Getting There -- If you have a car (by far the most flexible way to visit), I recommend taking the scenic route from Adelaide. (The route doesn't have a specific name, but it's obvious on a map.) It takes about half an hour longer than the Main North Road through Gawler, but the trip is well worth it. Follow signs to Birdwood, Springton, Mount Pleasant, and Angaston.

Public buses run infrequently to the major centers from Adelaide. There are no buses between wineries.

Organized Tours from Adelaide -- Various companies run limited sightseeing tours. Adelaide Sightseeing (tel. 08/8413 6199; www.adelaidesightseeing.com.au) offers a day trip from Adelaide, stopping off at four wineries. It costs A$129 for adults and A$60 for children (although they'll probably be bored), including lunch.

Visitor Information -- The Barossa Wine and Visitor Information Centre, 66-68 Murray St., Tanunda, SA 5352 (tel. 08/8563 0600; www.barossa.com.), is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

When to Go

The best times to visit the Barossa and other South Australian wine regions are in the spring (Sept-Oct), when it's not too hot and there are plenty of flowering trees and shrubs, and in the fall (Apr-May), when the leaves turn red. The main wine harvest is in late summer and early autumn (Feb-Apr). The least crowded time is winter (June-Aug). Hotel prices can be more expensive on the weekend and many insist on a minimum 2-night stay.

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