How to Spend a Gourmet Weekend in the Barossa
When you’ve had your fill of wine at the Barossa, sample the food and bed down for a night or two at these places.
Cellar doors
Have a taste at Artisans of Barossa, where six small wineries are represented in their line up, and don't miss everything that's on offer at Seppeltfield's refurbished cellar door. Stop by Charles Melton Wines for their Nine Popes GSM, the shiraz at St Hallett and St Hugo for their tasting experience and tour. Finally, visit Tscharke for interesting varietals such as savagnin and touriga.
For breakfast and coffee
Casa Carboni
A slice of Italy, Casa Carboni is run mostly as a cooking school and wine bar but don’t forsake it in the morning. Delicious macchiato and cappuccino emerge from the espresso machine Thursday through Sunday, while the breakfast selection, although abbreviated, is scrumptious. There’s an assortment of housemade cakes and a breakfast bruschetta featuring seasonally tweaked toppings. Come lunchtime, chef and co-owner Matteo Carboni’s homemade pastas are a must.
67 Murray Street, Angaston
For lunch
Fino
They call it “progressive regional dining”; we call it damn fine food. Owners David Swain and Sharon Romeo are passionate about local produce and their seasonally driven share plates, served in the elegantly renovated Seppeltsfield bottling hall overlooking the garden terrace, taste as good as they sound. Crisp-skin chicken with oyster mushrooms and cauliflower? Tick. Beef cap with charred broccoli and anchovy? Definitely. Crema catalana? Yes, please! If you’re visiting on a Friday, call to reserve a sourdough loaf to take home – it’s probably the best bread in the valley.
730 Seppeltsfield Road, Seppeltsfield
For dinner
Feeling hungry?
Hentley Farm
Since 2012, this fine-diner has been wowing critics and punters alike. Head chef Lachlan Colwill consistently serves innovative fare featuring South Australian produce alongside ingredients grown on and foraged from the surrounding 61-hectare farm. The seven-course Discovery menu features thrilling flavours and theatrics – oysters served with “smoking” dry ice, cured egg yolk shaved over bluefin tuna and the remarkable “egg cup” pre-dessert are all highlights. Make a note to return during the day to taste more of the label’s exceptional wines.
Corner of Gerald Roberts and Jenke roads, Seppeltsfield
For taking home
The Barossa Valley Cheese Company
Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop in Nuriootpa might be the expected choice – it is, of course, fabulous – but a pit stop at Victoria McClurg’s Barossa Valley Cheese Company yields equally good larder provisions. There are award-winning cheeses (fetta, haloumi, goat’s curd, camembert, brie), along with a range of locally produced condiments such as dukkah, caperberries, chutney and even crackers. Indulge in one of the cheese-cellar tastings to help you decide.
67b Murray Street, Angaston
Stay
The Louise
More than a decade has passed since Jim and Helen Carreker transformed this former country motel into a high-end escape – and this secluded property still manages to impress. That’s thanks to the vineyard views from its 15 suites, luxurious facilities (outdoor rain showers, log fireplaces, heated tile floors), elegant infinity pool and the award-winning Appellation restaurant. But what really elevates The Louise are the finer details: a fresh fruit plate on arrival, homemade Anzac biscuits to nibble on, a Nespresso machine for the morning and a decanter of port for the evening. There are fluffy robes and slippers for lounging, a library of DVDs, books and board games, and mozzie-repelling citronella candles when sitting on your private verandah.
375 Seppeltsfield Road, Marananga 
Start planning
Orchard House
It’s not hard to imagine that a farmstay run by culinary queen Maggie Beer would be something special. Surrounded by a working orchard, this renovated, rural-chic cottage offers two bedrooms, both with ensuites, as well as a spacious kitchen for those wanting to channel Maggie, post-wine-tasting.
234b Nuraip Road, Nuriootpa
Cambourne Boutique Accommodation
Hentley Farm chief winemaker Andrew Quin and his wife, Skye, are the masterminds behind this refined escape. The meticulously renovated cottage features three plush bedrooms, each with modern ensuite, a polished kitchen and an inviting lounge. Views extend over a premium shiraz vineyard and you can walk to both Fino and Hentley Farm restaurants.
799 Seppeltsfield Road, Seppeltsfield 
