The Barossa Valley is where rolling vineyards meet lush green hills, and hundreds of years of winemaking tradition produce some of the world’s best wines. As a wine lover, there is no better destination than the Barossa Valley to experience the art of winemaking at its finest.
However, with over 150 wineries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. So we’ve done the thirsty work and carved out the best wineries and cellar doors to sip, from sampling heritage-listed vines to sipping new-age reds from young’un winemakers.
Penfolds
This historic winery has been producing world-class wines for over 170 years and is one of the most recognisable names in Australian wine. Penfolds is renowned for its exceptional Shiraz, but they also produce a range of other equally impressive varietals. Take a tour of the vineyards and the historic cellars, and don’t miss the opportunity to taste some of their most sought-after wines.
Krondorf Cellar Door
The Krondorf Cellar Door & Wine Bar is filled with stories of its rich history dating all the way back to 1847. Located in the South Australian suburb of Tanunda, you can sip on the luxury wines that the brand is known for. Pair it with a delicious selection of cheeses or carefully cured meats and pizzas made from the Barossa’s finest curated ingredients. We highly recommend grabbing a bottle of the King’s Mantle Shiraz, fresh from Krondorf’s coveted 2023 Collection, on your way out.
Seppeltsfield
Next up is Seppeltsfield Winery, another Barossa Valley institution. Founded in 1851, Seppeltsfield is one of the oldest wineries in the region, and its heritage-listed grounds are a testament to its rich history. It’s famous for fortified wines, including an iconic 100-year-old Para Tawny. In the basement cellar, you can taste a port from the year you were born. Seppeltsfield also produces a range of still wines that are equally as impressive. Tour the historic cellars, walk its idyllic palm tree-lined courtyard, and try a tasting flight of award-winning wines.
Hentley Farm
If you’re looking for something a little more boutique, head to Hentley Farm. This family-owned winery produces small batches of premium wines that are made with meticulous attention to detail. Their cellar door is located in a beautifully restored 1840s homestead, and their wine tastings are an intimate and personalised experience. Be sure to try their flagship wine, The Beast Shiraz, which is consistently rated as one of the best wines in the Barossa Valley.
Torbreck Vintners
Torbreck Vintners is a winery that has gained a reputation for producing some of the most exceptional wines in the world. Founded in 1994, Torbreck has quickly become a Barossa Valley icon, and collectors and connoisseurs highly seek its wines. The Cellar Door is located in a charming old cottage that dates back to the 1850s, and their tastings are a relaxed and informative affair. The Laird is a must-try, made from a blend of the finest Shiraz grapes in the valley.
Chateau Tanunda
Chateau Tanunda produces a range of premium wines, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache, and their tasting experiences are informative and engaging. With its stunning sandstone architecture and sweeping vineyard views, this iconic estate is a must-visit for any wine lover. Be sure to take a tour of the historic cellars and try the signature wine, the Grand Barossa Shiraz—a full-bodied red with notes of dark fruit and spice.
Grant Burge Wines
Grant Burge Wines is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Barossa Valley. With a legacy that spans over 150 years, their wines are a true reflection of the region’s terroir and winemaking traditions. Grant Burge is renowned for their full-bodied reds, including their flagship wine, the Meshach Shiraz. Their Cellar Door is a picturesque setting for wine tastings, and their knowledgeable staff will guide you through their range of wines, from elegant whites to robust reds.
Henschke
A visit to the Barossa is not complete without a visit to the stylish and exceptional Henschke cellar door. This family-owned winery has been producing world-class wines for over 150 years in the Eden Valley region of the Barossa Valley. Their wines are a true expression of the region’s unique terroir, and their signature wine, the Hill of Grace Shiraz, is considered one of Australia’s greatest wines. Henschke’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has earned them a reputation as one of Australia’s leading wineries.
Two Hands Wines
Two Hands has quickly gained a reputation for producing some of Australia’s most exceptional wines, which is a feat given the winery was founded in 1999. Their Cellar Door is a modern and stylish setting for wine tastings, and the knowledgeable staff will guide you through their range of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds. Did we mention all the wines are single-vineyard creations?
Related: 7 of the Best Beds in The Barossa to Rest Your Hungover Head
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