From taking to the sky, to exploring a gourmet food wonderland and sipping wine as old as you, the Barossa is a feast for all senses. Loosen your belt buckle, ready your sense of adventure and of course prepare to be blown away by some seriously good wine. Here's our top five things to do in the Barossa.
1. Hot air ballooning, Barossa
Set your alarm early and rise with the birds to drink in the Barossa from a different angle. Experience the oldest form of flight and tick this once-in-a-lifetime experience off your bucket list, taking to the skies on an epic hot air balloon adventure. Be consumed by complete tranquillity and soak in panoramic views as you glide over the vineyards and rolling hills of the Barossa ranges. See historic towns, green plains, lush paddocks and the majestic Murray River. Watch the sun rise from the balloon, breathe in the fresh air and toast your return to earth with a glass of the region's finest sparkling wines before refuelling with a breakfast feast. Fly high with Barossa Valley Ballooning or Barossa Balloon Adventures.
2. Seppeltsfield Estate, Barossa
Spend the afternoon immersed in the history of a true Barossa legend, sipping wine as old (or young) as you are at Seppeltsfield. Arguably the Barossa's most iconic winery, founded in 1851, today the historic bluestone cellars of Seppeltsfield produce a plethora of award-winning wines which stand tall among the world's best, including the sublime 100-year-old Para Vintage Tawny. For an extra special experience, drink in the history of Seppeltsfield and descend into stone cellars dating back to 1878 to taste your own birth-year Tawny directly from the barrel, guided by a Seppeltsfield wine educator in the beautiful Centennial Cellar. If you've worked up an appetite sipping your way around Seppeltsfield, take a seat at the home of progressive regional dining: Fino Seppeltsfield. Located in the heart of Seppeltsfield Estate, it shares the original 1900s bottling hall with Seppeltsfield's cellar door and serves contemporary regionally-sourced cuisine.
3. Vasse Virgin, Seppeltsfield
In the heart of Barossa's wine country, it's not just your taste-buds that are in for a treat. Tucked in the historic vinegar factory on the picturesque grounds of Seppeltsfield Estate, Vasse Virgin Barossa produces all-natural, handmade skin and body care products. Visit the factory and see how the olive oil-based products are made using age-old traditional techniques, stock up in the retail shop or sample from the gourmet range of olive oil and local produce. Get hands-on during the lip-balm workshop and learn how to create your very own natural lip balm using organic ingredients like honey, shea butter and beeswax or blend your own signature fragrance using essential oils on the natural perfumery workshop.
4. Hentley Farm, Seppeltsfield
Nestled among the rolling green hills of the Barossa, Hentley Farm's award-winning cellar door is the perfect place to unwind with a glass (or two) of seriously good wine. Housed in a cosy 1840s cottage complete with an open fire place, exposed stone walls and wood beam ceilings, this boutique cellar door in the heart of Seppeltsfield oozes historic charm and embodies the rich culture of the Barossa. If you're feeling hungry, wander over to the award-winning on-site restaurant of the same name for an epic feast. With an impressive resume of international awards under its belt, dine and drink in the highest quality local produce, with much of it sourced from the farm's 150 acres, including foraged ingredients growing wild, as well as fruit, vegetables and herbs grown on site. Loosen your belt buckle and settle in – you'll probably be here a while.
5. Barossa Farmers Market, Angaston
There's no better place to experience the Barossa's unique culture and gourmet food offerings than at the Barossa Farmers Market. Armed with a local Barossa Walks guide by your side, you'll be fully immersed in the sights, sounds and tastes of this buzzing Saturday hotspot. The ultimate foodie experience, be introduced to the producers behind the food, hear their stories, taste the incredible local produce and learn how to create the ultimate picnic featuring a star-studded line up of the region's best produce.
Stay longer in the Barossa
With over 80 wineries, some of the best drinking and dining experiences in the world and beautiful scenery, the Barossa is a foodie's delight. Meet culinary legends, local winemakers and then slip away to unique five-star Barossa accommodation. Fulfil all your foodie dreams with our guide to spending three days in Barossa.
