Food

Winter wonders: 5 awesome things to do in the Barossa when it’s chilly

Winter may be the time of year when the vines lay dormant, saving their energy for another spell of producing some of the world’s finest Shiraz, but the Barossa is still teeming with life, making it a truly idyllic place to spend the chilly months!

Whether it’s cosying up in a charming wine bar, donning your warmest gear and heading out for a winter hike, learning to cook at the centre of an Aussie culinary icon or tasting some of the delights that came from the previous harvest, there is always plenty to do in the Barossa Valley in winter:

  1. Wine tasting, obviously!

Wine and winter go together like bangers and mash, ensuring that you have the perfect place to keep warm whilst trying some of that wonderful Barossa Shiraz that is craved the world over. The region is replete with some of the world’s best wineries, each offering tasting sessions for only a few bucks a pop!

Whether you head to the lavish estates of Chateau Tanunda or Yalumba, or to the more rustic and quaint grounds of Rockford or Murray Street Vineyards, you’re always in for a treat wherever you decide to taste some of the finest vino this wondrous region has on offer.

Whether you’re a connoisseur looking for your next favourite label or just looking to pass a chilly day in the valley, you are completely spoiled for choice when it comes to tasting sessions in this fertile, fruitful region!

  1. Go hiking!

Hiking? In winter? You must be joking! No, we are not, and what better time of year to hike around a lush natural wonderland than winter? After all, all you have to do is get rugged up and head on the trail, the next thing you know you’re as warm as anything!

What’s more, this beautiful valley is replete with hiking trails of all fitness levels, ensuring you can choose the perfect one to match your (perhaps hungover) needs! You can find plenty of information regarding these trails through the Walking SA website – happy hiking!

  1. Curl up in a wine bar

Because any wondrous wine region should have a couple of cosy wine bars, and the Barossa is absolutely no exception. There is something so charmingly carefree about kicking back in a warm spot on a winter’s day, especially when you have some of the world’s finest reds awaiting your enjoyment!

Be sure to head to Krondorf Cellar, Vino Lokal and Z WINE, all conveniently located near one another if you want to turn it into a cold day crawl!

  1. Learn to cook at The Farm Eatery

The Beers are Australian culinary icons, and The Farm Eater is where they run some of the most scrumptious, tantalising cooking classes you could let your tastebuds dream about! Whether it’s learning the art of market to table, enjoying a high brow burgers, beers and ribs session, getting the grill going or learning the ways of the divine regional cuisine, there is a class to suit all pellets and cooking styles at The Farm Eatery!

  1. The farmers markets

The valley’s farmers markets are a joy to behold, with the eponymous Barossa Farmers Market and the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market both serving up a smorgasbord of delights that are just perfect for taking back to your rustic winter cottage, ready to be prepped and enjoyed long into a gorgeous chilly evening in this ideal part of the world…