Things To Do…
There are numerous things to do to occupy your time in the Barossa Valley and Light Country.
Premium wines, including the world-famous Barossa Valley Shiraz and Eden Valley Riesling, regional produce and acclaimed restaurants are all paired together to provide a gastronomic experience second to none. The picturesque rolling hills of the Barossa Ranges overlook a colourful patchwork of vineyards and picture-book villages, dotted with historic churches, stone buildings, thatched-roof barns and cottages beckoning visitors to explore. You will find yourself wishing you had stayed longer.
On the official Barossa Valley tourism website at http://www.barossa.com/ you will find an extensive list of experiences covering self guided tours, walking and cycling, food and wine attractions, shopping, galleries and museums, parks and gardens, children and families and golf. There are also links to commercial tour providers where you can choose from a wide variety of transport options including bike hire, hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours, trikes and of course buses and cars.
The website also covers information on the towns that comprise the Barossa Valley, the history, traditions and culture of the region, events, information on the climate, how to get here and much more. And of course, there are the wineries. You can download a touring map (we keep copies in the cottage) and plan your trip before you arrive, or just take it as it comes and discover your own Barossa.
While you are here, don’t miss the opportunity to head north to Light Country. Just 15 minutes north along Kapunda Road awaits endless changing views taking you from rolling hills and farmland, to historic sites and trails. Explore the Kapunda Heritage Mine Site and learn of the trail blazing experience of innovation and endurance at the Kapunda Folk Museum. Hike, cycle or drive historic trails and discover our unique heritage and picturesque townships. Explore the Kapunda Mural Art Trail and if you are feeling brave book in for a ghost tour in the most haunted town in Australia. For more ideas or itinerates, go to https://www.lightcountry.com.au/ or visit Kapunda Visitor Information Centre 51-53 Main Street Kapunda. You will be delighted and surprised.
Within Walking Distance…
Wineries
Murray Street Vineyards tasting room is just down the road on the way to Nuriootpa and we highly recommend you visit. They are open for wine tasting and sales from 10am to 6pm seven days a week, and sometimes later in summer. The tasting room/cellar door is the perfect setting to sample the award winning MSV range of wines. Visitors can also linger over a platter of local produce, whilst savouring a glass of Murray Street Vineyards’ finest.
Dell’uva Wines on Murray Street are open Sunday – Thursday 10am-5.30pm and Friday – Saturday 10am-7pm. They have one of the largest collections of European varieties in Australia, with 44 currently and a further 55 planted for the future. Local tasting platters are also available.
Kalleske Wine Store across the road towards the pub is open for tasting by the glass and bottle, and the cellar door opens up to a large grass area out the back to sit and relax. It is open 10am to 5pm seven days a week. The Kalleske family are active practitioners of sustainable farming. All Kalleske wines are estate grown and vinified with minimalist wine making techniques used to fully capture the essence of the vineyard allowing genuine hand-made estate wines to be produced. I highly recommend a tasting.
Schluter Wines is operated by local identity Mick Schluter, and currently opens Fridays, Saturday and Sundays from 11am until 6pm. It is located on Adelaide Road in the bright white shed just around the corner from the pub. You can do a vertical tasting of his sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, and three Shiraz vintages, all from Mick’s own vineyard at Belvidere. Other vintages, starting with 2015, will arrive soon.
Ballycroft Vineyard and Cellars is owned by Sue and Joe Evans and is located on Adelaide Road. You will notice their sign in the driveway. Their cellar door is not open all the time so instead they ask you to book a tasting to receive a unique cellar door experience where you can relax, enjoy and appreciate what Ballycroft Vineyard and Cellars has to offer. A personal tasting is available daily 11am-4pm, hosted by Joe or Sue, Winemaker/Viticulturist/Owner. Small groups of 1- 8 are welcome. Please phone Joe on 0488 638 488
Alkina Wine Estate is a leisurely 15minute stroll down Mill Street, following the Greenock Creek Landcare Walk under old gums to Victor Road, will take you to this biodynamic winery offering unique micro-terroir wines. All Alkina wines are grown and handpicked from their NASAA certified vineyard and the tasting room is open Friday – Monday 11am -5pm. Picnic baskets are available by selection from their pantry.
Places to eat
El Estanco is a licenced, South American influenced café, just a few steps to the left of the cottage along Murray Street. They offer barista coffee, specialty teas, breakfast and a cabinet full of sweet treats. Using fresh produce sourced from the many Barossa artisans and from their own garden, they offer a changing lunch menu. Open Wednesday to Monday 8am -4pm and till late Friday nights. Friday Fiesta is held on alternate weeks when they serve either wood fired pizzas or bespoke menus. For more information regarding what is happening next door, check out their social pages or drop in and ask about their next Friday Fiesta menu inspiration.
Greenock Tavern is open everyday 11am till midnight (times vary on Monday and Sunday) for drinks and meals. It is family run and has a good reputation for dining so it might pay to make a reservation. The entire menu is also available as take-away. Call them on (08) 8562 8136 if you would like to give it a try.
Greenock Convenience Store located on Adelaide Road and open 7 days a week 7am until 7:30pm. They offer a good range of grocery items and a take-away menu. If you are looking for a quick hamburger and chips, Sandy and Rod can help you out.
Places to visit
Hygge Home & Vintage opposite the cottage is a home wares and vintage store. Pop in and receive a warm welcome from Trudi, in her delightful store bursting with items and gifts at reasonable prices. Opening hours are Thursday to Monday, 11am till 4pm.
Greenock Centenary Park is located down a lane-way, just across the road. It is the home of Greenock Cricket Club – The Schlungers and throughout summer you can catch a Saturday/Sunday cricket game. The park is dog friendly and has a newly developed playground.
Brewery
Greenock Brewers (Barossa Brewing Company) is next door to the cottage, with its entrance around the corner. A small boutique brewery, their hallmarks are natural ingredients, tradition and quality. The brewery is located in the historic 1860’s former Wheat Store. Currently open Friday to Sundays and public holidays 11am to 7pm. Weekday tastings available by appointment.