The amazing Barossa Valley, situated within 1 ¼ hours north of Adelaide, South Australia, and is internationally renowned for its fine wines. The Barossa Valley was settled by German settlers in 1842 who established the first town, Bethany. It was these early settlers who first brought with them some vine clippings from Europe and found the nutrient soils of the Barossa and the Valley’s warm climate ideal for growing vines.. Award winning red wines, particularly Shiraz variety, is what the Barossa region is most famous for. But not only does the region produce bold reds, but also is known for its fine white wines. On the Valley floor areas of the Barossa that grows the best red wines, and the higher level areas where the climate is cooler, the soils more sandy, and yearly rainfall higher where the whites grow best.
The more notable wines produced in the area include Peter Lehmann, Schild Estate, Jacobs Creek, Wolf Blass, Glaetzer, Kaesler, Rockford, Saltram, Torbreck and Turkey Flat. There continue to be quite a number of boutique wineries throughout the Barossa still run as family businesses, as well as some of the larger corporate wineries.
One of the most notable wines to come out of the Barossa is the Penfolds “Grange”. Originally made by local winemaker Max Schubert in 1951 as an experimental vintage, the Penfolds “Grange” has, to date, received over 50 exclusive Gold international awards. The “Grange” is most respected for its quality to age well, and is highly respected collectors item. A bottle of “Grange” from the original 1951 vintage sold at auction in 2004 for approximately AUS$50,000.
Barossa Valley’s wine industry draws many tourists to the area each year. There are several of cultural festivals and events which celebrate this rich wine growing history. The most popular of these is the Vintage Festival, which occurs every second year. This Vintage Festival is held in April and is a celebration of the season’s vintage. One highlight of the Vintage Festival is the Vintage Ball.
The Barossa Valley’s wine making industry is an important aspect of the region, and its close ties with its German heritage is still very evident today.
Tags: Barossa, barossa shiraz, barossa valley, The Barossa, The Barossa Valley