) southeast of Adelaide and near the border with Victoria;
it's particularly convenient if you're driving from Melbourne. The area
is just 12km (7
1
⁄
2
miles) long and 2km (just over 1 mile) wide, but the
scenic countryside is crammed with historical villages and 16 wineries.
The
Clare Valley,
135km (84 miles) north of Adelaide, is another pretty
area; it produces some outstanding examples of cool-climate wine.
Finally, the
McLaren Vale,
south of Adelaide, offers some 42 vineries pro-
ducing some of Australia's best aromatic white wines as well as shiraz.
