There’s something utterly magical about the Barossa Valley in winter. Misty mornings give way to sun-drenched afternoons, the air is crisp with the scent of eucalyptus and woodsmoke, and the region’s world-class red wines truly come into their own. For wine lovers seeking a weekend escape that combines soul-warming sips, hearty meals, and intimate cellar door moments, the Barossa is simply unbeatable.
Here’s our perfect itinerary for wine enthusiasts, couples and food lovers looking to spend a winter weekend in the Barossa Valley, complete with indulgent dining and a memorable behind-the-scenes experience at Two Sisters Wine Company.
Day 1: Historic Icons & Cellar Door Discoveries
Early Morning: Scenic Drive from Adelaide
Start your weekend with an early departure for the picturesque hour-long drive through rolling countryside. Getting an early start means you'll have the roads mostly to yourself, and the journey sets the perfect tone for your Barossa adventure.
Late Morning: Seppeltsfield Winery
Why it's unmissable: Australia's most historic winery offers something truly unique.
Begin at Seppeltsfield, where you can taste 100-year-old Tawny straight from the barrel in their legendary Centennial Cellar. This spine-tingling experience connects you directly to Australian wine history.
Insider tip: Book the premium tasting to access rare vintage ports.
Lunch: Fino at Seppeltsfield
Located within the winery grounds, Fino delivers refined seasonal dishes in a stunning sandstone setting. Their winter menu perfectly complements Seppeltsfield's wines, with dishes like slow-braised lamb and roasted root vegetables.
Must-try: The wine-matched degustation menu
Afternoon Stroll: Angaston
Explore this charming historic town with its beautiful bluestone architecture and artisanal shops.
Essential stops:
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Casa Carboni: Italian-style coffee and pastries (closes 2 PM - be quick!)
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Barossa Cheese Company: Sample award-winning local cheeses and perhaps pick up some to enjoy later
- Murray Street boutiques: Unique local crafts and produce
Afternoon: Yalumba Winery
Next, head to Yalumba, Australia's oldest family-owned winery that combines heritage with innovation. Don't miss their onsite cooperage (barrel-making facility) and elegant cellar door tastings.
Highlight: Their signature Eden Valley Riesling and flagship Signature Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blend
Check-in: Christian's Cottage, Tanunda
Retreat to Christian’s Cottage, a charming and beautifully restored stone cottage on Langmeil Road. Cosy, private, and perfectly positioned for a weekend of wine tasting, it’s your Barossa home away from home. Expect soft linens, a crackling fireplace, and a welcome bottle of local wine to toast your arrival.
This is also perfectly located for a short stroll and wine tasting at Michael Hall Wines and Langmeil Winery, in addition to Two Sisters Wine Company and David Franz a little further down the road, or simply unwind before dinner.
Dinner: 1918 Bistro & Grill
For dinner, stroll or drive to 1918 Bistro & Grill, a Barossa institution set in a lovingly restored villa. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with timber floors, open fireplaces and a menu full of comforting winter favourites. Think slow-cooked lamb shoulder, confit duck, and a wine list celebrating the best of the region.
Day 2: Small-Town Charm & Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
Morning: Explore Tanunda
Start the day in the beating heart of the Barossa Valley - Tanunda. Rich in German heritage, wine culture, and artisan charm, it’s the perfect base for anyone looking to soak up the region’s soul. While it’s best known for its proximity to iconic wineries like Langmeil, Rockford, and Chateau Tanunda, Tanunda’s main street (Murray Street) is worth exploring in its own right.
Duck inside one of the town’s cosy cafes like Keils Fine Food & Coffee or Four Seasons of Nosh.
Keils is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. With its rustic country charm, it serves strong coffee, hearty breakfasts, house-baked goods, and some of the best sausage rolls in the region. Great for a casual bite while people-watching on Murray Street. Four Seasons of Nosh is a delightful café nestled in the heart of Tanunda. Known for its eclectic charm and warm hospitality, it offers a cozy retreat for both locals and visitors.
What to explore on Murray Street:
- German heritage architecture
- Local boutiques and galleries
- Traditional German bakeries
- Local Visitor Centre
Late Morning & Lunch: Two Sisters Wine Company
The highlight experience: Behind-the-scenes winemaking and vineyard tour followed by guided food and wine pairing lunch. Each wine is beautifully matched with seasonal, locally inspired dishes – the kind of lunch that leaves you both satisfied and inspired.
This immersive experience includes:
- Private cellar and barrel room access
- Meet-the-winemaker session
- Seasonal, locally-sourced dishes paired with estate wines
- Small-group intimate setting
Why it's special: One of the few wineries offering comprehensive behind-the-scenes experiences in the region with chef prepared food and wine pairings.
Afternoon: Relax & Unwind or Enjoy Some More Wine
After lunch, choose your own adventure – either relax back at your accommodation, stroll to more wineries in the area, or venture out to Henschke for their legendary Hill of Grace single-vineyard Shiraz and vineyard tour (booking essential).
Evening: fermentAsian
End your weekend with something completely different. Chef and owner Tuoi Do draws from her Vietnamese heritage and local produce, much of which is sourced from her family's own gardens, to create dishes that are both authentic and innovative. The Vietnamese-inspired cuisine is light, flavourful and perfectly balanced – a brilliant contrast to the hearty fare elsewhere in the Barossa. Signature dishes include pork belly with caramel and chilli, and Hanoi-style spring rolls. The wine list has also been recognised as one of the best in the country.
Signature dishes:
- Pork belly with caramel and chilli
- Hanoi-style spring rolls
- Vietnamese-style duck pancakes
Essential Planning Information
Getting There
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By car: 1 hour from Adelaide via A20
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By tour: Multiple day tour operators available
- Accommodation: Book winter stays 2-3 months ahead
What to Pack for Winter
- Warm layers (mornings can be 5°C)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain jacket (winter showers possible)
Money-Saving Tips
- Many wineries offer free tastings with purchases
- Look for winter accommodation packages
- Cook at your accommodation one night to enjoy a cosy night in with local produce at a lower price point
Making Reservations
Essential bookings:
- Accommodation
- Two Sisters Wine Company food and wine experience
- Restaurants
- Premium wine tastings at Seppeltsfield and Henschke
Why This Itinerary Works
This weekend perfectly balances heritage experiences, modern touches, culinary diversity and relaxation time.The Barossa Valley in winter offers something magical that busy harvest seasons simply can't match: intimate, unhurried experiences with winemakers, cosy fireside dinners, and the kind of soul-warming moments that create lasting memories.
Whether this is your first Barossa adventure or your fifteenth visit, winter reveals new depths to this world-renowned wine region. The combination of heritage-rich experiences, innovative food and wine pairings, and the warmth of local hospitality makes for an unforgettable weekend escape.