The Barossa Valley is a renowned wine producing region northeast of Adelaide, and is the main source of employment for many residents. The Barossa is one of the world's great wine regions. The wine industry plays a major role in the Barossa Valley and the many hectares of vineyard are the most distinctive feature of the area. When comparing wine regions that have helped Australia's top wines being on the international stage, the Barossa Valley ranks amongst the top of its class.
Renowned for its food and wine, cultural experiences and easy-going lifestyle, the Barossa Valley encompasses towns such as Tanunda, Angaston and Nuriootpa, and an array of high-profile wineries offering tours and cellar-door tastings. With around 150 wineries and cellar doors in the vicinity, over half of them are open to the public. Most of the others are happy to open their doors by appointment. Many also conduct tours of their estates and their wine-making facilities.
Shiraz grapes are the local speciality, and while the Barossa Valley is most commonly associated with its signature grape variety, the region does grow a number of other varieties including: Riesling, Semillon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Mourvedre and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The success of the wine industry has historically been celebrated every two years with a week-long Barossa Valley Vintage Festival. The festival draws visitors from all over the world and has entertainment for all tastes including a huge street parade, concerts and gourmet dining. The week-long Barossa Vintage Festival is held biennially, in odd-numbered years. The festival runs for around a week in autumn, and traditionally marks and celebrates the completion of the year's vintage season, at the end of March and beginning of April. A variety of wine-themed events are held during the festival, including wine tastings and competitions, musical events, food events with local produce, balls and parades.
