South Australia Wine Region
The two valley's of the South Australian Wine region present different experiences of this beautiful Mediterranean-esque region. Firstly Clare Valley, the less well known but still famous wine valley, is famous for its Riesling wine and grapes. There are over twenty two wineries in the valley, and forty cellar doors, many internationally famous.
Despite their global infamy many of these vineyards and cellar doors are small scale and community orientated. Many, who don't have opening days, will open their doors, and bottles, to you should you ask nicely.
The wine culture here is relaxed and welcoming, befitting the local culture and relaxing views. In addition to great wine, Clare Valley is also famous for its artists and its food. Many a cellar door has a restaurant attached, but should you take the recommended Riesling and Rattler Trails. You will be led through villages and towns populated with welcoming locals and great local produce served in cafes and bistros and of course cellar doors.
The Riesling and Rattler Trails can either be walked or cycled, in one journey or in several loops, its free to take and bicycles are available to hire. In these small communities, and sometimes off the beaten track, are imaginative and unique locations for art galleries, including down a mine, churches and of course vineyards. Clare Valley has a thriving artistic community, with some galleries running workshops for children and adults alike.
If you want a more family friendly (and alcohol free ) experience, head to Barra Monster Mine. Walking underground through old mine-shafts here the children (and adults) shriek and squeal with delight at their discoveries. Clare Valley is a relaxed and welcoming destination, home to some of the best wines and food in the country.
The more famous Valley of South Australia's Wine region is the Barossa. Home to Maggie Beers culinary delights, Jacob's Creek and Penfolds wine, this valley is a smorgasbord of food, wine and vistas. Its all about eating and drinking in the Barossa, while enjoying the incredible vistas, with over seventy-five cellar doors who are often open seven days a week.
Its not all big names though, with many smaller family wine makers selling fine wine and opening their doors to visitors. The best way to experience a little of everything on offer in the Barossa Valley is to take the Butcher, Baker, Winemaker Trail which will lead you past cellar doors, farm shops and village cafes. Highlights for foodies include Maggie Beers Farmshop, Angas Park Fruit Company and Barossa Valley Cheese.
Should you feel the need to walk off all that you've eaten, Barossa is currently in the process of opening a new cycle-way that will link through the main towns of Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston, but you can always take a Maggie Beer picnic with you!
Other hikes and trails are on offer throughout the Valley, including the historical Goldfields Walking Trail, which will take you past impressive vistas and through the valleys history.
Once you've had enough to eat and drink, head into town and indulge in a little retail therapy with boutique jewelry, clothes, antiques and art shops dotted in towns and villages across the valley. If you require a little pampering, head to one of the valley's day spas or holistic retreats and detox your body and mind.
For the family, head to the Herbig Family Tree, a large hollow red-gum that was once home to four members of the Herbig family, a rather unique look at family life in the Barossa Valley. For a chance to see the valley in all its glory, consider a hot air balloon ride across the valley, they depart early in the morning and you have the option of a Champagne breakfast on board.
The South Australian Wine Region is about a lot more than just wine, with plenty to experience outside the cellar door for the whole family. The wine may bring you there, but the rest will make you stay.