{"id":41055,"date":"2016-03-07T16:25:33","date_gmt":"2016-03-07T06:25:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/?p=41055"},"modified":"2016-03-07T16:25:33","modified_gmt":"2016-03-07T06:25:33","slug":"top-5-things-to-do-in-the-barossa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/top-5-things-to-do-in-the-barossa\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 things to do in the Barossa"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u2019m almost embarrassed to admit that despite my favourite hobby being eating and drinking, until recently I had never visited the Barossa Valley<\/a>. I know, I know. Crazy right? After a whirlwind visit I\u2019m here to tell you my gourmet friends, it doesn\u2019t disappoint.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Here are my top five tips for a memorable first-time (or repeat) visit to the Barossa.<\/p>\n

Tip 1: Pick up supplies <\/strong><\/h3>\n

As\u00a0I enter the Barossa address in the GPS as we depart\u00a0Adelaide<\/a>, I have my eye on the prize: our first stop has to be The Barossa Valley Cheese Co<\/a>.<\/p>\n\"Barossa<\/a>\n

It\u2019s the stuff of dairy dreams, not only are the team super lovely, their cheeses are to die for and they\u2019re generous with their tastings as you make your all-important purchasing decision. I highly recommend the Barossa Brie.<\/p>\n\"Barossa<\/a>\n

Nobody is more synonymous with the Barossa<\/a> than Maggie Beer so a visit to Maggie’s Farm Shop<\/a> is a no brainer. The gorgeous location makes it perfect for lunch (you can even picnic on the grounds) or simply pop in to sample her goodies to your heart\u2019s content – the jams, the chutneys, the sauces, the ciders! – and contemplate how much room you have in your carry-on for multiple purchases.<\/p>\n\"Barossa<\/a>\n\"Maggie<\/a>\n\"Barossa<\/a>\n

Tip 2: Stay somewhere fabulous<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are plenty of accommodation options in the Barossa<\/a> but you can\u2019t go past the Barossa Pavillions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\"Barossa<\/a>\n

The couples-only<\/a> option features six freestanding self-contained chalets perched on 75 acres of hillside for complete privacy.<\/p>\n

Designed with architectural flair, each pavilion is open-plan with lots of natural light and stunning panoramic views towards the Barossa Ranges<\/a>. Floor-to-ceiling windows run the length of the property meaning the view is there for your viewing pleasure at all times and even though you\u2019re on holidays, an early rise to see the sun rise over the rolling hills is totally worth it.<\/p>\n\"Barossa<\/a>\n\"Barossa<\/a>\n\"Barossa\n

With any getaway, the little touches mean a lot and owner, James<\/a> goes above and beyond for his lucky guests. Local wine and chocolates greet us on arrival. Along with a generous hamper of provisions, also from local suppliers, including cereals, jams, bread, biscuits, eggs, bacon, sausages, milk, juices and fruit.<\/p>\n

\"Barossa<\/a>

From this\u2026<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Barossa<\/a>

To this! Brekkie with a view.<\/p><\/div>\n

And it\u2019s not just thoughtfulness on the gourmet front; the whole place is designed to feel like a luxe home away from home with the discerning traveller firmly in mind. Think an iPad loaded with movies and local tips, dedicated spa room with double spa bath and views, deck with BBQ, Nespresso machine, gas log fireplace, L\u2019Occitaine toiletries, WiFi pillow selection and soft luxury robes.<\/p>\n

If it wasn\u2019t for the wineries and restaurants of the Barossa calling my name, I would have happily spent my trip in this little piece of relaxation perfection<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tip 3 – Indulge your inner foodie <\/strong><\/h3>\n

But of course I had a hit list and Artisans of Barossa<\/a> was firmly one of my must-do\u2019s for its wines. Which are fabulous just quietly \u2013 a group of six individual wineries with different winemaking styles band together to promote small batch, sub-regional winemaking under one roof. Basically six cellar doors all in one, how good is that? If in doubt, John Duval Wines and Spinifex were my firm favourites. But the surprise packet was the onsite restaurant, Harvest Kitchen<\/a>.<\/p>\n\"Barossa<\/a>\n

Clever, flavoursome and honest dishes with a focus on local produce are the perfect complement to the wines on offer. And you can\u2019t beat lunch with a view of the vineyards.<\/p>\n

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Today’s Barossa foodie highlight: late lunching at @harvest.kitchen. Eggplant dip with pita bread, carpaccio and beetroot salad all to die for Added bonus, it’s part of @artisans_of_barossa which means our time waiting for a table was well spent doing their wine tasting (amazing quality and selection) and buying up for a delivery back to Sydney. So basically, it’s my kind of place <\/a><\/p>\n

A photo posted by Nicole Gentle (@nicgentle) on