Barossa Valley

The Barossa sounds as rich, luscious and full-bodied as the wonderful shiraz that the area has become famous for. One of Australia's best known wine regions, the area is a patchwork of rolling vineyards, sturdy red gums and the steeples of Lutheran churches. There are about 60 wineries set in this compact valley and most offer tastings and a lesson on viticulture. There's a large Germanic influence in the Barossa - settlers arrived in the 1840s and established a new Lutheran heartland. To see the region ideally you need wheels - motorized or pedal-powered - to meander your way along the backroads, savoring the flavors of some truly special ...

The Barossa sounds as rich, luscious and full-bodied as the wonderful shiraz that the area has become famous for. One of Australia's best known wine regions, the area is a patchwork of rolling vineyards, sturdy red gums and the steeples of Lutheran churches. There are about 60 wineries set in this compact valley and most offer tastings and a lesson on viticulture. There's a large Germanic influence in the Barossa - settlers arrived in the 1840s and established a new Lutheran heartland. To see the region ideally you need wheels - motorized or pedal-powered - to meander your way along the backroads, savoring the flavors of some truly special wine. Before long you'll be swirling, sniffing, sipping and swilling to your heart's content. If you need to work it off there are some lovely walks in the region's parks including the attractive Parra Wirra which has plentiful wildlife and good family facilities. If all this wine makes you feel like kicking up your heels you're in luck - a calendar of festivals, from worshiping shiraz to jazz under the stars - run year-round.

About the Expert

Alan Murphy is coauthor of Lonely Planet's Britain, Scotland, India and North India. He has been writing and updating travel guidebooks for the past eight years.