Whether you’re looking for the best winery for a long lunch, the most beautiful spot for a moment of serenity, or you’re on the hunt for small, boutique cellar doors that are off the beaten path, you’ll find it all in the Barossa.
We’ve done the hard work for you and found 19 of the best Barossa Valley wineries to visit on your wine tour – in no particular order.
1. Kies Family Wines, Lyndoch
Photo by: Kies Family Wines
This family-run winery combines the best elements for a Barossa Valley wine tasting – a selection of superb wines, stunning views of the vineyards from the charming 1880’s cottage-style cellar door, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like you’re visiting your own family. Their focus is to uphold the quality and distinctive flavour of their varietals, which is why their wine production is small, so you really feel like you’ve come across something truly special. While you’re there, make sure to stock up on their gourmet teas and have a bite at the Monkey Nut Café. If you’re up for more of an immersive wine tour, book tickets for one of the winery and barrel hall tours or guided walks.
Wine tasting
Cost: Free.
Length: No set time.
Do I need to make a booking? Groups under eight can just pop in on a first come-first serve seating.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm.
2. Barossa Valley Estate, Marananga
Photo by: Barossa Valley Estate
If you’re looking for the most beautiful wineries in Barossa Valley, the Barossa Valley Estate should be at the top of your wine tour list. Considered one of the most picturesque spots in the Barossa, the spectacular gardens and incredible views look like something straight out of a postcard. Book into one of the tasting flights, or soak in the serenity of the estate by purchasing a bottle of red or rosé and enjoying it in the gardens with a platter of local seasonal produce. But don’t fear you’ll miss out on the views if you book in for a tasting – the views are just as beautiful from the cellar door.
Wine tasting
Cost: $10 per person
Length: 35 – 45 minutes
Do I need to make a booking? Not required for groups under eight for the standard Tasting Flight, but it’s recommended. Larger groups and Rewards of Cellaring Tasting Flight require bookings.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10.30am – 3.30pm.
3. Jacobs Creek, Rowland Flat
Photo by: Jacobs Creek
One of the winemakers synonymous with Australian wines, Jacobs Creek, has been kicking around since Johann Gramp started his first vineyard back in 1847. Today, the Jacobs Creek cellar door not only offers tasting of their well-known wines, but you can exclusively sample limited release small-batch wines crafted by winemakers experimenting with different grape varietals and techniques for a unique experience. But even better than the tastings themselves is how you can enjoy them – from a packed picnic with a selection of food from local producers to group packages that include lawn games and fun for the kids. You can even book in for a session of table tennis as you enjoy the wine and views. And if you’re after Barossa Valley winery accommodation, you don’t get more quaint than the original (but restored) 19th century Barossa settler’s cottage with wide verandas, beautiful gardens, and an alfresco dining area.
Wine tasting
Cost: $10 per person for the Tasting Experience, but there are options for a Double Barrel Experience, Group Tasting Experience, and picnic experiences.
Length: 30 minutes for the Tasting Experience.
Do I need to make a booking? Definitely! Given Jacobs Creek's popularity, this cellar door is often busy, so book ahead if you don’t want to be disappointed.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 3.30pm.
4. Château Tanunda, Tanunda
Photo by: Château Tanunda
A stunning estate that was established in 1890 to become Australia’s largest and oldest châteaus, Château Tanunda brings the best of European winemaking, including equipment imported from France, into the heart of the Barossa. The vineyards have some of the region's oldest vines and the handcrafted wines regularly receive local and global praise for being some of the best wines in the world. But it’s not just the winemaking capabilities and elegant flavours that will impress you – the sprawling grounds that include a croquet lawn and cricket oval, and the grand château itself will make you feel like you've stepped back in history. Come for the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, stay for a round of croquet.
Wine tasting
Cost: $20 per person for the Barossa Discovery Tasting, but there are options for other tours and tastings (and croquet games!). This is redeemable with purchases over $50 at the cellar door.
Length: 25 minutes for the Barossa Discovery Tasting.
Do I need to make a booking? Yes, especially for groups larger than eight.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 3pm.
