The Barossa Valley is more than just a wine region; it’s a slice of Aussie wine history. So if you’re planning a trip to South Australia, or even to Australia, and you’re a wine enthusiast, the Barossa is a must-visit destination. With its rich heritage, diverse wine styles, and stunning landscapes, it’s a wine lover’s paradise. We’ve rounded up 10 of the Best Wineries in the Barossa and highlighted what makes them special to make sure your visit is a corker!
Langmeil: Where Barossa History Comes Alive
Visiting Langmeil is like stepping into the heart and soul of the Barossa Valley. It’s the #1 spot for newbies to get a taste of what Barossa wine and heritage are all about.
Langmeil has a history that’s as old as dirt, with vines going way back to the 1840s. Their winery is located on the original ironstone-building settlement of the Barossa, so visiting is like a walk back in time. Tasting their wines in the cellar door, you’ll instantly get the Barossa vibe – big, bold, and bursting with flavour. While you’re there make sure to try the Sparkling Shiraz, the GSM, and of course the Valley Floor Shiraz, while the staff favourites are the Riesling and the Blacksmith Cabernet.
If you’re really into your wines you can do a very special 3-hour experience where you’ll visit what’s believed to be one of the oldest Shiraz vineyards in the world and get to try the Freedom Shiraz – a wine sourced completely from these 180 year old vines!
Small Batch Wine Tours shared-group Uncork the Barossa tours regularly visit Langmeil first thing in the morning, so guests can benchmark the wines of the Barossa and get a real feel of why this wine region and the Langmeil brand have become world famous.
Henschke: Eden Valley Elegance
Now, if you’re curious about the Eden Valley (the high-country of the Barossa region), Henschke is your go-to. It’s the elegant, sophisticated cousin of the Barossa. Their estate-grown wines from high up in the North show off the finesse and elegance of wines grown in the Eden Valley. You’ll find these wines are more about balance, subtlety, and nuance compared to the louder Barossa wines that simply demand attention.
You’ll find the same varieties of wine are grown in the Eden as down in the Barossa Valley, but their expressions change due to the distinctly different terroir. Shorter days, colder nights, and shallower, rockier soils all make for vastly different growing conditions for the grapes – the differences only becoming more pronounced in the glass.
With a huge range of wines, their flagship is definitely the Hill of Grace Shiraz. Much like Langmeil’s Freedom Shiraz, the Hill of Grace is sourced entirely from their 150 year old ‘ancestor’ Shiraz vines. One of Australia’s most iconic and rare wines, it sells for over $800 a bottle! For the full Henschke Hill of Grace Experience you can book in on one of our Pinnacle of the Barossa tours.
Yalumba: A Journey Through Barossa’s History
Visiting Yalumba is an absolute must for anyone eager to delve into the rich wine history of the Barossa. As one of Australia’s First Families of Wine, Yalumba was foundational in conceptualising, creating, and supporting the Barossa through many generations. The winery is now a living museum of winemaking in the Barossa.
When you step onto the Yalumba estate, you’re not just visiting a winery; you’re witnessing the evolution of the Barossa’s viticultural legacy. The historic buildings including the iconic Clocktower, copper still, and onsite cooperage, transport you back to the pioneering days of the 1800s.
Yalumba’s Wine Room and Museum offer a fascinating journey through the Barossa’s history. You can explore vintage winemaking equipment, centuries-old cooperage tools, and an extensive collection of wines that have stood the test of time. If you have time, you can take part in a Yalumba history tour, exploring the family estate, the old wine tanks, the museum cellar, and Signature Cellar.
Moreover, Yalumba’s commitment to sustainability and innovation shows how the winery has adapted to change while preserving its heritage. The Yalumba “The Signature” Cabernet Shiraz, encapsulates the brand’s enduring commitment to heritage and community.
Yalumba is usually the first stop on our private Truly Barossan Wine Experience, unless we have curated a special itinerary at your request. By visiting Yalumba, you can witness some of the pioneering history of the Barossa. Guests can choose from a variety of different wines to taste – from whites through to full bodied reds, even a range of sweet fortified wines.
Two Hands Wines: A Deep Dive into Shiraz
If you’re a Barossa Shiraz enthusiast looking to dive deep into the world of this iconic varietal, a visit to Two Hands Wines is an absolute must. This winery has earned a stellar reputation for producing some of the finest Shiraz wines from the Barossa and beyond.
The Garden Series is a testament to Two Hands’ commitment to showcasing the distinct terroirs South Eastern Australia and their effect on Shiraz. The six wines in this collection are individually sourced from six completely different subregions across South Australia and Victoria. The resulting wines highlight the unique characteristics of each subregion. It’s like embarking on a Shiraz journey through diverse microclimates, from cool climate to hot climate, from high country to coastal, and others in between.
