Exploring The Barossa
Paul and I found a wonderful shop. A shop that fashions old wine kegs in to tasteful furniture and a shop in which you can feast on the aromas of the seasoned wood and the left over grape notes that linger in the air. The hospitality and kindness of the owners was unparalleled and we look forward to placing an order when we finally settle back home in the UK.
The Keg Factory can be found on the high street in Tanunda, which is the main resort and town in the Barossa Valley. The region that surrounds Tanunda is home to over five hundred grape growing families and there are over sixty cellar doors that can be visited. We had a wonderful time!
I had this idyllic notion in my head of cycling through the Barossa on a bicycle with a bell and a basket, being beckoned to sample wines by local growers from in between their manicured vines. This notion, in part, did not hold true. We had the bikes and the bells, no baskets and I'm afraid on the day we were touring the Barossa the rain poured. We persevered for a while, but then gave up. We were a pair of drowned rats who had warmed up inside a few rustic cellar doors only to decide that we didn't want to stay wet. We returned to the bike hire centre and were the cause of much amusement for the lady from whom we had hired the bikes. I don't actually think she spoke to us when she saw us both, she just laughed until she cried. Our spirits were not deflated by the minor setback; indeed we saw the humour too. In dry clothes we visited the cellar doors in our van and the moment the key was put in the ignition the sun began to shine.
The Barossa is a beautiful wine region in South Australia, just 70km north east of Adelaide. From visiting, I have come to the conclusion that from all my visits to Australian towns and cities this region would be the one where I would choose to live. And it is not just because of the wine! Adelaide is an easy-going laid-back city, blessed with a beautiful climate and an out door lifestyle which does not recognise the word stress. The Barossa, just an hour from Adelaide is welcoming, beautiful and content with its lot. Who wouldn't be, living here?
We chose to tour the Barossa in our little van, visiting the cellar doors of Peter Lehman, Jacob's Creek, Penfold's and the impressive Wolf Bass visitor centre amongst others. Many people we met had chosen luxury to tour the Barossa, in a limousine, vintage car or hot air balloon, or by a host of guided tour groups. Whichever way you travel you will be overwhelmed by the hospitality and knowledge of all the people who work for the wineries. There is definitely no pressure, just a leisurely tipple and chat to your host and then maybe a bottle of your favourite.
Our favourite winery was Domain Barossa on the high street in Tanunda. A small independent winery that oozed enjoyment and pleasure through fine wines.
The shop was small and intimate with wines displayed on the dark wooden shelves. The charming host struck up conversation and then asked whether we would like to try all of the wines that would be presented if we were at a dinner party. From the bubbles, through white and red and on to a delicious fortified chocolate liqueur our tasting journey was incredible. It was my husband's birthday the next day and the host asked him to choose his favourite and we would all have a glass together. He chose a GSM with strong cherry and strawberry aromas. We bought a bottle and the next night, whilst having our own steak BBQ at Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges we smacked our lips and rubbed our bellies with delight. What is finer than enjoying a meal like this together? The only sad thing being that the bottle came to an end. We will have to get a crate next time.
This article was very kindly contributed by Jill March. Please read her Travel Writer's bio here.
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