Barossa Valley, South Australia (Aug 2025)
Some places just stay with you. For us, the Barossa Valley was one of those. When we first visited a year ago, Steve and I tried to squeeze as much as we could into a single day—dashing between four wineries, popping into Maggie Beer’s, snatching a few moments in Tanunda, and wishing we had more time. We left promising ourselves we’d return at a slower pace, to savour what we’d missed.
So, we did. This time, I booked two nights in Tanunda, right in the heart of the valley, and gave ourselves the luxury of time when planning which cellar doors and places we’d visit during our two day stay. We wanted to revisit our new favourite, Hentley Farm, discover spots we had skipped last time, and simply let the Barossa unfold without the pressure of a ticking clock. And it turned out to be everything we’d hoped for and more.
Friday: Touchdown in Adelaide, Wine Country Bound
Our Barossa weekend began on Friday afternoon with a short flight into Adelaide from Sydney. Picking up our rental car from East Coast Car Rentals was once again seamless, and before long I was driving us north up the freeway, towards the Barossa Valley. Being winter, the daylight slipped away quickly, and by the time we reached the valley it was after dark. We could only imagine the rows of vines lining the roadsides, their silhouettes just hints in the twilight.
Arriving in Tanunda, we checked into our apartment, which I’d booked using Booking.com. The Tanunda Apartments was a perfect base—modern, spacious, and conveniently in the centre of town, close to everything we needed. After parking up for the night, dropping our bags and freshening up, we headed straight out on foot in search of dinner. Across the road in the Tanunda Hotel we stopped for a drink and found their restaurant offered a great menu. We stayed and enjoyed a delicious and relaxed dinner, which set the tone for the weekend, though one glass of wine quickly turned into two, and then perhaps one too many. But isn’t that part of the fun of being away? No need to rush anywhere, just the two of us easing into the Barossa rhythm.
Saturday: Coffee, Chocolate, and Wineries
We started our Saturday the way all good weekends should begin—with coffee. There are lots of options for coffee in Tanunda but Steve is a coffee snob, and after trying two other places which fell short of expectations, we almost gave up. Then we found Keils Café which had been recommended by The Hotel Tanunda, and were quickly won over. Their coffee was smooth and strong, and our toasted sandwich exactly the kind of light breakfast you want before a day of exploring and indulging. It’s just a shame they weren’t open on Sunday, so we couldn’t return the next morning.
From there we strolled along the main street, checking out some of the little shops, taking photos of the picturesque buildings and soaking up the easy rhythm of the town as it slowly came to life. There was a cute sweet shop selling treats from all over the world, which we spent a bit of time in, testing our will power. Sadly, I noticed the FruChoc shop I had visited on our last trip was now permanently closed. Good for my waistline at least.
Our first winery stop was St Hugo and Grant Burge – two iconic wineries in one shared location, perfect for people with mixed tastes and short schedules. We turned up around 12 noon and, at first, we couldn’t work out where the cellar door was. A little put off by the snake warning signs, we consoled ourselves with the fact it was winter and surely snakes were still hibernating. Eventually we found the cellar door entrance, after a short drive down the unsealed road track around behind the vines towards the back of the restaurant building, and we were welcomed in despite not having a booking – luckily, as they were getting fairly busy.
I treated myself to their Grant Burge Just Bliss Wine and Chocolate experience while Steve, a Cab Sav fan and not one for sweets, opted for the St Hugo Cabernet flight. My choice was the ultimate indulgence: handcrafted chocolates matched with carefully selected wines, each bite and sip playing off the other. Fragrant whites brightened by citrus-infused treats, shiraz softened by dark chocolate —it was a playful, delicious way to set the tone for the weekend. Steve was thoroughly impressed with their Cab Sav’s and needless to say, we ended up ordering a selection of our favourites to be shipped back home.
From there, we made our way back to Hentley Farm, where we had a reservation for 1:45pm. This winery had left such a mark on us last time that we knew we couldn’t come back to the Barossa without returning. And this time, it was even more special—it was a chance to celebrate our wedding anniversary.
The staff at Hentley Farm made us feel utterly spoilt. From the moment we arrived, there was a sense of generosity and warmth, not just from the crackling fireplace we were seated near. The wines were as outstanding as we remembered—deep, elegant reds with so much character—but it was the experience itself that stood out, with the interesting stories and yummy snacks brought out to complement our tastings. Sitting there together, raising a glass to our anniversary in such a beautiful setting, felt like one of those “pinch me” moments.
