it was later mispelt by its Lutheran settlers and came to be
known as Barossa.
Many descendants of original settlers still live and work on
the same family plot of land and the preservation of local culture
and activities is vigorously maintained with a diverse range of
small and large festivals and special events held throughout the
year.
The region has a rich European culture with German and English-style
villages and chateaux dotted throughout the valley and church
spires rising amid the vineyards. Local restaurants and cafes
reflect this heritage and butchers and bakers offer traditional
wursts, breads and German-style cakes. Few Australian regions
boast a food and wine culture to rival the Barossa and local restaurants
and cafes specialize in serving regional foods, accompanied by
fine local wines.
The Barossa is also home to top Australian chef Maggie Beer and
her tantalizing array of fine foods, produced and sold at her
farm shop just outside Tanunda. Her produce includes Pheasant
Farm pate, quince paste, olive oil and verjuice.
The Barossa is a patchwork of small villages and townships including
Lyndoch, Rowland Flat, Tanunda, Bethany, Angaston, Marananga,
Seppeltsfield, Nuriootpa and Greenock. Located in the heart of
the region, Tanunda was the focal point for early German settlement.
It was once the village of Langmeil, established in 1843 and is
still renowned for its authentic heritage and character.
Tanunda today is a busy, prosperous town surrounded by dozens
of small and large wineries, most of which offer cellar door tastings
and sales. Goat Square is the site of the original town market
and many historic buildings are classified by the National Trust.
Every two years the Barossa Vintage Festival brings the town and
region to life in a colourful celebration of local wine, food,
heritage and culture. The next Vintage Festival is in April 2003.
Bethany is a small village just outside Tanunda and was the region's
first Lutheran settlement. The local pioneer cemetery and medieval-style
traditional thatched barn offer a taste of days gone by. The beautiful
and historic Bethany winery offers stunning panoramic valley views
and is owned and operated by the Schrapel family, descendants
of original settlers.
To the south of the region lies Williamstown and its Whispering
Wall at the nearby Barossa Reservoir. An engineering feat, the
wall is a perfect ellipse and allows messages whispered at one
end to be heard 140m away at the other. Built in 1902, it is 39m
high and the top concrete section is reinforced with old tram
rails.
If you're planning an extended stay in the Barossa, the Butcher,
Baker, Winemaker food and wine trail is a two or three day self-drive
journey showcasing the best regional wine and produce along a
scenic drive through the Barossa and Eden Valleys.
If you want someone else do the driving, the Barossa Wine Train
takes visitors from Adelaide to the Barossa on refurbished Bluebird
rail carriages. At Tanunda Station, passengers can transfer to
waiting coaches or limousines for a tour of the area, including
sightseeing, wine tasting and lunch.
Accommodation in the Barossa ranges from hotels, motels and resorts
to cottages, farmhouses and stately homes offering traditional
bed and breakfast or self-contained facilities.
Learn more about Australia's wine country....
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