Introducing the Nuriootpa Wine Trail
Last year, the good folks of the wineries of Nuriootpa gathered for a bite to eat and a glass of wine. It was a great catch-up and lead to the inception of the Nuriootpa Wine Trail. We have been working together since then, to finalise the idea and we are now excited to bring to you the Nuriootpa Wine Trail!
The Nuriootpa Wine Trail allows you to explore the wineries of Nuriootpa via an easy to follow map. Many of our wineries are only a few hundred metres from each other, with the total distance of the trail being just over 8km. This makes it perfect for a day itinerary.
Visit Gibson Wines, The Willows Vineyard, Elderton Wines, Penfolds, First Drop Wines, Kaesler Wines and Yelland & Papps along with The Vine Inn. Each offers wine tasting experiences, with dining options and some accommodation available at selected wineries.
We’ve put together an example itinerary for you to explore, or make up your own!
Morning:
Gibson Wines is nestled in the outskirts of Nuriootpa and is owned by passionate Barossans Rob and Anne Gibson. Rob’s handcrafted wines are made from sites selected across the Barossa. Known for their Sunday Funday events, feel like part of the family when you visit Gibson Wines at the Cellar Door, which along with the 1800s cottage provides a great setting for a tasting. Be sure to ask about the Sparkling Merlot and the Old Vine Shiraz.
For a bit of Barossa history, just 1.6km away you will find The Willows Vineyard where Peter and Tracy Scholz have developed the Scholz family heritage of the property which originally boasted the Barossa’s first private hospital. The family’s vineyard was planted in 1936 and today forms an important part of The Willows wines. The Cellar Door is adjacent to the old hospital building. Be sure to ask about The Doctor sparkling red and The Bonesetter Shiraz.
Next visit Elderton Wines, a little over 5km from The Willows, in the main street of Nuriootpa. Stretch your legs with a quick walk to the back of Elderton’s Cellar Door to see the Command Vineyard, planted in 1894, and take a photo for Facebook (or your scrapbook) in the insta-frame. Enjoy a casual wine tasting at the bar, or a more structured and indulgent chocolate and wine matching experience. Be sure to ask about the Eden Valley Chardonnay and the Command Shiraz.
Lunch:
As you start feeling peckish, there are a few options for lunch at wineries on the trail… Elderton’s Cellar Door has local produce platters. First Drop Wines ‘Home of the Brave’ has tapas and Kaesler Wines has a sit-down more traditional style lunch menu.
Local tip: If you are on the trail on a Monday or Tuesday unfortunately the Home of the Brave and Kaesler Kitchen won’t be available for meals. Instead try the platters at Elderton, The Vine Inn for meals, or Linke’s Bakery and Teahouse in the main street for a quick bite.
Into the afternoon:
Head 500m down the road to Penfolds where you are able to enjoy a tasting at the Cellar Door tasting bar or experience the world-renowned Grange and other Penfolds premium wines. Be sure to ask about the RWT Shiraz.
Not even 100m from Penfolds, The First Drop Wines cellar door is Home of the Brave, a converted 1930s still house with a funky and fun vibe. The First Drop crew offers wine flights, allowing you to explore the range, whilst enjoying simple but flavourful tapas. Be sure to ask about The Matador and Mother’s Milk.
Around 500m further is Kaelser Wines. Here you can enjoy a guided old vine tasting, enjoying eight premium wines. The Kaesler Kitchen also offers a more traditional-style menu for a sit-down lunch. Be sure to ask about The Bogan and The Old Bastard.
Last, but certainly not least, is a visit to Yelland & Papps (around 900m from Kaesler). A cosy cottage with a kick-arse lawn is sure to provide a great spot to finish the Nuriootpa Wine Trail. You might also be lucky enough to find some home-grown produce, such as walnuts, being sold by the kids. Be sure to ask about the Second Take Vermentino and the Divine Grenache.
End the Nuriootpa Wine Trail back at The Vine Inn for a cleansing ale and casual evening meal in Billy Jack’s Bar & Courtyard or the Vine Garden Bistro, with a menu featuring fresh, local produce.
If you would like to make your visit to the Barossa more than a day trip, accommodation is available at The Vine Inn, Kaelser Wines, Elderton Wines or many other great places around the Barossa.
If you have any questions about the Nuriootpa Wine Trail, check out the Facebook page or contact our Cellar Door on 08 8568 7878 or elderton@eldertonwines.com.au.
