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Discover Barossa Valley’s best wineries
Producing a hefty portion of Australia’s wines, the historic Barossa has won global fame for its mighty shiraz. Come and explore the Barossa Valley’s best wineries.
A beautiful region steeped in history and heritage, South Australia’s Barossa Valley is home to more than 150 wineries, which produce a whopping 20 percent of Australia’s wines. The region is home to some of the biggest names on the Australian wine scene, and shiraz is king – typically big, bold, full-bodied and rich with dark fruit flavours. But those in the know also seek out the Barossa’s excellent cabernet sauvignon, grenache and dry riesling.
The pioneering spirit is strong in the Barossa. Settlers arriving from the UK and Germany in the 1840s realised that the Mediterranean climate and mineral-rich soils created perfect planting conditions, and some of these original shiraz and grenache vines they brought are still under cultivation today. Alongside these ancient beauties, modern Barossa winemakers are also experimenting with more alternative Mediterranean varietals like viognier, nero d’avola and tempranillo.
Whether you’re planning a trip to the Barossa or armchair travelling, here’s what you need to know about top wineries in Barossa and which wines you need to try, whether at their cellar door or from your local Liquorland.
Peter Lehmann Wines
Boasting noble roots, this iconic winery was first established in 1979 by Peter Lehmann, aka the ‘baron of the Barossa,’ to save the region’s family grape growers during a grape surplus. Lehmann died in 2013, but his winery continues to produce premium shiraz that showcases the region’s distinct characteristics.
Try this at home: Ideal for everyday drinking, Peter Lehmann Portrait Shiraz captures the essence of the Barossa with robust flavours of blackberry, plum and dark chocolate, and a long spicy finish. Need inspiration for food pairing? The richness of the wine will match the intensity of a classic roast beef with tomato and red wine gravy, or hearty stuffed eggplants.
St Hallett
Widely regarded as masters of Barossa shiraz, St Hallett continues the strong winemaking traditions of the Barossa Valley by nurturing old vines and varieties known to thrive here.
Try this at home: Characterful wines include the St Hallett Blockhead Shiraz, imbued with flavours of black cherry, plum and spice. At the winery you would pair this rich, velvety drop with one of St Hallett’s signature cheese platters, featuring the finest South Australian cheeses and regional produce. Recreate the experience at home with your own styled cheese board, perfect for sharing with friends.
Penfolds
Dating back to 1844, Penfolds is one of Australia’s best-known wineries, and pioneer of many initiatives, including the use of American oak barrels for maturing wine. Along with shiraz, you’ll find excellent cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and riesling.
Try this at home: For a highly versatile drop suited to any occasion, Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz is ripe, robust and bursting with enticing aromas of plum, blackberry, dark chocolate and a hint of pepper. It’s always a crowd pleaser, so get your friends over and serve with steak with cafe de paris butter or pork, apple and walnut burgers.
Turkey Flat
Another historic winery, the first shiraz grapes were planted at Turkey Flat in 1847, and the focus here remains firmly on sustainability and traditional small-batch techniques. As well as shiraz, Turkey Flat is renowned for grenache and mourvèdre varietals, rosé and fortified wines.
Try this at home: Grenache stars in the crisp, bright Turkey Flat Rosé brimming with aromas of strawberries, raspberries, rose petals, and a fragrant hint of citrus and spice. An elegant, food-friendly wine, it’ll be equally at home at your next dinner party or a casual picnic in the park. Pair with seafood dishes or a light pasta.
Yalumba
Sprawled across a magnificent heritage estate, Australia’s oldest family-owned winery has won multiple awards for its minimal intervention wines. Shiraz and cabernet sauvignon are aged in oak barrels for added depth and complexity, while Yalumba’s viognier and riesling are highly quaffable.
Try this at home: Generously flavoured, Yalumba SC Barossa Shiraz has opening notes of spicy blackberry giving way to hints of black pepper, toffee, dark chocolate and a soft finish. Enjoy this stylish drop with a rich pasta dish such as beef ragu or grill up some sage and black pepper sausages with sautéed peppers.
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