Tips and Tricks : Taste the Barossa Tour

The Barossa Valley is approximately 60km from the Adelaide City Centre and arguably the major wine-producing region of the country. McLaren Vale and Clare Valley would be another tourist favorite, but we decided to just venture Barossa. It was a day before Christmas and we were surprised that we could snag a slot for the tour (FYI most tour bus rejected us prior coming to here, lol. And kudos to Ashley, our tour guide who was committed and willing to work on Christmas Eve).  

Tour Bus

We chartered the Taste the Barossa tour, where we covered a total of 4 wine sampling for AUD $99 per person. Pricey? For 4 wine sampling tour, to and fro transportation from the city and lunch as well, I think it is pretty worth it (the last wine sampling I had was in NZ, for NZD $15).

Testing the Whispering Wall

Our first stop was at the Whispering Wall (also known as the Barossa Reservoir). This dam is a famous tourist stop due to its parabola effect and acoustic qualities, where voice can be heard from an end to another at a 140m stretch.

Chateau Yaldara

We then made our way to our first winery at the historic Château Yaldara (Aboriginal : Sparkling). Homing to the 1847 Wines company, we get to sample an array of red and white wines, notably the Shiraz, Rosé (acquired taste needed for this floral tasting wine), Sémillon, Sparkly and the Tawny (which I felt its fruity and nutty flavour is suitable for festive servings).

First wine tasting of the day!

Bro Tips : Barossa is famous for its Shiraz (red) & Sémillon (white) production. 

Our trip resumes by driving through the picturesque scenery of Barossa Valley and headed to the township of Tanunda (Aboriginal : Water Hole) for a quick break and walk around in this small town with German heritage (potty break, coffee, souvenir hunting and cash out is possible here).

Bro Tips : As this was the only place that was in the tour route that has ATM, those who joined the tour but have yet to settle the payment can cash out here.

Our second wine tasting was at one of Australia's most reputable and innovative wine makers', the late Peter Lehmann's winery. Homing to Barossa's most internationally acclaimed wines, we manage to enjoy some of it before headed for the Weighbridge platter. A beautifully assembled platter of the finest meats, cheese, olives and baked breads are a strong statement from this regional highlight of fine dining.

The Weighbridge Platter (Vegetarian option on the bottom)

Bro Tips : Platter includes Linke Mettwurst (German sausage), Lachsschincken (German smoked meat), Beetroot Relish, Dill Cucumber, Kurianda Pear Chutney, Kalamata Olives, Almonds, Freshly baked Breads & Cheddar Cheese. Vegetarian menu is optional whereby Dried Apricots and Mushroom Pâté are used to substitute the meat (which contains beef/pork).

Beautiful and Rustic Langmeil

Langmeil, home to the oldest known Shiraz vineyard in the world was our next stop. A family winery in the true sense of the word, we got to walk along the vineyard and into their rustic Cellar Door and greeted by friendly, as I quote their words, part of the family. 

Peak of Mengler Hill Lookout

Mengler Hill Lookout is a splendid place for a panoramic, breath taking view over the beautiful Barossa Valley. We managed to do a quick stop here before headed to our last winery for the tour.

It is said you'll know that you are in Seppeltsfield with the sight of this Palm Road

The Seppeltsfield (Palm Valley) Road leads from Barossa Valley Way to the iconic Seppeltsfield Winery, founded by the Seppelt family in the early 1850s.  We passed by the iconic Seppeltsfield winery which ties in perfectly with the Murray Street Vineyards (MSV), the 4th and last wine tasting station. MSV has two vineyards, the Greenock and Gomersal, and we were lucky to sample the Shiraz from these two vineyards.

Bro Tips : The wines during the tasting selection includes 

2014 Vintage Black Label Sémillon & MSV Viognier Marsanne

2009 Vintage MSV the Barossa, MSV Red Label Cabernet Sauvignon & MSV Red Label Shiraz

2010 Vintage MSV Gomersal Estate Shiraz & MSV Greenock Estate Shiraz

There is also Wine of the Week upon request (which we have overlooked from our tasting list, bah!)

This tour truly blends wineries rich with history and story, lovely regional food, breath taking scenery and the friendly folks that put the standard for Barossa Valley as a world class region. The tour is full day (from 9 to 5) and I believe if you're ever in South Australia, visiting the wineries is truly an enriching experience.

Bro Tips: There are estimated 50 wineries in the Barossa Valley. Even if you fancy self drive more, you can take the above as a simple guideline on where to visit while you are there. Prices of wine tasting tour may vary, so it is imperative that researches has to be done before driving yourself there.