Home to the world’s oldest continuously producing shiraz, grenache, mataro and cabernet sauvignon vines, the Barossa has made a name for itself as one of the best wine regions in the world.
Today, the rolling vineyards, historic villages and expansive countryside are home to more than 150 wineries, as well as award-winning restaurants, charming shops and plenty of incredible accommodation options.
From mornings dining on local produce to afternoons soaking in the sun with a chilled glass of wine in your hand, these winery stays in the Barossa Valley have everything you need for a holiday to remember.
Get hands-on at Tomfoolery Winemaker’s Cottage
Located on 20 acres of fertile land, Tomfoolery Wines is a family owned and operated boutique winery, vineyard and accommodation option. It specialises in producing premium drops using minimalistic intervention, drawing on techniques such as Indigenous yeast fermentation, whole bunch fermentation, and avoiding filtration or fining. What results is a range of delicious wines including the full-bodied Artful Dodger Shiraz and soft and juicy Fox Whistle Pinot Gris.
Visitors can stay in the small, intimate one-bedroom cottage in the heart of the property, which comes complete with a comfortable king sized bed, large spa and full lounge area. You’re welcome to stroll through the vineyard and orchard during your stay, and help yourself to the fresh fruit and veggies grown on site. You can even visit the team at the winery for a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process, and lend a hand during harvest season.
The guest-exclusive indoor pool is perfect for an afternoon dip during the warmer months, while the cellar door is a great place to taste the entire range of wines. You’ll even enjoy 10 per cent off all purchases, so you can bring a bottle back to the cottage for a romantic dinner paired with local cheese and fresh produce.
For a unique experience you won’t soon forget, opt to arrive by helicopter and take in sweeping views of the Barossa from the air, before landing on the property’s exclusive helipad.
Pirathon is a shiraz-lovers’ dream
Since its launch in 2004, Pirathon has developed into an award-winning brand known for its five incredible Shiraz labels. The name Pirathon comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “peak” or “summit”, representing its belief that Shiraz is the pinnacle grape variety of the Barossa Valley.
At the cellar door, you can enjoy a guided tasting of the complete range, paired with a gourmet lunch and live music from top local talent from 12-4pm on weekends.
To explore for longer, book a room at the five-acre Pirathon Country Estate. The original heritage homestead boasts five boutique King Bed suites with modern ensuites and continental breakfast supplies. For greater privacy, book one of two self-contained apartments and enjoy the peace and quiet from your private lounge or deck.
All guests also have access to the adjacent split-level Barn, which features a pool table, breakfast bar, fully-equipped kitchen, BBQ facilities and a combustion wood fire. Spend your afternoon in the cellar door with a complimentary tasting, then wander the gardens as the sun sets and take in the views from the banks of the man-made lake.
Le Mas is elegance embodied
For a completely luxurious escape, head to Le Mas. Each room in the intimate hotel has been thoughtfully designed with French finishings, including a Toulouse stone bath, custom-built mirrors and Hermès toiletries. Every ensuite is complete with heated travertine flooring, while the large windows overlook either the garden or vineyard.
Every booking includes daily petit déjeuner (meaning little breakfast), and you simply need to wander downstairs to sample the range of wines. The vineyard was established after the discovery of rare Grenache vines, and now winemaker Alex Trescowthick and co-owner Llewellyn hand pick and basket press the range the Bush Vine Grenache, Le Mas Grenache and Le Mas Rose.
All in-house guests can indulge in an exclusive dining experience at The Orangerie, where a four-course menu designed by Executive Chef Ryan Edwards is available every Friday and Saturday. The meticulously-crafted menu combines classic French techniques with locally-sourced ingredients, with current standouts including cured hiramasa kingfish with avocado and lime, beef tenderloin with a velvety chanterelle sauce, and creme brulee with roasted strawberries and mulberries.
The daily Petit Repas menu offers a range of provincial-style treats from local and French suppliers, that can be paired with fine wines. Think regional charcuterie meats, caviar, and awesome creamy French cheeses.
