Barossa Trip Recommendations

[botchee]

Any recommendation on places to stay while in the Barossa. Looking at going in late Oct with 5 or 6 people.

 

[vinscent]

We stayed at the Novotel Barossa Valley and were more than happy with it - especially the free upgrade and 'thank you sir for being a loyal customer' treatment given my platinum accor plus membership.
Good restaurant too.

 

[Dr Ralph]

If anyone is looking back at this thread for ideas I'd recommend Home of the Brave. Was there a week ago. They are doing some interesting stuff. Good cellar door experience.

 

[fard13]

Just came back from the Barossa and the vale.
My fav wine was at two hands. Those that like top quality wine look no further.

 

[penegal]

I have just (~3 weeks ago) returned from another Barossa trip.

We stayed at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort which was quite adequate. I'd certainly say that it is a step up from motel style accommodation. Being winter, the main facility which got some use was the restaurant.

Breakfast is a little steep at $35, and $5 coffee tax, although they did have a deal at check in which brings the breakfast price down to $20. Next trip I would contemplate going to a local cafe.

The al a carte dinner service was good. BYO wine available at $20 a bottle, otherwise they have a reasonable list with normal restaurant pricing.

My biggest complaint is probably the acoustics of the restaurant on a busy (packed) Friday evening. There were a couple of large groups booked in and the buzz of the room was just a little too loud for my liking, no doubt exacerbated by the acoustics.

 

[Dr Ralph]

I have just (~3 weeks ago) returned from another Barossa trip.

We stayed at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort which was quite adequate. I'd certainly say that it is a step up from motel style accommodation. Being winter, the main facility which got some use was the restaurant.

Breakfast is a little steep at $35, and $5 coffee tax, although they did have a deal at check in which brings the breakfast price down to $20. Next trip I would contemplate going to a local cafe.

The al a carte dinner service was good. BYO wine available at $20 a bottle, otherwise they have a reasonable list with normal restaurant pricing.

My biggest complaint is probably the acoustics of the restaurant on a busy (packed) Friday evening. There were a couple of large groups booked in and the buzz of the room was just a little too loud for my liking, no doubt exacerbated by the acoustics.

I've stayed there twice. I think the main issue is how far out of town it is.

 

[fard13]

Best tasting is at Two Hands, pay for the tasting if you don't purchase. Needless to say I spent up at the place. Some very good wines.

 

[khussey79]

I've just spent two days in Barossa
Friday: Tscharke, Rockford and Lou Miranda
Tscharke was a nice family run winery, it had a very nice cellar door, and some good range of reasonable priced wines, I was driving so I skipped this one, but enjoyed the wines as a 'drink now' style.
Rockford: Sigh, arrived just before 3, and well, it was full, 4 of us tasting but there was room for 2 people on the bench, I said we were happy to wait until more space freed up, but nope, they pushed us in, so we went 2 on bench and 2 behind.
Wines were good and had a knowledgeable staff member at the start, but then after a group moved on we had a bit more space but our staff member moved on and we had a brand new staff, only their 2nd day (we all need to start somewhere) but definitely felt like a number, when we were told to make more room (from our already limited area) two of tasters tapped out. I enjoyed the GMS but overall a bit disappointed with cellar door experience.
Lou Miranda: One of our crew was keen to get a sparkling, and since we were 1 week too early for the Rockford, we landed accidently here, when we arrived the place was empty, Staff was very friendly and gave us some generous tastings of all wines, including some great tawny. Looked like a great spot for lunch.

Saturday: Henschke, Maggie Beer, Two hands & Kellermeister
Time certainly got away from us today, I was keen to check out henschke, it was about 25mins out of barossa, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, staff were excellent, generous pours, and a stunning drive through Eden Valley. Paid an extra $20 for wheelwright and Mount Edelstone, we received generous pours, I received a few henschke over the years and the staff had good knowledge of when to drink etc, and really enjoyed the experience of the day. Arrived at 12 and left 1.30 or so.
Drove to maggie beer eatery for lunch, which was thoroughly enjoyable. Would recommend.
Next on to Two Hands for what was the best of the weekend, staff grabbed us a private table and she stayed with us the entire time, poured us the days tasting and whatever else that was open. Really enjoyed my time here, it was nearly all Shiraz, but from various single vineyards, it was great to taste a Clare Valley and a McLaren Vale side by side to compare. 'Charlie's garden' and a drink now 'Angel's share' shiraz were my picks.
I think we tasted close to 12 wines (8 on the flight and 4 extras) Tasting cost $10 and received a free wine glass.
Bought some wines to be shipped here and some to drink that night. 2.45 - 4.30 ish time really flew here
Original plan was to go to Charles melton, but since time got away we went on to Kellermeister (as it closed at 5.30) This was a bit rushed due to our slow day, but the spot was beautiful, a couple of tables outside were full with people having a bottle enjoying the view. Tasting fatigue was on show here since it was close to closing, but enjoyed the limited wines, although staff were pouring out of a ridiculously large riedel decanter, which took several turns to actually get wine out of. (Riedel - Eve Decanter | Peter's of Kensington I think) I felt the black sash was my wine of the weekend.

 

[concussed]

Any wineries you could recommend that also have a restaurant for lunch?

 

[amaroo]

We stayed at The Louise in 2019 - can highly recommend.

Their restaurant is excellent!

 

[VPS]

St Hugo have a restaurant - he was the chef at Louise for many years.

Seppelstfield also have Fino

Hentley Farm but it's a degustation and quite expensive

There are others that may have platters

Artisans of Barossa - About Us This is 5 wineries in one cellar door and they used to have a great restaurant

 

[vyralmonkey]

Any wineries you could recommend that also have a restaurant for lunch?

Are you dragging kids around with you?

If so:

Zwine in Tanunda do kids tasting boards in addition to adult versions:

This Barossa winery makes kids' tasting planks, and parents everywhere cheer

The Barossa isn't just about enjoying wine, it's about the whole family finding somewhere to go, so mum and dad can enjoy wine.

glamadelaide.com.au

The cafe at the barossa chocolate factory does some nice cafe style food and has wines for tasting. In addition to chocolate of course!

Barossa Valley Chocolate Company

Discover over 250+ chocolate products handmade in Tanunda, Barossa Valley using premium, sustainable Belgian and Australian chocolate along with locally-grown ingredients

www.barossavalleychocolates.com.au

 

[year of the roo]

I'm about to visit tomorrow. Some that i had as a must see haven't been mentioned yet (Kalleske and Cirillo by appointment) also not much love yet for Langmeil.

I'm going to try to fit in Charles Melton and Two Hands after reading this thread. So many choices!

 

[concussed]

Thanks everyone we have booked In to visit 2 hands, Rockford and Langmeil. With a lunch at Maggie beers.