Eden Valley vineyards: Visit renowned wineries

For wine enthusiasts travelling Down Under, South Australia should be highest on the list of places to discover the country’s best wines – more than 50% of Australian wine is produced here and the state is home to the most prestigious wineries.

While the limelight usually bathes over the Barossa Valley region, which is famed for its signature Shiraz, neighbouring Eden Valley vineyards have been garnering a reputation as Australia’s foremost cool-climate region. South Australian wines are typically associated with red styles from the ubiquitous Shiraz to Cabernet Sauvignon and GSM blends using Grenache and Mourverde, but the elevated terraces of Eden Valley are where white Riesling reigns supreme.

Settled on the slopes of the Mount Lofty Ranges, Eden Valley and nearby Clare Valley are vying for the title of Australia’s finest white wine producer – with Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris all flourishing at the higher altitudes (although red varieties are also grown here). Eden Valley is not actually a ‘valley’, but a series of rolling windswept hills and steep slopes of varied aspects with around 40 high-class wineries scattered in the spaces left in between by nature. The verdant landscapes and spectacular views epitomise South Australian scenery and provide idyllic settings for wine tours.

At Wine Paths, our local expert can organise exclusive tours of Eden Valley vineyards, including elaborate tastings, luxury accommodation, fine dining experiences and some unique outdoor activities. All of our private tours can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements, ensuring every detail is taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy the matter at hand – sampling premium wines surrounded by majestic countryside.

Among the most renowned wineries that can be visited in Eden Valley is Henschke Vineyards – producers of arguably the country’s most iconic red wine, Hill of Grace. The family-owned estate has been making wines for almost 150 years, and visitors will be given the opportunity to sample several vintages as part of a tour that also visits the Hutton Vale Farm winery in Barossa Valley. Another family-own historic winery nestled among Eden Valley vineyards is the award-winning Yalumba, which is the only winery in the southern hemisphere to have its own on-site Cooperage, where barrels are handcrafted from oak to give their wines even more character.

Visitors to Yalumba can wander the manicured grounds framed by the Wine Room, witness barrels being made or enjoy the outdoor sunshine with a wine-paired picnic beside the historic clock tower for an unforgettable experience. Although the number of Eden Valley wineries is relatively small, the region is credited with some internationally acclaimed wine styles and is continually evolving, with boutique vineyards in particular encouraging experimentation with alternative grape varieties.

The picturesque town itself, which is surrounded by hidden vineyards and ancient gum trees that have given rise to the name the ‘Garden of Grapes and Gums’, whispers tranquillity and is an ideal destination to slowly unwind from the stresses of everyday life. Eden Valley is also surrounded by diverse, native wildlife – including kangaroos – which can be spotted along the pair of excellent walking trails in the Kaiserstuhi Conservation Park that gifts intrepid visitors with spectacular views over Barossa Valley. Barossa Valley is also within reaching distance – where you will find plenty more wineries to while away the days in as you enjoy Australia’s finest Shiraz and some of the country’s most delectable cuisine to accompany it.

If you are interested in exploring Eden Valley vineyards or beyond, visit our Australia destination page for more information and inspirational ideas before planning a bespoke trip.

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