A romantic retreat at Seabrook Vineyard
Set on 20-acres of rich vines, Seabrook Estate is a small-batch, family-owned winery dating back to 1878. Step inside the original settlers’ cottage to discover an eclectic cellar door, and enjoy a guided tasting paired with a regional grazing or cheese board. Or, take your experience to the next level on the Winemaker Immersion Experience, where winemaker and fifth-generation owner Hamish Seabrook will take you on a guided tour of the vineyard and winery for a behind-the-scenes look at the entire winemaking process, including samples of the current vintage wines still maturing in barrel.
For couples looking to slow down and connect, the Seabrook Vineyard Retreat is a luxury eco-retreat that has been thoughtfully designed for complete relaxation. Each cabin is completely off-grid, with a king bed, modern ensuite, kitchenette, lounge area, private deck overlooking the vines, and a rustic firepit. Wake up to birdsong, share a glass of wine at sunset, and enjoy a private oasis with your loved one.
Guests are welcome to enhance their escape with a number of curated extras, including a breakfast hamper of local treats delivered straight to your cabin, a chocolate and wine pairing to enjoy on your private deck, or a charcuterie board for a light lunch.
Plan a group getaway at Triple Creek
Located in the charming town of Seppeltsfield, Triple Creek is a rustic vineyard surrounded by three winding creeks that meet on the property. The booking-only cellar door is the best place to sample the estate grown wines and meet the winemaker as he shares stories about the winemaking process and his history in the industry. Try the peppery and soft Shiraz, full palate Mataro and the range of zero-alcohol wines.
Those wishing to stay can choose between self-contained pods and the larger guest house, both of which offer scenic views of the property and countryside. Each pod is complete with a queen-sized bed, bathroom, living area and kitchenette, while the guest house features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two living areas, plus an outdoor entertainment area with a wood-fired pizza oven and firepit. It’s perfect for big groups looking to stay in the heart of the Barossa region.
Art and attention to detail at Alkina
Alkina Wine is a small-scale winery specialising in micro-terroir drops inspired by the rich stones and soils of the land. It gets its name from the Indigenous word meaning “moon”, best embodied in the Kin range, a collection of whole bunch and extended skin contact wines with labels designed by Adnyamathanha artist Damien Coulthard.
The tasting room is found inside a restored stone barn dating back to the 1850s, where you can enjoy a guided tasting of five wines, accompanied by cheese and charcuterie. For groups of ten or more, Cynthia and her team of passionate chefs prepare a seasonal lunch from the organic kitchen garden on Saturdays.
Alkina offers two unique accommodation options, the Old Quarter Homestead and Cottage. Both buildings are thoughtfully designed with vintage art and furniture, balanced perfectly with modern conveniences. The Homestead is ideal for groups of up to four people, complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, two king bedrooms, and a beautiful lawn featuring a firepit and barbecue. The Cottage is perfect for couples, and your booking with either property includes ingredients for a classic country breakfast each morning. You’re also welcome to pick seasonal ingredients from the kitchen garden, including strawberries, lemons, broccoli and tomatoes.
To take your stay to the next level, Alkina offers a number of bespoke extras, including a catered dinner using top local produce, champagne and caviar at sunset, e-bike hire for exploring the surrounding countryside, and a Polygon Experience, where you will enjoy a guided micro-terroir flight of rare wines and a cheese platter.
An off-grid escape at CABN X
While not technically located on a winery, CABN X is known for its architecturally-designed off-grid cabins walking distance from the best vineyards and cellar doors in the Barossa. Each of the four cabins on Seppeltsfield Road have vineyard views, an outdoor bath for unwinding beneath a sky full of stars, and an indoor gas fireplace for cosy, romantic evenings. They also feature a private sauna for a post-tasting steam.
The solar-powered climate control feature means you can stay environmentally-conscious on your holiday. Plus, each cabin is pet-friendly, so your furry friends don’t have to miss out on an exciting holiday.
Travel to South Australia
Loving this story on the best winery stays in the Barossa Valley? To explore what else is on offer in the region, click here.
Rex flies to Adelaide, which is an easy one hour drive from the Barossa Valley. Book your flights here.
