The Barossa Valley is Australia’s most celebrated wine region. With lush, rolling hills of green, yellow and gold producing some of the world’s finest Shiraz, Cab Sauv and Grenache, it should come as little surprise that connoisseurs and weekenders alike flock to this multicultural wonderland.
And anywhere there is world class wine there is bound to be a few gastronomical delights, right? Well, top class Barossa Shiraz isn’t the only thing the region is famous for, with a delectable host of culinary experiences awaiting you during your revitalising stay there.
These are a few of the gastronomical experiences you cannot overlook in this most charming and fertile part of Oz:
1. Prepare sumptuous Italian feasts
This region is famed for its Italian heritage, and the tradition lives on through the Casa Carboni cooking school. Offering four weekly classes of up to 10 guests, you will learn how to prepare some true Italian favourites under the guidance of top chef Matteo Carboni.
The classes include a seasonal cooking class based on local ingredients, a traditional Italian class, a vegetarian masterclass and pasta making, ensuring that you will leave the school with some impressive new cooking skills.
2. The Farm Eatery
Anyone who has ever had the faintest interest in Aussie cooking will know the name Maggie Beer. A national icon, Maggie is as famous for her joyful energy on The Cook & the Chef as she is for her delightful condiments and verjuice.
She is also a Barossa icon, being one of the pioneers of the region’s modern gastro tourism industry. She has transformed her home into The Farm Eatery, a tour de force of fabulous cuisine and amazing cooking experiences.
If you’ve ever added a splash of her famous verjuice to your salad, tart, mayonnaise – whatever – you might be interested to know that one of these divine cooking experiences is learning how to make just that: her famous verjuice!
3. Farmers markets
The region is a treasure trove of legendary producers making anything from world class Barossa Shiraz (duh) to award-winning cheeses, fresh meats, fruit, veg and vibrant flowers.
The region has two farmers markets, both of which could easily sit atop a list of Australia’s best, and both serving up different goodies to the other, ensuring you’re in for a unique experience with a visit to each of these buzzing marketplaces.
4. Wine tasting experiences
Obviously, no world class wine region would be complete without some fantastic tasting experiences, and this wondrous region is absolutely full of them! From the valley’s most famous wineries like Jacob’s Creek and Yalumba through to incredibly thoughtful tastings at Cooper Burns and Rieslingfreak, there is no shortage of places to have a healthy tipple and a couple of bottles sent home for later, too…
5. Wine & chocolate pairing
Fine wine and chocolate go together like it’s no one’s business, and this age-old treat of the gods can be learned to the highest efficiency level with a local wine and chocolate pairing experience. Learn how to put these two divine indulgences together with a professional offering detailed notes on how to create that dream combination.
As you can see, the heart of Australian viticulture is also the country’s gourmet melting pot, with all the delectable goodies you could ever need to fill a healthy cornucopia of deliciousness and enjoy the lifestyle.
So, book yourself into one (or all!) of these unforgettable culinary experiences and take away some healthy knowledge to add to your bon vivant repertoire!
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