5. St Hugo, Rowland Flat
Photo by: St Hugo
A day in the Barossa calls for a great meal, so if you’re looking for the best winery lunch in the Barossa Valley, then St Hugo deliveries a dining experience like no other when you book the St Hugo Kitchen Garden Cooking Experience & Lunch. Not only can you sip and sample the incredible wine offering from the St Hugo vineyards, but you’ll be taken on a tour of the kitchen garden and prepare lunch with your own private chef. Of course, Your meal will have paired with specific wines to ensure you have the ultimate food and wine experience. And if cooking your own meal isn’t your thing, you can do your tasting and book into the award-winning restaurant and enjoy a meal made from local produce in the area.
Wine tasting
Cost: $15 per person for the St Hugo Tasting Experience, and $225 for the St Hugo Kitchen Garden Cooking Experience & Lunch. You can also organise group bookings and a wine masterclass.
Length: 45 minutes for the St Hugo Tasting Experience, and 3 hours for the St Hugo Kitchen Garden Cooking Experience & Lunch.
Do I need to make a booking? Yes.
Opening hours: Friday – Monday, 10.30am - 3.30pm for the wine tasting, and Friday & Sunday, 11am for the St Hugo Kitchen Garden Cooking Experience & Lunch.
6. Penfolds cellar door, Nuriootpa
Photo by: Penfolds
There may be no wine more famous in Australia than Penfolds and its revered Grange. While the home of Penfolds’ winemaking is the Magill Estate, the cellar door in the Barossa Valley is truly an experience for wine connoisseurs – particularly those looking to try their hand at blending through own wine from Grenache, Shiraz and Matero to be bottled and enjoyed. But if you want less of the laboratory experience and more of a sipping and enjoying one, book in for a tasting the iconic Grange alongside Penfolds’ other renowned wines.
Wine tasting
Cost: $150 per person for the A Taste of Grange Experience.
Length: 60 minutes
Do I need to make a booking? Yes.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am.
7. Yalumba, Angaston
Photo by: Kies Family Wines
When you have 170 years of winemaking experience across six generations, you know you’re in for an absolute treat of a wine tasting. Throw in a cosy tasting room, perfectly manicured grounds, and historic sandstone buildings, and you’ve got yourself a pretty picturesque setting. Expect unique wines that’ll make your taste buds dance and may have your wallet feeling a little lighter when you leave. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your tasting flight and can pick to suit your preferences. If you’re up for a more immersive experience at the cellar door, book into one of the tours.
Wine tasting
Cost: From $10 per person, with the cost redeemable on purchases made from the tasting.
Length: 30 minutes - 2 hours depending on tasting selected.
Do I need to make a booking? Yes.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
8. David Franz, Tanunda
Photo by: Duy Dash
If your wine tour is all about the best small wineries in the Barossa Valley, you can’t miss a visit to David Franz. Cool and casual with small-batch wines that taste just as good as they look (with just as much flair), you simply can’t not enjoy the combination of great food, great drink, and great views of the green valley below. And the icing on the cake is the Cellar Door Plattery Bits, where you can build your own platter from the beautiful produce available.
Wine tasting
Cost: From $5 per person, with the cost redeemable on purchases made.
Length: No set time.
Do I need to make a booking? No.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm.
9. Alkina Wine Estate, Greenock
Photo by: Alkina Wine Estate
The new kid on the block, Alkina opened at the end of 2020 and is already making a name for itself as one of the best small wineries in the Barossa Valley. That's thanks both to the small-batch wines lovingly made from handpicked fruits and crafted to be reflective of the indigenous land it sits, and the Mediterranean feel of the picturesque cellar door (think terracotta finishes surrounded by the vineyards and olive trees). If you want to experience more than just a tasting, on weekends, groups can indulge in a lunch of hot snacks, cheeses, charcuterie and sourdough, you can bundle up a tour, tasting and lunch, and for a true immersion, book in for two nights at the Alkina Quarter Luxury Accommodation, which includes all the bells and whistles of wining, dining, and relaxing.
Wine tasting
Cost: $30 per person, which includes a cheese and Charcuterie board.
Length: 60 minutes
Do I need to make a booking? No, but it is recommended to book.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm.
10. Murray Street Vineyard, Angaston
Photo by: South Australian Tourism Commission/Jacqui Way
Murray Street is a quaint small winery with alfresco dining and tasting that’ll make you feel like you’ve been transported to Tuscany. You’ll have trouble deciding if you’d prefer to enjoy the bright, fruit-forward wines while sitting under a canopy of vine leaves or taking in the view of the vineyards in the comfort of one of the large armchairs. Either way it won’t take you long to see why this is becoming one of the most popular small wineries to visit for a personalised wine tasting.
