Our guide to Barossa 2026
Katie Spain rounds up her favourite Barossa spots for eating, drinking, playing and staying
Just an hour north-east of Adelaide, the Barossa is synonymous with quality red wine. Yet, among the classics, a world of exciting new producers, styles and flavours waits.
In the glass
Cellar doors, distilleries, bars and breweries
Alkina Wines
41 Victor Road, Greenock
A must for anyone interested in what goes on below the vineyard, especially in the world of organics and biodynamics. Enjoy a gourmet toastie or platter in the courtyard; you can stay in the luxe onsite accommodation, too.
Bethany Wines
378 Bethany Road, Tanunda
A wine label can express a thousand words or, in the case of Bethany Wines’ First Village labels, a lifetime of memories and a story that weaves its way from Silesia to the beautiful town (and vineyards) of Bethany. A real-life fairytale.
Brothers At War
58 Murray Street, Tanunda
Brothers Angas and Sam Wardlaw (with their close-knit team) pour their wines in a historic old cottage on the town’s main street. Cute as a button, it transforms into a bar by night.
Corryton Burge
Corner Krondrof and Lilyfarm Roads, Krondorf
A sun-kissed grenache vineyard frames Corryton Burge’s new cellar door, while memories dot the horizon. Named after the family’s 1845 Corryton Park Homestead and the 1851 Corryton Park Vineyard, this is a picturesque spot to try Trent Burge’s creations.
David Franz
94 Stelzer Road, Stone Well
Arguably the cutest cellar door in the region. Dave Lehmann and daughter Georgie make thrilling and forward-thinking wines here. Build your own platter and feel life slow down as you raise a toast to vineyard views and great people making great booze.
Eperosa
Lot 552 Krondorf Road, Tanunda
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday you’ll find sixth-generation Barossan Brett Grocke pouring wine at this off-grid winery. The organic wines speak volumes about the regenerative-focused family and the cellar door dog is a delight, too.
Gibson Wines
190 Willows Road, Light Pass
This off the beaten track family-owned winery celebrates German heritage dating back to the 1840s. Visitors are welcomed into a modern tasting room behind a historic cottage where they are treated to wines crafted by founder Rob ‘The Dirtman’ Gibson.
Poonawatta
1227 Eden Valley Road, Flaxman Valley
Poonawatta’s cellar door is just 70 paces from the Holt family home. It’s full of small, meaningful details like outdoor décor made from a rescued century-old cedar tree, a firepit for winter gatherings, comfy sofas and gorgeous art. A rooftop garden crowns the cellar, looking out over their dam.
Rieslingfreak
25 St Hallett Rd, Tanunda
Winemakers John and Belinda Hughes are unashamedly devoted to riesling and their new cellar door is the best place to try their exceptional range. Expect lots of storytelling from one of the nicest couples in the business.
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On the plate
Food is an important part of Barossan life, so there’s plenty of choice here. First stop, Barossa Farmers’ Market is on Saturday mornings, filling bellies with local produce. Tanunda’s Darling’s Café is a small but beautiful coffee spot, while sister venue Vino Lokal also does a great breakfast. Fleur Social doubles as a florist and Hive Barossa also boasts a lovely gift store.
Folk travel far and wide to get a taste of chef Matteo Carboni’s kitchen creations at Casa Carboni Enoteca (go early as them pastries sell out fast, for good reason). For a quick bite, Apex Bakery has a long and much-loved baking history while Browns Barossa Donuts has what can only be described as a cult following.
In Marananga, chef Clare Falzon’s new restaurant Staguni is located in the old village school and has turned heads with soul-packed dishes inspired by her Maltese heritage. Other lunch heroes include Essen at Artisans of Barossa in Tanunda and Fino Seppeltsfield which is open seven days a week. It wouldn’t be a visit to the Barossa without popping in to Maggie Beer’s The Farm Eatery on a real-life pheasant farm. The winery restaurant at St Hugo serves modern Australian fare, while Hentley Farm Restaurant needs a bit of time to savour a fancy multi-course dining experience. If you want to feel like a local, the treasured Vintners Bar & Grill is an old (but ever-thrilling) dinner favourite. Otherness in Angaston is more than a wine bar; much like the vino, local produce is put on a pedestal here. Finally, for the ultimate luxury night’s sleep, Le Mas whispers French sweet nothings and offers one of the best breakfast experiences in SA.
Getting there
It takes around an hour to drive to Barossa Valley from Adelaide. You’ll be hard pressed to get a taxi or Uber from the CBD, but once in Barossa there are local taxis. The Metro train serves Gawler Central, then there are buses to Nuriootpa via Lyndoch and Tanunda.