Barossa Travel Guide

About the Barossa Valley

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History of the Barossa Valley

How did the Barossa get its name? It is named after the Battle of Barrosa in Spain in 1811. Colonel William Light, an Englishman, fought in the battle, and named the ranges, Barossa Ranges in memory of the battle he fought in. The name was misspelt when it was registered and that is why it is spelt Barossa and not Barrosa!

The Barossa started off in the 1840’s. Communities of Eastern Europeans with their distinctive culture and willingness to work hard, were the first pioneers. They loved wine and by 1929, 25% of Australian wine was produced in the Barossa Valley. A lot of the wine was exported to London.

After this period, they experienced the Great Depression and World War 2 and a big downturn to the markets. Mr Gramp returned from WW2 via the Napa Valley, California, and discovered their modern techniques and brought them back to the Barossa. The next phase saw the dry red table wines return, last seen in the 1860’s! 1951 saw the first Grange Hermitage, Orlando developed wine for “the masses” in 1956 and in 1958 the first vintage of Henscke’s Hill of Grace was bottled.

The 60’s saw growth however by the 80’s there was an oversupply so the South Australian Government introduced a scheme for growers to pull out under performing vines. The industry lost wonderful 100 year old shiraz and grenache vines. Small vineyards stayed focused, started promoting cellar doors and a new type of tourism was born.

2000 was the start of another oversupply of wine, large corporations suffered as their investors wanted returns, some disappeared, but once again the small to medium size producers survived and thrived.

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Barossa Valley Wineries

If you are interested in a tour that includes the wineries mentioned in this section click on the wineries name. Please read the itinerary carefully as some tours pass by, or offer as an option but do not stop at the listed wineries. All itineraries are subject to change.

From a historical point of view Seppeltsfield, Yalumba, and Chateau Tanunda are some of the oldest wineries. Seppeltsfield is the only winery in the world to release a 100 year old single vintage wine each year. Of course the most renown is Penfolds located in the Barossa Valley, desired the most for its Grange.

The Barossa Valley and Eden Valley are very different in terms of soil and climate and although they grow similar grape varieties the end result is very distinguishable.

Jacob’s Creek is a name synonomous with fine Australian Wines with the vineyard dating back to 1847.

There are many wineries, big and small that have a great cellar door experience each with their own history, charm and, of course, great wines.

Turkey Flat is another old winery (1847) and has a lovely cellar door situated in the old Schulz family butcher’s shop, or Langmeils which dates back to 1842.

If there is a particular winery that you want to visit try one of our flexible or private tours.

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Barossa Valley Other Attractions

Mengler Hill

From this lookout you will have a great vista of the Barossa Valley. The road from Tanunda and Angaston crosses the hill.  There is also the Barossa Sculpture Park to see here as well.

Whispering Wall

Stop here and have some fun! At the Barossa Reservoir you will find the thin arched retaining wall and it has secret powers! A voice can be clearly heard from one side to the other( 140 metres). That is how it earned the name “Whispering Wall”.

Herbig Tree

There may have been a story about an old lady who lived in a shoe, but there is a true story of the family who lived in a tree and that is true! Make sure you visit Herbig Tree, the first home of the Herbig Family.

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Barossa Valley Food Delights

Barossa is also a working community and there is a tradition of family owned and run businesses. Once you have visited the area you will see just how important these businesses are. Everyone works together sharing their knowledge.

As well as the wine local produce is also why people visit this area. The one person who has done so much to put the Barossa and the produce on the map as well as the world stage, is the wonderful Maggie Beer. The Maggie Beer Farm Shop showcasing the spoils of the area and there are tours that visit her Farm Shop.

The wonderful recipes from English and German settlers have been passed down through the generations. Along with tradition comes innovation both sit very comfortably side by side. You certainly get a feel of respect throughout the Barossa.

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Our Favourite Barossa Valley Tours

See the famous wine making regions of the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf. Enjoy a two course lunch at Wolf Blass and a Penfolds tasting, with free time in the afternoon at Hahndorf.

• Wolf Blass tastings
• Penfolds tasting during lunch
• Seppeltsfield Estate
• Learn the wine makers art.