Getting about
While the easiest way to get around SA's wine regions is by car, there are a few more interesting options for those who want to make their trip a little different. Clinging to the back of a leather clad biker on a
Harley tour is an unusual, but personalised way to see the sites. A step up from the Harley (if you've got some cash to spend) — travel in your own
helicopter. It would certainly make a unique winery tour, let alone a spectacular entrance.
Full of hot air
It can be a little hard to take in the scope and views of the Barossa by land, so do it from the air.
Balloon rides are not cheap, but it's just one of those things where the experience — watching dawn break over the valley, floating high above — is worth the price. A champagne breakfast is thrown in as well.
Murder and mystery in Mintaro
Laid out in 1849 at the edge of the Clare Valley,
Mintaro has remained mostly untouched by development. It is a beautiful town to spend an hour or two walking around — the buildings make extensive use of locally produced slate to give them a unique style. There's a maze for the kids while you can relax with a beer at the
Magpie & Stump Hotel, or try a pizza from what must be one of the world's oldest pizza ovens.
The nearby
Martindale Hall is also worth a visit. Daytime tours of the Georgian mansion are interesting, but it would be much better to stay the night and spend the evening trying to solve the mystery of the Incident at Martindale.
Farmers' markets
The best place to buy local produce is at a farmers' market. There are two major vineyard region markets on Saturday mornings — the
Barossa Farmer's Market and
Willunga Farmer's Market — along with several smaller markets in the
Adelaide Hills, as well less frequent markets at a range of locations, including wineries such as
Sevenhill in the
Clare Valley.
Don't just taste it, make it
There are literally hundreds of shops and producers selling locally made products, but why not try something different and make it yourself? The
Barossa Valley Cheese Co. runs workshops on cheese making, while
Carême Pastry, also in the Barossa, teaches aspiring cooks the secret of its delicious pastries.
At
Penfolds you can even try your hand at blending wine. For $55 the winery lets you get hold of some of its Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre grapes to create your own blend (needs to be booked in advance).
Festivals and events
South Australians love an excuse to eat and drink. Whether it's a small village fair, horse race or a region-wide festival, there is always something happening around SA's vineyards. The best thing to do is to look at the websites of the wineries you are planning to visit, or check out the
SA Tourism website for a comprehensive listing. Here are some, but certainly not all, of the most popular:
- Barossa Valley Vintage Festival, April 23 to May 1, 2010.
- A Day on the Green, February 27, Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley. March 6, Annie’s Lane, Clare Valley.
- Barossa Under the Stars, Tanunda, 2010 to be announced.
- Shakespeare in the Vines, January 2011 to be announced.
- Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend. 15-16 May, Clare Valley.
- Taste the Limestone Coast Festival, 2011 dates to be announced.
- Meadows Country Fair.
- Bay to Birdwood classic car rally, 25-26 September, 2010.
- Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival, Easter long weekend, 2010.
- Compass Cup Cow Race, 2011 dates to be announced.
- McLaren Vale Sea and Vines Festival, June 8-9, 2010.
- McLaren Vale Bushing Festival, October 2010.
- Willunga Almond Blossom Festival, July 22 to August 2, 2010.
Got any more near the beaten track suggestions? Have your say using the comments form below.
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