We lingered longer than we intended, reluctant to leave, but eventually tore ourselves away for a relaxed evening.
Saturday night: A much Kneaded dinner
After a rest and freshen up back at our apartment, we strolled up the main street to find somewhere for dinner. Although we’d spent the day indulging in delicious wines and snacks, we needed some proper food in our stomachs. It was busy in most places and we regretted not booking, though eventually lucked out when we ended up at Knead Barossa.
The restaurant had a buzzing atmosphere, the menu looked appetising and the service turned out to be friendly and efficient. One wall was full of a large assortment of wine bottles on display to choose yourself or you could select off a menu. We were served up plates that were both tasty and generous—everything was hearty, fresh, and full of flavour. Exactly what you want after a day of indulgent tastings—great food, generous portions, local wine, and the comfortable buzz of a Barossa Saturday night.
Sunday: Chocolate, Brunch, and a Twist of Gin
The next morning, we embraced the slower rhythm again. First stop: the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company. After the indulgence of wine and chocolate pairings the day before, you’d think I’d have had my fill—but somehow, the lure of rich pralines, glossy truffles, and steaming hot chocolate was irresistible. It was lighthearted fun, wandering among shelves of treats, peering in the window where they make the chocolates, and choosing gifts (including a few for ourselves, of course).
From there we headed to the nearby town of Angaston to find some brunch. We stumbled upon Coco Kitchen, where I was fortunate to find a parking spot on the street right out front. The café was bustling with locals, always a good sign, and after a short wait, I tucked into a ham & cheese toasted croissant while Steve enjoyed their delicious Reuben Bagel. Fresh, delicious, and inspired by locally sourced produce—it was exactly what we needed to set us up for the day.
Our next stop added a twist—quite literally. At Seppeltsfield, instead of wine we visited Prohibition Distillery, where gin took centre stage. It was refreshing to switch gears and taste something different, with botanicals and blends that highlighted another side of South Australian craft. Standing in the distillery, sipping and comparing notes, while admiring the artifacts surrounding us, reminded us that the Barossa isn’t only about wine—it’s about passion for flavour in every form.
A Grand Finale at Château Tanunda
We rounded out the day with an afternoon at Château Tanunda, one of the grandest and most iconic estates in the Barossa and Australia’s largest and oldest Château. Walking up to the historic château felt like stepping back in time—the sweeping lawns, the towering bluestone walls, the sense of history that hangs in the air.
Inside, the cellar door carried that same grandeur. First, we browsed their museum area, learning the history of the Château and local area, and then we enjoyed a tasting that showcased the breadth and depth of their wines. From crisp whites to bold reds, every glass came with a story and our knowledgable hostess left us the perfect amount of time to relax and savour each sip in between each new pour. It was the perfect way to conclude our weekend—a finale that balanced the intimacy of smaller cellar doors with the grandeur of Barossa’s great icon.
As we stood outside afterward, looking out over the vineyards, we felt a mix of satisfaction and reluctance. The kind of feeling you get when you know you’ve had a wonderful time, but you’re not quite ready to leave.
Slower, Richer, Better
What made this trip so special wasn’t just the places we visited, but the pace we kept. Staying at Tanunda Apartments gave us the chance to slow down, to wake up in the heart of the valley and know we had the whole day ahead. Instead of racing to tick boxes, we moved gently from one experience to the next, leaving room for conversations, discoveries, and the simple joy of just being in the Barossa.
Returning to Hentley Farm for our anniversary was a highlight, but so was the chocolate and wine pairing at Grant Burge, brunch at Coco, gin at Prohibition, and that final flourish at Château Tanunda. Every stop added its own flavour to the trip—some rich, some light, all unforgettable.
Why we’ll keep coming back
As we drove back to Adelaide, we knew this wasn’t a one-off return. The Barossa is the kind of place that calls you back, again and again. There are always new cellar doors to discover, favourite spots to revisit, and hidden corners to stumble across when you least expect it.
Our first trip showed us some of the highlights; this second one showed us the heart. And now we know—one day will never be enough. The Barossa deserves time, attention, and repeat visits. For us, two days in Tanunda was the perfect step forward in what I’m sure will be many returns.
Because in the Barossa, slowing down isn’t just recommended—it’s the only way to truly experience it.
Read about our first visit in 2024 here: A day in the Barossa