Wine tasting
Cost: $10 per person, with the cost redeemable on purchases made.
Length: 45 minutes
Do I need to make a booking? Yes.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 3.30pm.
11. Seppeltsfield Barossa, Seppeltsfield
Photo by: Seppeltsfield Barossa
A visit to Seppeltsfield is an immersion in the region's food, wine, art and beautiful landscapes. Not only will you be treated to picturesque rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see when you come to the modern cellar door for wine tasting, but you have a world-class restaurant, quality coffee and the best contemporary art and design studios. For those looking for more than your average wine tasting, book into one of the tours, try the 100-year-old Tawny, roll through the vineyards on a segway, or tack on a long lunch at FINO after your tasting.
Wine tasting
Cost: $15 per person, with the cost redeemable on purchases made.
Length: 45 minutes
Do I need to make a booking? Yes.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10.30am – 4pm.
12. Château Yaldara, Lyndoch
Photo by: Château Yaldara
You want a picturesque spot for your wine tasting? It doesn’t get better than the sandstone cellar door and perfectly manicured lawns of Château Yaldara – a boutique winery so beautiful, it’s become a hotspot for weddings and special occasions. Enjoy a tasting of the varietals inside with the friendly, knowledgeable staff, or take your glass (or bottle) to enjoy on the lawn or in the gardens. If you’re interested in learning more about the estate’s rich history and its founder Hermann Thumm, book in for a tour and tasting, where you’ll be able to walk through the beautiful historic buildings, see the antique fortified barrels in person and brush up on your winemaking knowledge.
Wine tasting
Cost: Free.
Length: Yes.
Do I need to make a booking? Not essential, but it is appreciated.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 4.30pm.
13. Langmeil Winery, Tanunda
Photo by: Langmeil Winery
Langmeil is the home of the oldest Shiraz vineyard in the world, so consider it a pilgrimage if you love the bold, intense flavour of a Shiraz. A wine tasting in the historic sandstone building is more than just sipping on Langmeil’s award-winning wines – expect an intimate setting where you’ll be fully immersed in the art of winemaking, the climate of the region and a lesson on the agriculture, and the history of the estate. You’ll no doubt leave with a few cases of the good stuff and the kind of knowledge that’ll turn you into a wine buff.
Wine tasting
Cost: Free.
Length: 60 minutes.
Do I need to make a booking? Not essential, but space is limited so it’s recommended to book in advance.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
14. Peter Lehmann Wines, Tanunda
Photo by: Peter Lehmann Wines
Peter Lehmann is just as much of a Barossa icon as the Shiraz – back in 1979 he established the Tanunda winery to support the grape growers of the region and help save so many families from hardship. But heroics aside, the Barossa Valley winery delivers some of the best wines in the world, and the cellar door is known for its memorable tastings, picturesque gardens and old stone buildings, and seasonal produce. Pick the tasting to suit your palette and preferences, and while you’re there, make sure to enjoy the serenity of the sprawling lawns and beautiful gardens with the famous Weighbridge Platter.
Wine tasting
Cost: $10 per person for the Introduction to Barossa tasting.
Length: 45 minutes
Do I need to make a booking? Yes.
Opening hours: Thursday – Monday, 10.30am – 4.30pm.
15. Lambert Estate, Angaston
Photo by: Lambert Estate
A family-run winery that oozes hospitality and charm, you’ll love the carefully crafted wines as much as the sentimental names each have been given. You’ll find yourself asking about the notes and flavours as much as the back stories behind each one as you sit on high with views of the vineyards below. You can also grab a bite to eat and savour the fresh flavours of the local produce and suppliers. A great winery to visit with a big group.
Wine tasting
Cost: $10 per person.
Length: 45 minutes.
Do I need to make a booking? Yes
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm.
16. Gibson Wines, Light Pass
Photo by: Gibson Wines
Gibson Wines is a small, passionate winery that’ll be a haven for those looking for a wine tasting that’s a bit off the beaten track (and more lowkey than the likes of Jacobs Creek and Penfolds). Feel free to take a spur of the moment detour and drop in for a complimentary tasting of red and white varietals as you look over the estate’s vineyard, heritage-listed Blacksmith’s cottage and stunning gardens. Ask about he complimentary Bocce court and lawn games to make a real afternoon of your wine tasting.