For those wanting to focus on the ultra-premium, the Single Vineyard Shiraz collection is a revelation. These six wines are crafted from six individual vineyards that regularly express something unique about their site, allowing visitors to taste the purest expression of terroir. Whether it’s the bold and spicy Coach House or the silky and seductive Waterfall Block, each bottle tells a distinct story of place and time.
A visit to Two Hands Wines is an immersion into the world of premium Shiraz, making it one of the best wineries in the Barossa for Shiraz lovers to visit. You’ll gain a profound appreciation for the grape’s different characteristics across the regions, and of the winery’s masterful Shiraz craftsmanship.
As part of our Barossa Shiraz Specialist tour, you will visit Two Hands Holy Grail Vineyard and taste the wine within the vineyard it was grown. Following on, you’ll enjoy a Shiraz Masterclass back at Two Hands HQ, tasting through the range of their top Single Vineyard Shiraz wines.
Greenock Creek Wines: A Mecca for Heavy Shiraz Lovers
For lovers of heavy, rich, opulent Shiraz, visiting Greenock Creek Wines in the Barossa Valley is an absolute must. This iconic winery has built a legendary reputation for crafting some of the most robust and full-bodied expressions of Shiraz in the region. When Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate magazine ranked Greenock Creek with eight perfect 100-point wines in the 1980s, Greenock Creek achieved instant cult status in the US, making visiting it a mecca for lovers of this style.
Greenock Creek’s dedication to traditional hands-on winemaking shines through in every bottle. Their limited-production wines are a masterclass in power and intensity, showcasing the rich and densely concentrated wines that the Barossa has become so well known for.
Visitors to Greenock Creek are treated to a warm, unpretentious, and intimate wine tasting experience. The rustic charm of the cellar door with its warm fireplace in the winter is a great way to finish off a tour of the Barossa Valley, especially for those seeking out punchy red wines.
Tomfoolery: Fun and ‘Smashable’ Wines
The name Tomfoolery says it all – not taking life too seriously, but making fun and easy-drinking wines for immediate enjoyment. Tomfoolery is all about making wines that are perfect for popping open and enjoying any day of the week, not worrying if you’ve aged it to perfection. Their funky labels all have great stories behind them with awesome artwork to boot.
Think of Tomfoolery as the rebel of the traditional Barossa wine scene, breaking away from the heavy, overly-serious stuff. Their success in the Hot 100 Wine Awards are testament to being innovative and rocking the wine world with their new-age approach.
Winemaker ‘Chippy’ sources fruit from all around the Barossa, the Hills, even McLaren Vale to make an always evolving list of wines. At the tasting room, you’ll get to sample a bunch of easy drinking wines, the likes of Pinot Gris to Tempranillo, Malbec and odd-blends like Pinot-Syrah that are like a party in your mouth. The vibe is laid-back and friendly, so you can sip, savor, and share a laugh or two with your fellow wine adventurers.
So, if you’re up for trying some totally drinkable and out-of-the-ordinary Barossa wines, Tomfoolery is absolutely your go-to spot.
Artisans of Barossa: A White Wine Lover’s Paradise
Artisans of Barossa is an absolute must-visit for anyone in search of exceptional white wines (or red wines, of course) in the Barossa Valley. This unique collaborative space brings together eight talented and diverse winemakers, collectively offering a staggering selection of over 100 wines. Here’s why it’s a white wine lover’s paradise:
Variety Galore: With eight different producers under one roof, Artisans of Barossa boasts an impressive array of white varietals. It’s not just Riesling, you could find things like Piquepoul, Gerwurtztraminer, Koerner, Clairette, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier – the list goes on!
Diverse Styles: Each producer brings their unique style and winemaking philosophy to the table. From the elegant and mineral-driven to the rich and complex, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of white wine styles.
Tasting Experience: The tasting experience at Artisans of Barossa is immersive and educational. Knowledgeable staff can guide you through the diverse portfolio, helping you decipher the tasting menu and discover new favorites.
Scenic Setting: Set in the picturesque Barossa Valley, the modern venue is stunning. Enjoy your tastings in a serene and beautiful environment, surrounded by rolling vineyards and stunning vistas.
The Artisan’s tasting room really does provide an unparalleled offering in the Barossa for the red or white wine lover. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to wine, this collaborative space promises a delightful and enriching experience. We most definitely think it’s one of the best wineries in the Barossa, and so it features in our private wine tour the Truly Barossan Wine Experience. The breadth and diversity of their portfolio means all types of wine-lover can be well catered to.
