For as long as my Hubby and I can remember we have always wanted to visit the Barossa Valley. Over the years we have travelled to the Hunter Valley (NSW) wineries many many times, have visited wineries in the Yarra Valley (VIC), travelled around the Tamar Valley wine route when we went to Tasmania, as well as bought wines from other wine regions in Australia and overseas, but we always seemed to put travelling to South Australia off as a "one of these days we'll go on a road trip and visit the Barossa Valley"
So when we thought about where we wanted to stay for our anniversary, it was only appropriate that we book a cute B&B in the Barossa Valley.
I instantly fell in love with the Barossa's rolling hills, big blue skies and vineyards as far as the eye could see. The wine region is located in a rural farming area, so when you don't see a vineyard you notice hay fields and bales dotting the countryside.
We were surprised that for such a touristy destination, it wasn't too busy. Maybe it was due to the time of year we were there, but most vineyards were very welcoming & laid back, and the region itself didn't have the big tourist groups or coaches, unlike the vineyards in the Hunter Valley.
For our anniversary we stayed in a sweet little B&B in Tanunda. The girls decided to share a "double" bed choosing to stay together in the same room, rather than have their own room with their teddies. The rooms were huge, and very comfortable. Hubby and I loved it!
L to r: The girls in their big bed, our B&B, something naughty for our anniversary, Hubby enjoying the goodies we picked up for our anniversary dinner |
We decided to dine at Jacob's Creek winery for our lunch. It's such a gorgeous location, the restaurant windows overlook the vineyards and rolling hills surrounding the vineyards. We couldn't have asked for better weather, it was just gorgeous!
Picture perfect! |
L to R: Cheers to us!, more vineyards, driving into Tanunda, just another hay bale! |
After a delicious lunch we walked around the vineyards taking in the beautiful scenery and some pics, then we sampled some of their wines.
L to R: The "Whispering Wall" dam, Lavender farm, the girls loved running through the vineyards, and lazing on the big bean bags outside the restaurant at Jacobs Creek. |
The following day we visited a beautiful rose garden at Lyndoch Hill which grows over 30,000 roses, found a boutique winery (Whistler Wines) where we bought a nice bottle of wine (an anniversary present from my Mum), then headed to Maggie Beers farm shop for a nice lunch. Hubby and Popette were in their element trying all the jams, chutneys, pates, olives, vino cotto, verjuice, sauces etc.
While eating our scrumptious lunch we sat overlooking a lovely pond home to some turtles - the girls last count was 12 swimming around.
Unfortunately we missed out on meeting Maggie, but we did get to watch a cooking demonstration in the kitchen Maggie used for filming "The Cook & The Chef". We got to try caramelised onions, baked pumpkin & pan fried mushrooms done in Verjuice. As well as baked apples in Vino Cotto. Cherub was very excited seeing them cook her favourite - mushrooms, but hugely disappointed in the taste!
After a little more wine tasting at Wolf Blass, we returned to our B&B where the girls got to watch TV (they haven't watched much staying at the caravan parks) before heading out for a pub meal for dinner.
We all loved the Barossa Valley, such a lovely spot not just for us wine consuming parents, but for all the family. I wished we had spent longer there.
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The next instalment of "Our family roadtrip" will be published in the new year! So keep your eyes open.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about our holiday, and it's made you want to go on your own roadtrip and discover our beautiful country.
Just want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy & Safe New Year!!
xx
*There was no endorsement or sponsorship made by any of the places that were mentioned in this post.