Spring in the Barossa, South Australia
By Owen Carmichael
In 1842 a congregation of 200 German Lutheran farmers from Silesia made the hazardous journey to the Barossa valley in South Australia. They brought with them the peasant arts of smoking meats, preserving fruits, making cheeses, and, above all, making wine, a basic part of their life. After 160 years of refinement, these traditions are still strong. Visitors to the Barossa can choose from wineries offering the combination of food, music, and wine that best suit their particular tastes: a chamber orchestra, charbroiled tuna, and Chenin Blanc at one winery; an Irish jig, kangaroo satays, and Shiraz at another.
Every spring, in early October, the Barossa music festival offers a mix of performers from Australia and overseas. The success of this festival of chamber music and jazz comes from its blend of performances, the settings (in historic churches or wine cellars), and the accompanying food and wine. The standards are high. Accommodations range from 5-star to budget.
For More Info
The South Australian Travel Center; 011-61-8-1300-655276, fax 011-61-08-8303-2249; www.southaustralia.com (Ground Floor, 18 King William St., Adelaide SA 5000). Details on accommodations in Adelaide and transport from Adelaide, including car rentals and coaches. Ask for the comprehensive brochure "Barossa Secrets." Their branch in the Barossa Valley (011-61-8-8563-0600, fax 011-61-8-8563-0616; www.barossa-region.org) has details on local accommodations and transport.
Festival Information: P.O. Box 577, Angaston, SA 5252, Australia; 011-61-8-8564-2577, fax 011-61-8-8564-2599; www.barossa.org/news_03.html.
Winery Tours: One of the best deals is a day tour around the wineries. Prices range from AUS$42 to AUS$250. A good midrange tour from Adelaide is Classic Times Amongst the Vines at AUS$149, including morning tea, lunch, and tastings. Contact 011-61-8-8340-9595, fax 011-61-8-8340-9696; www.adelaidesightseeing.com.au. You can also go ballooning (AUS$213), take a train (AUS$130), or drive yourself.
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