Wine tasting
Cost: Free.
Length: Go at your own pace.
Do I need to make a booking? No.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 3pm.
17. Wolf Blass, Nuriootpa
Photo by: Wolf Blass
Despite its long history of traditional winemaking, a visit to the Wolf Blass cellar door will feel like you’ve stepped into a slick, modern estate. The state-of-the-art facility brings together the best of old and new wine making techniques – a strategy that’s obviously working when you look at the awards they’ve accumulated. Sample what makes this Barossa Valley winery so famous, along with a cheese board and some sweets to nibble. You can also book into a tailored wine experience, and if you want to spend some time outdoors, enjoy the fruits of the land in a game of Finska.
Wine tasting
Cost: From $30 per person.
Length: At your own pace.
Do I need to make a booking? Yes.
Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 4.30pm.
18. Rockford Wines, Tanunda
Photo by: Rockford Wines
Known as one of the best boutique wineries in the Barossa Valley and a wine lover’s secret spot, the charming cellar door honours its heritage and makes for a quaint (and beyond tasty) stop on a Barossa Valley wine tour. If you’re in the area in the cooler months, you’ll enjoy the cosy ambiance of the stone walls and fireplace, and no matter the season, you’ll love the knowledge and care the staff provide over a tasting.
Wine tasting
Cost: Complimentary.
Length: 60 minutes.
Do I need to make a booking? Not essential, but it gets busy, so it’s highly recommended.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm.
19. Hentley Farm, Seppeltsfield
Photo by: Erik Rosenberg
If you’re looking for a little luxury and an incredible meal with your wine tasting, you’ll want to spend a day at Hentley Farm. Nestled in the hills of the Barossa Valley (so you know you’ll be gifted with some stunning views), it offers one of the best Barossa Valley fine dining lunch options and an exceptional tasting experience unique to the Barossa. The Atrium is the definition of farm-to-table decadence, with the menu featuring the very best local produce in dishes that respect and enhance the natural flavours, and are crafted to perfection. But, if you’re just up for some wine tasting, you won’t be disappointed either. A seated, highly curated and personalised luxury service will take you through a range of tasting options that you won’t be able to resist taking home with you.
Wine tasting
Cost: $65 - $165 per person.
Length: 60 – 90 minutes.
Do I need to make a booking? Yes.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm.
How many wineries can I do in a day on a wine tour?
Aim for 3-4 wineries in a day – each tasting could last an hour, and you’ll need to factor in time for lunch and travel, especially if you’re travelling to the Barossa Valley from central Adelaide. You also don’t want to rush any of your experiences, so we’d recommend starting the day with a list of your favourites, keeping the must-visits at the top of your list and knowing you might not get to the ones at the bottom
Do I need to stay in the Barossa Valley to visit the wineries?
That depends on how many wineries you want to visit and how long you’ll be in the area. If you just want to spend one day on a wine tour, you can easily organise this from your accommodation in Adelaide, however if you want to do a few wineries at a slower pace, it would be better to stay in the Barossa Valley region. Luckily, there’s plenty of beautiful accommodation in the area – some even at the wineries themselves.
Spend at least 2-3 days in the Barossa Valley if you want to visit multiple wineries.
Do I need to book a wine tour or can I do the Barossa Valley wineries on my own?
You can do either! If doing it on your own, you will need a car to get from cellar door to cellar door, and we’d recommend mapping out your route and itinerary before you head off for the day. It’s also wise to pre-book your tasting stops, as plenty of the cellar doors can be busy.
If you’d like to do your own thing and plan your personal wine tour but don’t want to drive (sensible!), you can do this and book a private driver or chauffeur for the day (or days). You’ll be responsible for all the planning and booking, and then can sit back and relax while being driven around the beautiful Barossa Valley region.
And if you’d rather someone plan your winery tour stops, book the cellar door tastings and get you home in one piece, you can organise a wine tour that sorts out all of that out and you just have to show up. You can do this as part of a small group (which could be really fun to meet new people!) or you can do it in your own private vehicle. The benefit of an organised wine tour is that all the costs for the day are taken care of, and your guides are experts in the region and subject matter (wine, of course), so you’ll learn a fortune as you travel from winery to winery.