Where to stay in the Barossa Valley

By Sue Gough Henly

The beautiful Barossa Valley, just a one-hour drive north of Adelaide, is perhaps Australia's most famous wine region, renowned for its big and bold shiraz-based wines. Picturesque spired churches dot a landscape patchworked with vines, farms and villages that still retain their German heritage. Quaint vineyard cottages, hotels and classic Australian homesteads are among the distinctive places to stay.

The Louise

Where: Corner of Seppeltsfield and Stonewell Roads, Marananga, Barossa Valley

The Louise offers five-star boutique luxury overlooking a vineyard-dotted valley with views of the Barossa Ranges. Each of the 15 large, well-equipped suites has a private courtyard and expansive marble bathroom. Dine in the hotel's superb Appellation restaurant, which offers seasonal local tasting menus designed to complement the hotel's exceptional wine list. Indulge in The Louise's bespoke guided tours, private wine tastings and cooking classes to get a real insider's view of the Barossa.

Orchard House

Where: Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley

For an immersion in the Barossa Valley's food culture, stay in a beautifully restored two-bedroom farmhouse surrounded by a 100-year-old orchard. It is owned by Australian slow food trailblazer and celebrity cook Maggie Beer. The farmhouse has a state-of-the art kitchen in which you can cook up a feast from the produce, fruit and herbs on site plus what you discover at the Barossa Farmers Market. Maggie's popular Farm Shop is just a five-minute walk away. 

Novotel Barossa Valley Resort

Where: 42 Pioneer Avenue, Barossa Valley

If you are looking for a complete resort experience with tennis courts, outdoor heated pool, spa, adjacent golf course, and even a basketball and volleyball court, book a room, suite or apartment at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort at the southern end of the valley. At the spacious Cellar Kitchen restaurant share plates of tasty seasonal specialties from the Barossa Valley courtesy of local chef and farmer Saskia Beer (Maggie Beer's daughter), who also leads guided tours of the Barossa Farmers Market among other culinary offerings. Enjoy free Barossa wine tastings each evening. 

Kingsford Homestead

Where: Kingsford Road, Kingsford

For an upscale Aussie outback experience, stay in a classic 1856 Georgian homestead on the outskirts of the Barossa Valley. There are seven spacious suites in this beautifully restored sandstone homestead, which is so pretty that it was once used as the set for a popular Australian television show called McLeod's Daughters. Relax in a claw-foot bath in a private bush setting, go for a walk to look for kangaroos, kookaburras and parrots, or swim in the pool. 

Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage

Where: 27 Gerald Roberts Road, Seppeltsfield

Relax into cosy luxury in this award-winning, beautifully restored 19th century one-bedroom cottage surrounded by gardens and vines. It evokes the heart and soul of the Barossa. Owners Sharyn Rogers and Peter Milhinch play close attention to every detail, from supplying the finest local foods and providing underfloor heating and wood fires, to giving insider tips for exploring the region. Go on a personal tour of their vineyard with Peter and dine at one of Barossa’s finest restaurants, Hentley Farm, next door. They'll even drive you home.

The Kirche

Where: Krondorf Road, Tanunda

If you fancy spending the night in one of Barossa's quaint village churches, look no further than The Kirche, which has been tastefully converted by legendary Barossa winemaker Charlie Melton and his wife Virginia. Relax in this stylish two-bedroom retreat, not far from the township of Tanunda, which has a wood fireplace in a spacious living room, fully equipped black granite kitchen, barbecue and vineyard vistas.

Abbotsford Country House

Where: 219 Yaldara Drive, Lyndoch

Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in one of just eight spacious, individually decorated suites at Abbotsford Country House, set on 20 hectares (50 acres) of farmland not far from the town of Lyndoch. Each suite in this luxury bed and breakfast accommodation offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. The superb a la carte country breakfast features local produce.