Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley is one of the major regions in Australia, where many of the major wine companies are based. It is believed the first vineyards were planted in the 1840s by Silesian migrants (who settled in Bethany). There followed a rapid expansion of plantations. The early styles of wines produced were heavy dry red wines and fortified wines that were popular both domestically and in Britain. After the Second World War the styles shifted to lighter table wines with production of Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The Barossa Valley is home to some very well known names such as Seppelt, Wolf Blass and Penfolds as well as many smaller producers. The climate is Mediterranean with hot dry summers and cool wet winters, making it ideal for viticulture. The main wine styles: White – Semillon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon-Chardonnay blend; Red – Shiraz (full bodied & ripe) with Old Vine Shiraz a speciality of many vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Shiraz-Grenache-Mataro blend, Cabernet-Merlot blend.