Friday, April 10, 2009

Travel - BAROSSA VALLEY
The Barossa Valley was given its name by Surveyor-General William Light in memory of Barrosa in Spain, where he had fought in a decisive battle in 1811. The district was settled in the 1840s by British and German immigrants. Some of the original German place names were replaced during the First World War by English names. The main settlements Lyndoch, Tanunda and Nuriootpa lie in a flat valley. The attractions it offers include festivals including the annual Barossa Vintage Festival usually in April of each year. The Festival features many aspects of life in the valley with support from Australian and internationally known performers from classical to pop to rock. And with it being in the wine growing capital of Australia, there are many opportunities for wine tastings and of course fine dining too. There is plenty of accommodation for visitors, but at festival times it is fully booked. For more information about the Barossa Vintage Festival visit www.barossavintagefestival.com.au/ For general information about the Barossa Valley contact: The Barossa Visitor Centre 66-68 Murray Street Tanunda, SA 5352 Australia Lyndoch Lyndoch is located at the southern end of the Barossa Valley and is in close proximity to many of the exceptional wineries, which give the Barossa its internationally recognised wine region. Colonel Light spelt Barossa with two r’s (Barrossa) and Lyndoch was spelt (Lynedoch). The hills reminded Colonel Light of the "Barrossa" area in Spain and the valley were Lyndoch now stands he named after Lord Lynedoch who fought with him in the Peninsular War in Spain in 1812. Lavender Farm Lyndoch At present the Lyndoch Lavender Farm have over 6 acres of lavender that is used in our many products. There is also a display garden with over 80 different varieties of lavender. Why not try the offerings at the gift shop through the cafe including Platters {Anitpasto, Gourmet Dessert or Cheese}, Scones and Biscuits. This is perfect to sit back and relax in beautiful surroundings with a cappuccino, long black or a lavender tea. Try the sweet taste of lavender with Lavender Ice-cream; Scones and Biscuits they available all day. To visit the Lavender Farm Website, click on the picture of lavender. Tanunda Tanunda, centrally located in the Barossa Valley, 70 kms from Adelaide, is a large rural settlement which boasts beautiful leafy streets and is surrounded by vineyards. It was the focal point for the early German settlement, growing out of the village of Langmeil, which was established in 1843. It is the cultural heart of the Barossa Valley and is known for its authentic heritage character and many fine churches. Just a short drive from Taunuda is the Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park with its diverse landscapes, excellent birdwatching and pristine creeks.
The gum trees at Peter Lehmann's
Part of the Peter Lehmann’s Winery
BETHANY The small township of Bethany is the oldest German settlement in the Barossa Valley. Founded in 1842, by a congregation of Lutheran families, the name Bethany is indicative of the religious beginnings of the settlements in the Barossa Valley. Today, the Village’s cottages imitate those of the European dwelling that the settlers would have resided in before migrating to South Australia. Many of these cottages have been restored and transformed into art galleries, antique stores and craft shops.
Yalumba wines
World famous Yalumba Winery
Wine Tasting at Richmond Grove
Wine Tasting at Richmond Grove
Amongst my favourite Barossa Valley wineries are: Bethany Winery My favourite is the Old Quarry Fronti – a superb white port. The famed Bethany Fronti is made in a tawny style, from Muscadele, Muscat ap. Grains and Pedro Ximenez grapes picked late in the season, fortified with brandy spirit and aged in old oak to produce a balanced fruity wine Stanley Brothers My favourite is the Choc-a-bloc Port Choc-A-Bloc is a luscious dessert wine, made using a fortified Australian Tawny wine base and seeping it with chocolate. A pleasant accompaniment with sweets or coffee. Kies Winery My favourite wine is the 2008 Sparkling Heysen Gold – a very light sparkling white. A fruity Sparkling Frontignac. A vibrant, fruity experience that is perfect for Summer. Kellermeister Wineries My Favourite is Black Fire – again a sparkling white - White Frontignac grapes showing grapey flavour to please the palate and a light sweetness which does not build up on the palate. It is just like drinking a bunch of fresh grapes. TO COMPLETE YOUR DAY IN THE BAROSSA VALLEY!
A day in the Barossa Valley is not complete without a visit to acclaimed cook – Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop just a short drive from Nuriootpa. There you can relax by the side of the lake watching the turtles swim and enjoying fresh produce with your favourite coffee or a glass of wine. Well worth the trip and a chance to taste her many culinary products to tempt your palate.
Maggie Beer's Pheasant farm How to get to the Farm Shop

No comments:

Post a Comment