After too long, Lambs’ Ears and The Bloke head back to the Barossa Valley, enjoying the luxury of a stay at Barossa Shiraz Estate.
It’s a fact of life – well, my life – that being busy exploring different corners of the world can mean that our own back yard gets a little neglected. The Barossa Valley is an incredibly special part of South Australia, and one I just don’t seem to get to often enough. So when I was asked to check out the luxury B and B accommodation at Barossa Shiraz Estate The Bloke and I leapt at the opportunity to not only enjoy the fabulous facilities on offer at this delightful accommodation, but also to explore the region a little.
Presented by Tony and Julie Smith, the peerless team who own and manage the iconic Flinders Ranges Rawnsley Park Station, Barossa Shiraz Estate is a beautifully renovated collection of luxury cottages. Situated on an historic property in Lyndoch, they are (helpfully) located within walking distance of some of this noted region’s wineries and restaurants.
There’s a selection of accommodation options available, with the various properties suitable for couples, families or groups of friends – and all have the full range of luxury offerings, including spa baths, free wi-fi, gardens, fine linens, luxury toiletries, extraordinarily generous breakfast provisions, log fires and air conditioners.
The Bloke and I found ourselves in The Barn, and were instantly struck by the sense of welcome as we stepped in the door, from the winter chill of a Barossa afternoon. The comfortably furnished rooms were already cosy and warm, but the log fire was ready for us to light – for any required added cosiness. Waiting on the table, was a beautifully presented greeting in the form of a bottle of wine, two glasses and a snack platter.
In the quality kitchen, the fridge held all we’d need for a full cooked breakfast, the kettle was ready go on and, happily for me, was accompanied by a full selection of fine tea. There was also a coffee machine for Himself’s gratification and a jar of delicious home made biscuits.
The breathtaking bedroom view.
The bedroom upstairs offers spectacular views across the valley and the adjacent bathroom is nothing short of stunning. Elegantly fitted out with a double vanity and huge double shower, the showpiece of this room is the enormous spa bath which also offers the same, full panorama.
Before our arrival we’d already begun catching up on some of my earmarked must-sees in the region.
We’d kicked off the morning with a structured Riesling tasting at Rielsing Freak (bookings required). I adore Riesling and this unique experience had been on my list for some time. I was not disappointed, coming away with a case of their very splendid aged Riesling.
From there we indulged in another local drop or two, and lunch at Vino Lokal in Tanunda. More than just a wine bar, this popular spot offers wines from a selection of smaller Barossa producers, and offers a food menu that celebrates the region’s food heritage and traditions. It has been named as “Best Tasting Experience – Barossa Valley” in the Gourmet Traveller WINE’s Best Cellar Door Awards 2019.
Pork belly at Vino Lokal
Figuring, after a big lunch, that dinner would be just a light snack, we stocked up on cheese at the award-winning Barossa Valley Cheese Company and purchased the necessary accompanying carbs at Tanunda’s historical Apex Bakery, so were happy to settle in for the evening.
After a great night’s sleep, we awoke to a glorious Barossa morning with the kind of spectacular sunrise that couldn’t be bettered in Hollywood.
After a slow start to the morning, and a leisurely cooked breakfast, we reluctantly departed Barossa Shiraz Estate. I had been planning to barricade myself in The Barn so they couldn’t make me go, but The Bloke cunningly lured me away with promises of gin – I’m cheap like that.
Apparently drinking gin in the morning on a week day isn’t a big thing (who knew?), so we had Seppeltsfield Road Distillers pretty much to ourselves. Their structured tasting is well worth the small investment and genuinely opens out the full range of the aromatics in their artisan gin. It certainly helped us make our selection and we left with several bottles tucked under our arms.
From there, hungry again and weakened by such a taxing morning, we drove around the corner for lunch at Fino at Seppeltsfield. We treated ourselves to their four plates, plus dessert option. The servings were generous and the food exceptional – just as you’d expect from such a noted dining venue.
Slow cooked lamb at Fino
Rhubarb Tart, Fino
With lunch over, we left the Barossa Valley happy, sated – and with the car clinking a little from our contributions to the local economy. 
Lambs’ Ears and The Bloke were guests of Barossa Shiraz Estate. All other mentioned experiences were independently paid for.
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