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Less than an hour's drive north of Adelaide is where you will find the Barossa Valley, a world-renowned wine region to indulge your taste buds. Surrounded by rolling green hills and sprawling valleys, the vineyards promise to satiate all the senses with incredible views and once in a lifetime experiences. Heading down south will take you to Crafers and the incredible Mount Lofty, which rewards your trek up the slope with an unforgettable view. No matter which direction you go, the regions surrounding Adelaide will exceed your expectations.
If you are a wine-lover, nowhere else in Australia can you experience premium wine from some of the oldest vines in the world than in the Barossa Valley. On the valley floor, the vineyards enjoy a warmer climate while the vineyards up in the surrounding hills are cooler which allows the region to produce delicate white wines and the most powerful reds. Moving further south-east of Adelaide, the town of Crafers is where you will find the scenic and romantic Mount Lofty, with its panoramic views and botanic gardens.
As each season is important to the growing, harvesting and preservation of the vineyards, visiting wine regions like the Barossa Valley and Rowland Flat at different times, creates different experiences. The summer months (Dec-Feb) bring warm to hot days and the grape harvest begins, which continues through the months of autumn (Mar-May), making this the best time to visit. The winter months (Jun-Aug) see low temperatures between 3-6°C and the vineyards are being prepped for the new harvest that begins in spring (Sep-Nov), when the weather is mild.
One of the best ways to take in the beauty of the Barossa Valley is by cycling. With a network of shared paths, quiet country roads and rolling landscape, you'll be able to go at your own pace and see it all. Many of the tours are directed by guides who will take you by van or car to the surrounding vineyards. Though if you are looking for something a little higher, there are helicopter tours available for small groups to really take in the sights.
It wouldn't be a trip to the Barossa Valley without a tour of any one of its 150 wineries, offering make-your-own gin experiences, wine blending and of course, tasting. There is also a natural playground for you to explore by kayaking through reservoirs, golfing amongst the valleys and you can even try a yoga session to unwind when you get back. There is also a rich cultural and artistic heritage to the region with plenty of galleries and museums to check out. When you are in Mount Lofty, the Botanic Gardens is an amazing place for a picnic before setting out on the Sea to Summit Trail which takes you from the lowest point to the scenic peak.
The Barossa Valley is a foodie's dream destination with fine-dining restaurants, cafes for brunch, sophisticated meals with cellar door dining and a plethora of farmers markets. Mount Lofty will have you sipping premium coffee with a view at The Summit Café and down the slope you'll find some incredible outdoor restaurants and bars in Crafers.
Accor's Adelaide and Gepps Cross accommodations put you only a short walk away from the city while our Barossa Valley, Crafers and Rowland Flat hotels and resorts put you in the heart of some amazing scenery.