Spend three days immersed in the Barossa Valley, the land of culinary legends.
Drink in historic cellars, dine in the company of some of the oldest vines in the world and stay a few nights in the heart of the Barossa Valley. With some 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors dotted across the region, it is no surprise that some of the best drinking and dining experiences in the world can be found on Adelaide's culinary doorstep. Meet industry heavy weights and sink your teeth into mouthwatering food and wine before slipping away to your unique five-star Barossa Valley accommodation. Got a long weekend and looking to make the most of South Australia's world famous provenance? We've got you covered with the ultimate itinerary for the taste buds.
Friday
1. Enjoy the Epicurean Way
Arrive at Adelaide Airport or pack your bags at home before driving part of the Epicurean Way road trip, a short one-and-a-half-hours to the Barossa Valley. Check in at Barossa Shiraz Estate - a lavishly-appointed retreat with sweeping views over vineyards and the Barossa Ranges. Each luxury cottage is private and fully self-contained with elegant furnishings. Unpack and unwind before making your way to Seppeltsfield, the Barossa Valley’s most iconic winery. Stop off for the mandatory selfie along the palm lined Seppeltsfield Road on your way, before joining a tour of the striking 19th century property.
2. Immerse yourself in history at Seppeltsfield Estate
For your first lunch in South Australia's culinary heartland, look no further than the home of progressive regional dining - FINO Seppeltsfield. Located in the heart of Seppelstsfield Estate, it shares the original 1900's bottling hall with Seppeltsfield’s cellar door and serves contemporary regionally-sourced cuisine. After lunch, taste your own birth-year Tawny directly from the barrel, guided by a Seppeltsfield wine educator in the beautiful Centennial Cellar. Spend the afternoon immersed in history, sipping wine as old (or young) as you are. Work-off your long lunch with a stroll down the main street of Tanunda and a look at the cute local stores, before settling in for dinner at FermentAsian. Chef Tuoi Do creates a myriad of dishes honouring her Northern Vietnamese heritage and celebrates the amazing produce available in the Barossa area, much grown by Tuoi and her parents. Alternatively, go for a drive and check out beloved local haunt El Estanco and their Friday Fiestas. Hidden inside a restored 1890's property in the quaint country town of Greenock, the usually South American inspired menu gets a shake up on Friday's - with the team host. Watch on as the chef's prepare your mouth watering slice while you enjoy a cocktail and a laugh with the locals.
Saturday
1. Barossa Farmers Markets
2. Meet the makers
Take a seat at the table of some of South Australia's culinary legends. From beloved chef Maggie Beer to trailblazing wine connoisseurs, many a maker calls the valley home. Pioneered by daughter Elli Beer, the Maggie Beer Farm Eatery is a modern casual restaurant, showcasing the Beer family’s quintessential South Australian cooking style. Post-lunch, crack open a bottle at one of the Barossa Valley’s finest wineries. Speaking of fine wine, Artisans of Barossa are the purveyors of all things authentically Barossa. Eight wine makers from across the region have come together to create this unique home, that could see you sipping from a range of 90 different wines. Drop in for a tasting and lunch or book ahead to experience The Grenache Project. While it's not as top secret as the name might suggest, you can expect to find out how each winemaker crafts their own expression from the same single varietal - all grown in the same region. Alternatively, explore the Barossa town of Angaston - made famous by one of South Australia's most well known wine labels, Yalumba. Embark on the Yalumba Cooperage Tour and explore the only on-site winery cooperage in Australia (one of only five in the world!). See firsthand a professional cooper executing a 100 year old tradition for the winery, as they craft and maintain the barrels that house Yalumba's wine.
Sunday
1. Make your Barossa blend
2. Visit Murray Street Vineyards
Make a final stop at Murray Street Vineyard and Greenock Estate, take in the breathtaking view of the vineyards from their veranda before stocking up on the region's finest before hopping in the car for the hour-and-half return drive to Adelaide's CBD.
Still hungry? ...
Made it back to Adelaide and ready for dinner? We have got you covered. Check out our definitive guide to the best restaurants in Adelaide.