Barossa Valley

German immigrants, fleeing religious persecution in Prussia and Silesia settled the gently sloping Barossa Valley in 1842. Nowadays it's Australia's best known wine-producing region, while it still has a distinct Germanic flavor. There are more than 50 wineries in the valley, most of which offer visitors the possibility of tasting and organize cellar sales.

The best way to really appreciate the area is to get off the main roads and explore the narrow back-roads between settlements. Most people visit the Barossa Valley in the months of March, April and May, when the grapes are harvested. Between July and October the region is less scenic, because the vines are heavily pruned during the winter months. The region's central town is Tanunda, about 100 km, northeast of Adelaide. It's just over an hour's driving to get there.

There are several other wine-growing regions in South Australia, especially in the state's southeastern corner around Penola, Coonawarra and Padthaway. Also in the Clare Valley, north of the Barossa and around McLaren Vale on the Fleurieu Peninsula, wine is produced.

Barossa Vaööey is more than 130 km north of Adelaide.