David Franz: A Home for Vegan Wines
Putting the word VEGAN on a Barossa wine used to be commercial suicide for a brand – placing it in the “dirty” corner with all the other “poor quality hippy wines” like the organic wines. In actual fact, most of the best (and most expensive) wines, especially in the old-world, are 100% organic and vegan wines. It wasn’t until the advent of mass production wines and when monoculture farming took hold in Australia that inorganic pesticides and the use of animal products in winemaking became so prevalent.
Small Batch wineries like David Franz don’t use chemistry to speed up the winemaking process or mass produce their wines. There’s no need for them to use aditives to “clean up” products quickly and cheaply to get them out onto shelves all across the country. They’re one of the growing number of small wineries that use time-honored slow methods without cutting corners to produce their wines. Accountants, deadlines, and contracts with the big distributors cough Mr. Murphy cough have no influence in the winemaking process.
The love and attention to detail for David Franz Wines starts in the vineyard, with David managing 75 acres of vines. After lovingly turning grapes into wine, each bottle is carefully hand-printed and wrapped before being placed in a hand-printed carton then sent out into the wide world to find their way to you. Absolute love from the ground up, with all of their wines being 100% vegan.
First Drop: Mediterranean Flair in the Barossa
First Drop Wines are one of the out-of-the-box thinkers who decided to bring some Mediterranean sunshine to the Barossa party! While so many others are only about the traditional stuff, First Drop said, “Hold my wine glass,” and started rocking the Mediterranean-inspired varietals.
They’re like the cool DJ at the wine fest, spinning hits like Montepulciano and Nebbiolo alongside the Barossa classics. Visiting is like a flavor fiesta for your taste buds! First Drop is the perfect spot to visit in the Barossa to break away from the Shiraz and GSM, with plenty of super quaffable Spanish whites and reds alongside the Barossa classics.
So, if you’re ready to break away from the same-old, same-old and want some Mediterranean flair in your glass, First Drop Wines is where it’s at in the Barossa. Get ready to limber up your taste buds before visiting; you’ll be doing some flavor-gymnastics!!
Seppeltsfield: Sweet Wine Heaven
Seppeltsfield Wines, a true icon in the Barossa Valley, has been crafting exceptional port-styled wines (known locally now as Tawny wines) since the mid-1800s. This makes it one of the best wineries in the Barossa for anyone seeking outstanding sweet or fortified wines.
Stepping into Seppeltsfield is like entering a museum. Their Centenary Cellar houses an unbroken lineage of single vintage tawnies, still aging in barrel, dating back to 1878. Their Taste of History Tour experience allows guests to sample a 100-year-old port as it’s aging directly from the barrel. It’s an absolutely unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to savor liquid history, an experience unavailable anywhere else in the world.
Seppeltsfield’s regular range of fortified wines showcases the brand’s mastery of traditional winemaking techniques. From Fino and Amontillado styles, to lusciously sweet Muscat and rich, aged Tawnies, the diversity of fortified wines on offer is staggering.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or new to fortified wines, a visit to Seppeltsfield promises an unforgettable tasting experience and a deep connection to the Barossa’s pioneering wine history.
With beautifully manicured gardens and a superbly grand estate, Seppeltsfield is also home to restaurant FINO – our private Barossa tour lunch partner. With too many accolades to list, the strength of the ever-changing seasonal menu is matched by the supreme hospitality of their waitstaff. We are very proud to be partnered with FINO to offer our private Barossa wine tour guests lunch in their venue.
Poonawatta: Off-the-Beaten-Track Charm
Poonawatta’s gorgeous tasting room is like discovering a hidden gem in the wild outback of the Barossa high-country. It’s the kind of place where you might see kangaroos hop by on your way to sip Shiraz!
The stunning setting with Australian outback charm is off-the-charts. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, in a luxury bush hideaway with fabulous wine.
But it’s not just about the setting; it’s the wine that’s the real star here. Poonawatta is a small family-run operation, predominantly estate-grown with a strong focus on sustainable grape-growing practices. Producing a range of elegant cool-climate Shiraz, Cabernet, and red blends, they also have a solid lineup of crisp Rieslings with good access into their back-vintage range.
And the best part? You won’t be elbow-to-elbow with tourists. Poonawatta is a bit of a hidden treasure in the Barossa, far away from the crowds. You’ll get that intimate, off-the-beaten-track experience that feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, savor fantastic wine, and soak up the unique charm of the Aussie outback – all in one awesome visit!
Exploring these diverse wineries will help you to discover the richness and variety of the Barossa’s wine scene. Each one offers a unique angle and experience, making your visit to this iconic Australian wine region truly memorable. While they are some of the best wineries in the Barossa there’s always plenty more to explore and uncork. So, grab your corkscrew and your sense of adventure, and head to the Barossa with Small Batch Wine Tours for a journey that you’ll remember for years to come.