For this edition of our Discover series, we’re heading to the famous Barossa Valley in South Australia. Located north-east of Adelaide, the area boasts an array of high-profile wineries, including Spinifex, who are especially known for producing stand-out Shiraz.

Spinifex is owned and run by Peter Schell and Magali Gely, and was established just over 20 years ago. The winery also has a strong French influence, with Magali’s family having a long history as vignerons near Montpellier, and Peter having spent six of the last 10 harvest seasons working in Provence, the Languedoc, Bordeaux and Burgundy.

International influence

The Barossa Valley needs no introduction among wine lovers, but certainly deserves a lot of attention. This internationally acclaimed region has a wine history dating back to 1842, with some wineries now in the care of sixth generation farmers. These farmers and winemakers are also the fortunate custodians of Australia’s largest collection of old vines, with some dating back to the 1840s.

The region was first developed for agriculture and viticulture after European settlement by the British, but, shortly after, Silesian Lutheran emigrants from Prussia brought a distinctly German influence. This was due to the largest landowner in the region, London banker and merchant George Fife Angas, needing plenty of help on his 11,300ha. The influence of these settlers is still clear in Barossa, with beautiful Lutheran churches dotted around, a baking tradition, and grape growers with names like Schulz, Kalleske and Kaesler.

Barossa old vines

Two other immigrants also had a notable influence on the future of the Barossa Valley. Samuel Smith, a brewer from Dorset arrived in Barossa in 1847, to get to work with George Angas. Working as a gardener, he soon realized that the soil and the climate were perfectly suited to vines. So, he immediately bought 12ha of land from George and planted the first Yalumba vineyard in 1849. Similarly, Johann Gramp, a farmer from Bavaria in Germany, arrived in the Barossa Valley in 1847 and settled on the banks of Jacob's Creek. Reaching the same conclusion as Samuel, he requested Riesling cuttings from Germany. Thanks to the foresight of these pioneers, the Barossa boasts carefully protected old vines that are still producing amazing wines today.

Out and about

In addition to fantastic winery experiences, Barossa Valley offers plenty for adrenaline junkies, history buffs, and the outdoorsy. Tradition and history are combined with modern creativity to offer an ideal holiday destination. Enjoy a walk in one of the many conservation parks, or splurge on a hot air balloon ride to take in the views of the beautiful valley and its vineyards.

Delve into the region’s history with a visit to Anlaby, one of Australia’s greatest homesteads and one of the first grand rural properties of South Australia. It was established in 1839, when a flock of 5,000 sheep were walked all the way from Sydney – a massive journey of 1,200km. Home to the oldest merino stud in Australia, the house and gardens are open for tours that give an impression of life in the 1800s.

The JamFactory at Sheppeltsfield is a hub of creativity. Housed in former horse stables, the shop and gallery boasts the best of modern Australian art and design, and supports local artisans as well. Visitors will find anything from ceramics and glass art to leather and millinery, with changing exhibitions also filling the space.   

JamFactory

Fantastic for Foodies

With some 150 wineries in the region, the Barossa Valley is bound to have some excellent restaurants as well, with so many wines available for food and wine pairings. Spinifex is part of Artisans of Barossa, a group of wineries with a shared goal of preserving and promoting small-batch winemaking. Their wines are paired with regional food at their Wine Room in Tanunda in the Barossa Valley. At the Wine Room, on the aptly named Vine Vale road, tastings are done per theme such as Discovery or Rarities, rather than per producer. Artisans of Barossa also offers a dining space called Essen, where multiple-course menus are paired with wines from the artisans.

Artisans of Barossa's base

The region is also home to world-famous chefs such as Maggie Beer, whose farm shop and restaurant showcases the best produce available. Foodies can also try one of Maggie’s flagship products, Verjuice: a gentler version of vinegar made from the juice of unfermented grapes.  

Should you have more time on your hands, why not follow the Ultimate Barossa Foodie Itinerary? It’s enough to make us want to jump on a plane right now! Including wineries, top restaurants, a farmers’ market, and wine blending experiences, this three-day itinerary can only be inspiring.   

Spinifex: European influence in the Barossa Valley

Spinifex was established when Magali and Peter got the opportunity to source some old-vine Mataro from the Barossa Valley's Western Ridge. These days, they have spread their wings to Eden Valley as well, taking advantage of various soils and meso-climates.

Focusing on Mediterranean varieties such as Shiraz, Mataro, Grenache, Carignan, Marsanne and Semillon, they make wines that display the various vineyards’ provenance as well as the vintage. They also focus on emphasizing a regional typicity with their signature so-called ‘house style’. 

Magali and Peter’s connections to France also fuelled their interest in making hand-crafted wines with personality. We’re big fans of their elegant Syrah, with its vibrant black fruit and black pepper, liquorice and savoury notes.