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The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, known not only for its exceptional wines but also for its scenic beauty, wineries and outstanding food experiences. Our day exploring the Barossa offered a wonderful insight into two of the region’s most famous estates.

Seppeltsfield Estate

Our day began at the iconic Seppeltsfield Estate, one of the Barossa Valley’s most prestigious and historically significant wineries. Founded in the mid-1800s, Seppeltsfield is world-renowned for its wines and its remarkable tradition of releasing a 100-year-old tawny every year.

Historic Architecture and Vineyards

The estate’s grand three-storey building overlooking the horseshoe driveway was the first purpose-built winery on site. Construction began in 1868 under Joseph Seppelt and was completed a decade later in 1878 by his son, Oscar Benno. Today, it stands as a positive reminder of the Barossa Valley’s pioneering spirit.

We were invited to a private guided tour of the estate accompanied by Fiona Donald, Chief Winemaker. This began with a walk alongside the oldest vineyard where ancient vines continue to thrive in the Barossa soil. Our tour brought the estate’s long history to life as whilst walking around we learnt about the generations of Seppeltsfield winemakers and their vision that shaped the business as we know it today.

The 1888 Gravity Flow Winery

The 1888 Gravity Flow Winery at Seppeltsfield is a historic icon of the Barossa Valley, showcasing one of Australia’s oldest and most innovative winemaking techniques. Built in 1888, this heritage listed winery was designed to use gravity flow principles, allowing grapes to move naturally through each stage of production, preserving quality and flavour. It was fascinating to be able to explore this remarkable piece of Australian wine history.

Centennial Cellar

Next we moved onto the Centennial Cellar which is located above the original winery. Seppeltsfield has long been internationally renowned for its treasure trove of fortified reds highlighted by the Centennial Collection which is the world’s only unbroken lineage of single vintage wines dating back to 1878.

Following a tradition established by winemaker Oscar ‘Benno’ Seppelt, who first laid down a barrel of vintage fortified in 1878 with instructions not to issue it for 100 years. The 1925 Para Vintage Tawny was released on 20 February 2025 and a highlight of our visit was being invited to taste this 100 year old tawny directly from the cask.

We were shown The 1925 Centennial Collection gift box which is available in 100ml bottles, individually numbered and authenticated. Presented in a black wooden gift box, along with a certificate and personalised message this must be a wonderful collectors item or celebratory gift.

Historic House Tasting Room

We also enjoyed a tutored tasting of Seppeltsfield’s single vineyard Shiraz and Grenache red wines, in Seppeltsfield’s historic house tasting room, guided by Chief Winemaker Fiona.

The personal experience combining heritage surroundings provided us with an expert insight into Seppeltsfield’s renowned red wines, making it a memorable highlight of our Barossa visit.

Lunch at Fino Restaurant

After the tour and tutored tastings we enjoyed lunch at Fino Restaurant, located within the Seppeltsfield estate. Fino is noted as one of the Barossa Valley’s finest dining experiences championing local, seasonal produce paired with estate wines.

The attractive restaurant is contemporary styled with floor to ceiling windows offering views across the estate. We began with starters of heritage carrots in a fragrant dhal broth served with warm sourdough.

Moving on to mains we tucked into local Hampshire roast pork and Wagyu beef served alongside roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Each dish was beautifully presented and thoughtfully matched with wines making for a delicious dining experience.

Before leaving Seppeltsfield we explored the estate’s artisan outlets, browsing locally made crafts, vinegars, oils and candles which was a pleasant way to complete our visit.

Château Tanunda

During the afternoon we continued on to Château Tanunda, another of the Barossa Valley’s historically important wineries. Château Tanunda was established in 1890 and is the site of some of the valley’s first vines planted along with its first winery. The chateau is privately owned by the Geber family continuing a tradition of fine winemaking spanning three centuries.

Private Tour and Wine Tasting

We enjoyed a private guided tour around the estate where we learnt about its origins as a communal winemaking facility for local growers and how this evolved into an internationally recognised winery. Walking through the grand stone buildings we gained a deeper appreciation for the ambition and legacy behind the winery. We were then taken behind the scenes into the private museum cellars where generations of Barossa winemaking heritage are preserved. Continuing our tour, our guide then led us into the atmospheric winery barrel room and crush area.

Our tour then moved outdoors through the picturesque grounds where we admired the croquet lawn, historic Château cricket pitch and the pair of vintage cars parked either side of the grand entrance.

Returning indoors we were taken into the cellar door tasting room which is surrounded by hundreds of barrels of maturing wine. There we enjoyed a tutored tasting of six wines from The Chateau’ ‘Terroirs of the Barossa’ and ‘Old Vine Expressions’ collections.

Concluding our visit we relaxed with a game of croquet on the chateau lawn soaking up the elegant surroundings. The end of a memorable day exploring the Barossa Valley.

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During our visit we were guests of The Seppeltsfield Estate and Chateau Tanunda and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.