As many people will attest, I enjoy the occasional glass of wine (or bottle). White primarily. I’ve never been able to develop a taste for Red. So, when Chrystal and I settled in Adelaide for a spell, the number one thing on my list of things to do was a tour of one of the wine regions that surround Adelaide. So, even though poor Chrystal is not a fan of the wine, she gamely agreed to come with me on a wine tour.
We boarded the bus in the morning, not really knowing what to expect, given that neither of us have ever been on a wine tour before. We booked through a company called Taste of Barossa, which is a small operation, with incredibly personal service. The plan was to stop at four Cellar Doors – McGuigan, Peter Lehmann, Langmeil, and Murray Street, with lunch included on the patio at Peter Lehmann.
As we made our way up through the Adelaide hills, I finally saw a Kangaroo in the wild! We were going too fast to take a picture, but I now believe that they do exist in the wild, and are not in fact a mythical creature like a unicorn.
As we were driving through the valley, I couldn’t help but notice the number of rose bushes planted. It turns out that this is actually for practicality as well as aesthetics. Roses are more susceptible to diseases than grape vines, and as a result, the rose bushes were planted as an early detection system for disease.
The Barossa Valley is known for the red wine that it produces, so consequently, 75% of the wine that we sampled was red. And I think I’m a convert. Particularly to the Sparkling Shiraz – which I’m told is an excellent breakfast wine. (Note to self – bring a bottle home).
I'm finding it hard to put into words what we saw, so here is a sampling of the pictures.
I'm finding it hard to put into words what we saw, so here is a sampling of the pictures.
The Whispering Wall - you can stand on one end and have a whispered conversation with the person on the other side.
McGuigan - pretty impressive for a cellar door.
Mmmmmm - so tasty.
A nice walk after lunch to the next Winery.
Ahh - a well cultivated grape vine.
These Grape Vines are the oldest in the world - over 160 years old and originated from Germany. The 3 acres of vines produce 2 tonnes of fruit, from which comes some very excellent (and pricey) red wine.
Finally mastering the self portrait.
Rose bushes everywhere!
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