The best of Barossa Valley wines

Once introduced to the best of Barossa Valley wines you will want to know more about these wines. It was approaching the June Solstice when we returned to the Barossa Valley for the second time. Our drive from Adelaide to the Barossa Valley a few months earlier was still fresh in my mind. We took the Torrens Valley Scenic Drive to Birdwood where we stopped to admire the autumn colors along main street. After a delightful lunch in Angaston we travelled onto Nuriootpa, which we used as a base to get to know this wine region. Even though it was now winter we had returned to the Barossa Valley one more time before leaving Australia. This time we visited two wineries Jacob’s Creek (large producer) and Lou Miranda Estate (small family winery).

Winter Vineyards at Jacob's Creek © Spaswinefood

Jacob's Creek, Barossa Valley © Spaswinefood

International critics regard Barossa, as Australia’s best-known wine region. Barossa is ranked with Bordeaux, Napa, and Tuscany. Despite its fame Barossa still remains a friendly wine region to visit. Barossa includes the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley wine regions, plus the sub-regions of Marananga, Bethany, Rowland Flat, Moppa, Greenock, Lyndoch, Ebenezer, Kalimna, Tanunda and Seppeltsfield.

Distances to International Cities from Jacob's Creek © Spaswinefood

Barossa’s wines range from robust Shiraz to delicate Rieslings. While Barossa’s Shiraz and Eden Valley's Riesling are the wine stars, its Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Grenache, Viognier, Semillon and tawny wines also contribute to making this an outstanding wine region. During our most recent visit it was the Shiraz (Syrah) that clearly stood out amongst the wines we tasted. Let us take a brief look at the two wineries (Jacob’s Creek and Lou Miranda Estate) that we visited.

Jacob’s Creek

While at Jacob’s Creek we tasted a wide variety of their wines. During this visit however, it was the Shiraz that stood out. After tasting many Jacob's Creek wines here are a few photo highlights of the wines that stood out.

1. Reserve and Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Jacob's Creek, Reserve & Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 © Spaswinefood

2. Reserve and Double Barrel Shiraz 2013

Jacob's Creek Reserve & Double Barrel Shiraz 2013 © Spaswinefood

2. Johann Shiraz/Cabernet 2013; Jacob's Creek Johann/Cabernet 2005  

Jacob's Creek/Johann Shiraz/Cabernet 2013 & 2005 © Spaswinefood

These top Jacob's Creek wines were excellent.

Lou Miranda Estate

It was lunchtime when we arrived at Lou Miranda Estate, Rowland Flat. 

Lou Miranda Estate © Spaswinefood 

Lou Miranda Estate © Spaswinefood 

This time we elected to start lunch with two wine flights (white and super premium red).

Lou Miranda Estate Wine Flights © Spaswinefood 

Wine Flights, Lou Miranda Estate © Spaswinefood 

Wine Tasting at Lou Miranda Estate © Spaswinefood 

We find that ordering a wine flight is a great alternative to doing a regular wine tasting.

Cheese Plate & Lou Miranda Estate Wine Flights © Spaswinefood 

After sampling the wines we decided on a Lou Miranda Estate Old Vine Shiraz 2012 for lunch. It was clearly the wine that stood out.

Lou Miranda Estate, Old Vine Shiraz 2012 © Spaswinefood 

Lou Miranda Estate, Old Vine Shiraz 2012 © Spaswinefood 

Our main courses included:

Seafood Pasta, Lou Miranda Restaurant © Spaswinefood 

Pumpkin Gonocci, Lou Miranda Restaurant © Spaswinefood 

The pastas went well with Lou Miranda Estate Old Vine Shiraz 2012.

Lou Miranda Restaurant © Spaswinefood 

Our lunch at Lou Miranda's was fabulous. Earlier when we asked about the best places for dining in the area the Vintners Bar and Grill, Angaston and 1918 Bistro and Grill in Tanunda were recommended. While in the Barossa Valley we also dined at the Vine Inn Pub and ate breakfast at the Linke's Bakery in Nuriootpa. Both of these are excellent places for casual dining.

Visitors to Barossa Valley will discover winemakers and chefs offering gastronomic delights. There are also activities such as hot-air ballooning, cycling and so much more (things to do and see). Look for the Barossa Trust Mark on products and experiences that meet an exceptional standard (Origin, Integrity, Quality, Environment and Community).

 Jacob's Creek, Tanunda © Spaswinefood

Throughout the region’s towns, villages and hamlets you will find many culinary delights ranging from farmers markets to fine dining. Similarly you will find accommodations for every budget from student hostels and caravan parks to romantic country cottages, boutique hotels and more.

Getting to and from the Barossa Valley

Located an hour’s drive from Adelaide the Barossa Valley is easily accessible by car, bus and train. Adelaide, South Australia is served by domestic and international flights. There a number of scenic routes that you can take to explore all that the valley has to offer. The main towns in the valley include Tanunda, Nuriootpa, Angaston, Lyndoch and Williamstown. Barossa also makes a perfect base for exploring other nearby wine areas: Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley and Murray River.

Both Jacob’s Creek and Lou Miranda Estate wineries were indeed great places to discover some of the best of Barossa Valley's wines. You will also soon discover that Barossa Valley wines will keep calling you back. I invite you to join me in my travel experiences in Australia and elsewhere at Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

June 2015

Nuriootpa, Australia

© Spaswinefood

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