South Australia has grown to become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia. Loved for its beautiful scenery and famous for its food and wine culture, this part of the world is ideal for romantic getaways or energetic group trips. From busy day trips to relaxing weekends and more, the picturesque city of Adelaide and vineyards of South Australia are meant to be enjoyed.

Food and Wine History

The food and wine industry in South Australia has a proud and colourful history. While the industry may be young by global standards, forward-thinking wine producers and chefs continue to make their mark on the global scene. The immense potential of the countryside north of Adelaide was recognised as early as the 1800s for having a similar geography and climate to France’s famous Rhone Valley.

The wine industry soon began to flourish in the Barossa, McLaren Vale, and nearby Adelaide Hills, with 18 unique and distinctive regions now recognised across South Australia. While the local wine industry was originally inspired by France, the distinct differences of the regions were soon recognised as a feature. As the wine industry matured in South Australia, a rich farming and food culture also sprang into life.

Generally speaking, South Australian wine is known for its smooth new-world flavours, inspired by environmentally-conscious production methods and geologically-diverse landscapes. With many of Australia’s best chefs relocating to wineries and restaurants around Adelaide, the local food and wine scenes inspire and complement each other more and more each season

Why Visit South Australia for Wine?

Visiting South Australia for winery tours and tastings is a must-do trip for any domestic or international visitor. The Australian Grape and Wine Authority is based in Adelaide for a reason, with the favourable climate and environmental purity of the surrounding area helping to guide and inspire an increasingly mature and sophisticated wine industry.

Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley is the most famous of all wine-producing regions in South Australia. This area is home to world-famous Shiraz, grown from some of the oldest vines in the world, along with some ground-breaking Grenache, Mourvèdre, Semillon, and fortified wines. The majority of wines produced in the state come from the Barossa and Eden Valleys, with wine tastings available at multiple wineries throughout the region.

Wine Tastings

Selective wine tastings are available at world-renowned vineyards and cellars across South Australia. The following three wineries have a reputation for unique and high quality wines:

Jacob’s Creek Winery

Located in the heart of the Barossa Valley, Jacob’s Creek is Australia’s largest wine producer. This world-famous winery offers over 160 years of winemaking expertise, with a number of premium reds and whites expressing the character of the local landscape. From dark and broody to sweet and fresh, Jacob’s Creek wines are diverse and versatile. The Jacob’s Creek winery and award-winning restaurant are located in the heart of the Barossa Valley at Rowland Flat, which is just over an hour from the Adelaide CBD.

Saltram Wine Estate

Saltram Wine Estate is a Barossa Valley icon with a tradition of winemaking excellence and great taste. Like other wineries in the Barossa, this estate is mostly famous for its deep, warm reds made from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache. If you want to indulge in wine tastings at the Saltram Cellar Door or visit Salter’s Restaurant, the Saltram Wine Estate is easy to access in the heart of the Barossa at Angaston, South Australia.

Lambert Estate Wines

Lambert Estate combines premium wines with exotic characters and varietal expression for an authentic taste of the Barossa. This beloved estate offers multiple wine tasting opportunities and culinary delights just 1 hour and 15 minutes from the centre of Adelaide. The entire Barossa region is easy to access from the M20 highway, with multiple accommodation options available at the winery or in Angaston and other nearby towns.

Why Visit South Australia for Food?

Along with its world famous wine culture, South Australia has become known for its high quality produce and world class restaurants. South Australia’s climate helps to produce some of the world’s best local ingredients, including tasty seafood, apples, pears, melons, tomatoes, and greens. When combined with the sophistication of the local wine industry, it’s easy to see why this region attracts some of the best chefs and restaurateurs in the land.

Food Tasting

The food scene in South Australia has taken off in recent years, both in Adelaide and throughout the surrounding regions. Food and drink always go together, with the wine culture in South Australia acting as a catalyst for high quality produce and amazing new restaurants. The following three destinations offer unique and mouth watering food delights:

Maggie Beer Farm Shop

Maggie’s Beer Farm Shop and its restaurant is a fantastic asset for the local region. The Farm Shop offers visitors a chance to taste, eat, and learn as they walk around the renovated Function Centre and enjoy a number of delicious treats. With amazing products and daily demonstrations, Maggie’s Beer Farm Shop is a great option for people who prefer beer tasting sessions as an alternative to wine tastings. The Farm Shop is located off the A20 near Nuriootpa, just an hour from the centre of Adelaide.

FINO at Seppeltsfield

FINO at Seppeltsfield is an architectural delight and memorable dining experience. This restaurant is all about long lunches and a warm dinner atmosphere that reflects the generous food sharing culture of Italy. The award-winning FINO menu combines authenticity and precision with local produce and a thoughtful wine list. Located in the heart of the Barossa just over an hour from Adelaide, the team behind FINO believe in the alchemy that happens when you combine quality food and wine with a culture of sharing and love.

Adelaide Central Market

Adelaide Central Market is a great alternative for people who want to experience fresh produce and local ingredients in a friendly relaxed setting. Formal wine tastings and restaurants are not of interest to everyone, with this market offering a humble introduction to South Australian food culture. You can find a huge variety of local produce at the market, from apples and pears through to seafood and organic meats. There are a number of great restaurants, bars, and food shops operating from this central market, including The Providore, House of Organics, and Le Souk.

About AAT Kings

AAT Kings offers immersive food and wine tours for people who want to explore the many tastes of South Australia. The Barossa Food and Wine Experience is a much-loved full-day tour that explores South Australia’s premium wine region. From fresh organic produce through to sophisticated wineries, South Australia is an accessible, friendly, and delicious destination for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.

For the ultimate food and wine lover’s long weekend, discover the Flavours of South Australia Inspiring Journey that visits many of the destinations mentioned above.