Geography & Climate
Located in South Australia, about an hour north of Adelaide, the Barossa comprises two distinct subregions: the warmer, lower-lying Barossa Valley floor and the cooler, higher-altitude Eden Valley.
The Barossa floor is ideal for ripening rich, powerful Shiraz, while the Eden Valley’s elevation and cooler temperatures are perfect for producing elegant, aromatic Riesling and more restrained Shiraz styles. The warm, dry climate ensures consistent ripening year after year.
History of the Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley was settled in the 1840s by German immigrants fleeing persecution in Silesia. They brought with them a culture of farming and planted some of the first vineyards, including Shiraz vines that survive to this day. Unlike Europe, Australia was never affected by the phylloxera pest, allowing these vines to grow to an incredible age.
For many years, the Barossa was known for fortified wines, but a quality revolution in the latter half of the 20th century established its reputation for world-class table wines, especially Shiraz.