Comprising the historic Barossa Valley

and Eden Valley, The Barossa, as it’s affectionately known, is just an hour’s drive north of the city of Adelaide in South Australia.

Unlike the eastern Australian convict colonies of New South Wales , Victoria and Tasmania, South Australia was a planned free settlement, designed by English philanthropists who saw an opportunity for honest, hardworking men and women to establish a new life.

This is Australia’s best known wine making region producing some of the finest wines I’ve ever tasted, (and I’ve tasted a few...).

The Barossa however, is much more than Australia's best known wine region, it’s a richly textured and multi-layered cultural icon, based on years of tradition, creative energy and community pride.

In the early days self sufficiency was important and as a result the peasant experience of smoking meats, preserving fruits and making cheeses flourished.

The results of this early experience can still be tasted today in the many wonderful cafes and delicatessens which are found in the small towns and villages which scatter the region.

The region is a gastronome’s paradise with it’s rich cultural heritage reflected in its wine, food, buildings and people.

Fine music was also an integral part of the “imported” Lutheran worship and English culture but, above all, wine became a basic part of life for the settlers and grape growing developed as a fundamental agricultural activity.

Here you'll find today's lifestyle and hospitality blends comfortably with the architecture and memories of the past.

The wine industry here developed differently from the traditional European practice of grower/winemakers.

Although some growers did make wine for their own use, the majority sold their grapes to the wineries.

The Barossa's strength and success has come from this specialisation.

The Barossa Valley has now become one of Australia's major tourist destinations, being known all over the world for its quality wines.

The home to many major wine producers, this area produces over half of Australia’s wine.

To the east flows the Murray River which is one of the largest river systems in the world and irrigation, which was introduced in 1887, transformed the northern region into a lush paradise with a wide variety of attractions, from watersports to wildlife and of course delicious fruits and wine.

Diverse experiences including festivals, events, the arts, bushwalking, golf, cycling, shopping can be enjoyed amongst a stunning Australian landscape of rolling hills, manicured vineyards, and closely linked towns and villages.

There are over 100 accommodation options, tours operate daily and there's no more pleasurable setting in South Australia to do business, with many creative choices for conferences and incentives.

To visit the Barossa is to taste the good life.

World famous Shiraz and Eden Valley Riesling plus other premium wines including the much sought after Balthazar of the Barossa, regional produce and acclaimed restaurants make this one of Australia's most significant wine tourism regions.

No other wine region in Australia has the rich European heritage of the Barossa.

Strong links remain to this heritage within the thriving community and, combined with the down-to-earth Australian spirit, create a vibrant lifestyle in a relaxed, rural setting.

Come for a romantic break, to relax and unwind, or for some outdoor adventure.

Now here's something you won't find everywhere, if you're a serious wine lover a Cellar Door Pass - will give you free wines, premium tastings and special tours and offers at over 50 iconic and boutique South Australian wineries.

For $99 dollars you will receive 6 free bottles of wine, free delievery of 12 bottles of wine to your Australian address, transit insurance for this wine to the value of $240, gourmet dining and food offers, a discovery cd and cellar door directory for your journey and a credit card sized smartcard that identifies you as a VIP guest.

This has got to be good!

Drink the wine, taste the food, explore the heritage and enjoy the lifestyle.

Bring your family, your friends or someone special, in the Barossa, everybody's welcome.

And don't forget.............enjoy.

PLEASE NOTE: If you don't know what an RSS feed is just click this link.

Click here to return from The Barossa to our home page.