We have been fortunate to visit some of the world’s best wine regions in the past year – Bordeaux, Burgundy, New Zealand’s Otago and Gibbston Valleys, and now Barossa and Clare Valleys.  We have enjoyed Barossa Valley wines back in the States so it was exciting to be able to see this region first hand!

We just missed harvest and the vines were starting to turn to fall colors.  It made for a colorful drive through many quaint towns, hills and valleys in the area.

One could obviously spend several days in this region, we had two days.  We visited Seppeltsfield Winery which is known for its old vintages.  The winery dates back to 1851.  Seppeltsfield is the only winery in the world that releases a single vintage wine each year beginning in 1878…known as it’s Centennial Collection. For $2,000 AUD you can purchase the 1916 bottle and for $60 you can taste a wine as old as (or young as) you are right from the barrel.

We decided to do our tastings over lunch at Finos, an excellent experience on their patio in the courtyard with perfect fall weather! For an appetizer we did the Tuna Mojama.  Our mains were the delicious grilled garfish and Mayura Station rump roast…topped off with dessert of crema catalane….all outstanding!

This was paired with the Seppeltsfield Vermentino and Grenache.  For “dessert with the dessert” I had the Seppeltfield Solero Grand Muscat and Tracey had the Solero Grand Tokay!

After lunch, we made a stop at Two Hands Wines.  This winery is at the other end of the age spectrum, originating in 1999 when two friends had a conversation at an engagement party about starting a winery.  We enjoyed a great tasting with great views on the deck of their 19^th century stone cottage alongside their two Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs.  They have some great wines and great names for their wines…Fields of Joy Shiraz, Gnarly Dudes Shiraz, and Sexy Beast Cabernet Savignon!

The second day we did a tasting at Henschke winery .  They have been making wines for nearly 150 years and give a wonderful tasting with the most friendly staff.  Definitely put this one on the list for a visit.

A restaurant recommendation from Jay at the Botanic Bar in Adelaide was FermentAsian.  Thanks Jay for this outstanding recommendation, and, all your other recommendations…spot on!  FermentAsian was opened by Tuoi Do, a young lady with neither professional cooking experience nor financial backing in a once vacant, once beautiful, home in Barossa Valley.

We had an incredible dinner here.  We let them feed us and they delivered six or seven excellent courses:  the Hanoi Spring Rolls, Salad of Grilled Mayura Station Wagyu Beef, Barossa Hampshire Pork Belly with ginger and orange sauce, served with South Australian Yellow Curry snapper, and grilled South Australian Quail.

So many more wineries and restaurants in the Barossa Valley…A great trip to a great wine region that deserves a longer visit!

And a few more regional pics…