More than a quarter of Australia's wines, and a disproportionate number of top labels, originate in the Barossa and Eden valleys -- collectively known as the Barossa, 70km (43 miles) northeast of Adelaide. The Barossa Valley is a snug collection of country towns surrounded by vineyards that is very easy to explore on a day trip from Adelaide. Distances between towns are small, and wineries are next door to one another, so you can visit a few in a very short time -- just make sure you have a designated driver!
The Barossa has been famous for its rich, big-bodied Shiraz (Syrah) for many years, but the region's heritage of growing, curing, preserving, and cooking its own unique foods is less well known. The largely Lutheran settlers who came here 160 years ago have left not only a legacy of beautiful churches but a bounty of wonderful small meats, sausages, preserved fruits, cheeses, and delicious breads, all unique to the valley. Most restaurants and cafes pride themselves on serving as much local produce as possible -- look for the distinctive "cork on a fork" FOOD BAROSSA logo. Tasting plates are served at many cellar doors.
Focal points of the area are Angaston, farthest from Adelaide; Nuriootpa, the center of the rural services industry; and Tanunda, the nearest town to the city. Expect nice architecture, crafts and antiques shops, and specialty food outlets.
