Winter in the Barossa. The days are shorter, the clouds are fatter, the vines have lost their final explosion of Autumn leaves and pruning is underway; wild olives are being harvested, pantries are heaving with preserves and the smoke from chimneys swirls across the landscape.
Unlike the mad vintage pace of late Summer and early Autumn, from June to August, life settles into a quieter pace along Seppeltsfield Road. Tilled fields have been sewn, the vines are hibernating, and tanks are filling with Winter rain. It’s time to devour the Autumn harvest and relax in front of an open fire with a favourite pair of soft, woollen socks and a bottle of fine Barossa wine.
Here’s our list of 10 ways to celebrate the fine art of Winter cosy, Barossa-style.
1. Wine, Dine, Play – Barossa Seasons (Winter 6 to 8 July 2018)
Whether you believe Winter is the end of the seasons or the beginning, for us in the Barossa, it’s a time for celebration. The hard work of the past few months is over and it’s time to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labours.
On July 7, Whistler Wines will kick off the Barossa Seasons with a Barossa Burn celebration.
Whistler’s age-old vineyard tradition of a mass burning of the winery’s dead vines in preparation for a new harvest is a great opportunity to dance around the fire with friends, toast the occasion with a Whistler red wine and warm your insides with food from the fire.
2. Dine – FINO Fridays
Hearty, provincial one-pot-wonders and convivial surrounds welcome you to FINO at Seppeltsfield every Friday evening during winter. Bring your best friend, your best stories and pull out that sleeper wine from the cellar… You know the one.
- Cassoulet the Barossa Way – June
- Shiraz Pie – July
- Pasta al Forno di FINO – August.
**This is a set menu for Friday evenings only.
TIP: FINO Fridays are a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike, so book early – 08 8562 8528.
3. Marananga Wine Show – Saturday 25 August 2018
This truly unique sub-regional wine show is an initiative of the Marananga Lutheran Church and held in the Vintage Cellar of Seppeltsfield Winery.
This underground event showcases wines from our famous Barossa Western Ridge sub-region. Expect to see big names and small, competing for top honours. The public tasting provides guests with a rare opportunity to sample more than 120 entries and cast a vote in the coveted People’s Choice Award.
Wines are judged to Australian show standards, so competition is fierce.
Tickets are $20 and include a tasting glass and light refreshments. Tickets will be available for purchase from mid-July online or at the door on 25 August 2018.
4. Play, Wine & Dine – Bonjour Barossa – 8 July 2018
Now in its third year, Bonjour Barossa sees the Seppeltsfield estate reimagined into a Parisian style marketplace, bringing together food, wine and homeware vendors to the backdrop of French themed music and entertainment.
From puppetry to petanque, pastries to Pol Roger, Bonjour Barossa celebrates a blend of classic French food and cultural experiences, within the surroundings of Seppeltsfield’s stunning 19th century architecture and laneways.
TIP: Bring a shopping bag as there is so much to taste, eat and experience, you’ll want to take goodies home.
5. Play – Have a hit of Tennis
With most tennis lovers riveted to their television sets for Wimbledon from 2 July to 15 July 2018, maybe it’s time to enjoy a game or two on our stunning Marananga Tennis Courts.
Nestled amongst vines and palms in the heart of the village of Marananga, these well-maintained courts are managed by a team of enthusiastic Barossa locals passionate about their tennis.
To hire a court, call Paul on 0417 805 336.
6. Play – Learn to Cook at The Farm Eatery
Learn basic cooking skills to improve your time in the kitchen as well as ‘can’t live without’ recipe ideas. The Farm Eatery is led by Maggie Beer’s youngest daughter, Elli and is a modern, casual eatery with a purpose-built cooking school.
Cooking classes are $150 per person, for a 2 hour duration (approximately) and include menu tastes, non-alcoholic beverages and recipe booklets as well as a KitchenAid discount coupon for 35 % off online KitchenAid purchases!
Bookings essential – online or phone 08 8562 1902.
7. Fuse – Glass Exhibition (17 July – 16 September)
The FUSE Glass Prize finalist exhibition showcases 18 outstanding glass artists from Australia and New Zealand.
Australasia’s richest prize for glass, FUSE provides a platform for artists to push themselves and their works to new limits.
Dates: 17 July to 16 September
Where: The JamFactory, 730 Seppeltsfield Road, Seppeltsfield, SA 5355
Time: 11am to 5pm daily
8. Play – Vasse Virgin
Enjoy a fun and informative workshop or master class to discover some of Vasse Virgin’s own secrets! From simple 30 minute soap classes to half-day sessions, these interactive DIY style workshops have been designed so that you get plenty of one-on-one time with the instructor to ask questions, learn tips and tricks, and of course meet new people! A unique experience awaits you at the Vasse Virgin Soap Factory.
Class notes, equipment, instructions and personal safety gear are included and you get take home what you make on the day.
Workshops are available at the Vasse Virgin Soap Factory at 730 Seppeltsfield Road in the Barossa Valley, South Australia. Bookings are essential, either online or call 08 8562 9500.
9. Stay – Escape with Friends (The Reserve Barossa)
Set on 6 private acres of manicured gardens, The Reserve Barossa has amazing views across 43 acres of Shiraz vines, from a 6-person spa and plenty of room to roam. Stay in and light the woodfires to take the chill off, or head out to explore the wineries, restaurants and gems of Seppeltsfield Road and the Barossa.
10. Wine – Try a New Release
Winter is a spectacular time to visit the Barossa Valley, as you not only get to admire the scenery, meet the locals, but on many occasions, you may be among the first to taste newly released wines. With twenty cellar doors, there is always a chance you will find a new favourite wine along Seppeltsfield Road.
Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram with #seppeltsfieldroad. We love seeing what has excited you about your time on Seppeltsfield Road.
