All the best wine tours begin before 8am... right?
Mid-spring was the perfect time for a lazy, hazy day touring the best parts of Barossa Valley.
Floating on cloud nine through the sun-kissed, arid landscape with the subtle taste of merlot on your lips - is there better way to spend the day with friends?
The South Australian region is home to a number of wineries, some of them among the oldest in the world! Any person wandering around the southern territory should have Barossa Valley on their timetables.
The Groovy Grape Tour bus had us adventuring through several landmarks before beginning the wine tour. And if seeing a giant rocking horse isn't on your bucket list, it should be now!
Situated very appropriately beside the wooden toy factory which is sure to transport you back in time.
Next up was the Whispering Wall, a giant dam built 110 years ago which, with its unique circular shape, could allow two people at opposite ends of the 140metre wall to hear each other. A man-made miracle.
And then the morning really began.
Jacob's Creek is one of the most famous brands in the UK (and the largest exporter in the valley!) which I have enjoyed on many an occasion, so needless to say I was starting on a high.
And while the wine was exquisite and they allowed us to sample a wide variety, what really won me over was the winery itself.
Breathtaking views of the valley, beautiful interiors and a vast green area to relax in... I could honestly have spent the entire day there.
But the other wineries were calling.
The next stop was the boutique-style, family owned Kies Winery. While perhaps not as large as Jacob's Creek, Kies wine can not be enjoyed anywhere else in the world and offers a truly personal experience.
Not to mention an incredible port...
The next winery, Saltram's, was combined with lunch, which featured delicious gourmet pizza meal.
And while the wine was flowing and the food was plenty, what really shone at Saltram's was the cellar tour.
We journeyed back to 1859 and entered the underground cellars, where the aged wine bottles and past relics were found, along with gruesome tales of how staff would risk life and limb in the underground darkness.
Wolf Blass, also a personal favourite, was up next.
Their winery had a somewhat grander appearance than the others and their multi-award winning bottles were strategically organised by coloured label and each crested with their signature eagle.
And so, a little jolly, we arrived at the Lambert Estate, our final winery.
A beautiful winery hidden away among the trees and surrounded with little touches that make it its own
Owned by a family from Wisconsin, USA, the Lambert Estate is renowned for its chocolate wine.
Which I can confirm is delicious.
After a much deserved rest on their green hills, we headed home.
We briefly stopped by Menglers Hill for a last view of the stunning valley.
The experience was truly amazing and satisfied every interest I had in the valley.
Whether you're craving history, scenic views, good company or perhaps indulging in some bottled vices, Barossa Valley truly captures the essence of the Southern Territory.
Until next time.
