Silver Travel Wine Club

December 2022 – Australia’s Barossa Valley, World-Famous Wines from Gnarly Old Vines

For modern travellers, gnarly takes on a new meaning in sunny South Australia. Particularly in the Barossa Valley where ‘gnarly old vines’ is a common descriptor, often experienced when tasting world-famous wines connecting in vineyards well over 100 years old. 

For three of the Barossa’s best experiences that highlight how significant Australia’s winemaking heritage really is, read on.

Yalumba Nursery and Grenache Discovery, Barossa Valley, SA

Starting back in 1849, Yalumba is Australia’s oldest family-owned winery and on their Grenache Discovery, you’ll visit some of the world’s oldest grenache vines, fascinating gnarly structures, yet still producing magnificent wines. Enjoy a tasting amongst the vines for a truly unique experience. This tour offers a wonderful understanding of the process from vine bud to glass and is an engrossing introduction to Barossa grenache and Yalumba’s collection of award-winning and unique expressions of this variety.

Centenary Tasting, Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley, SA

Seppeltsfield is the only winery in the world to release a 100-year-old, single vintage wine each year. A world away from the established wine regions of Europe, the Seppeltsfield Centenary Tasting is a once in a lifetime experience. Visit the homestead, home to multiple generations of the Seppelt family, followed by a private tasting of super-premium fortified wines. The tour culminates in the 1878 Centennial Cellar, where you will taste your birth year Tawny (direct from barrel) as well as the legendary 100-year-old Para Vintage Tawny.

Double Barrel Experience, Jacobs Creek, South Australia

Recently, Jacobs Creek celebrated their 175th anniversary making wine in the Barossa Valley. And while heritage is at the heart of their processes, on the Jacobs Creek Double Barrel experience, you’ll see that their winemakers are very much young at heart. Discover what is unique about Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel wines, a select range of wines matured first in traditional wine barrels and then finished in aged whisk(e)y barrels. Enjoy an in-depth sensory experience where your host will guide you through two varietals: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, identifying varying characteristics and aromas before and after their Double Barrel maturation. Finish the signature experience with a special limited release, Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Rare 50YO Shiraz.



How to win a case of Yalumba Barossa Valley wine

Please note: this prize draw is now closed.

Comment below and tell us your favourite variety of wine.

A winner will be chosen in early January 2023.
The competition closes on 31 December 2022.

Please note: by commenting below and entering the prize draw you consent to your email address being shared with Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia who will contact you on one occasion with more information about their offerings.

Share Article:

140 Responses

  1. I love a good Malbec. I passed through the Barossa valley a few years back and did some wine sampling. I was blown away by the quality and flavour. I didn’t think to take note of what wines they were so winning this prize would take me back there in my imagination and I could rediscover them slowly and appreciatively . Stunning area with stunning wines. The winner will be very fortunate:)

  2. Something big and hairy and red!

    About 40 years ago we belonged to a wine club with a monthly case of wine. This was before the days of supermarkets with shelves and shelves of wine. It was a great way to try out different wines. I remember getting six bottles of Australian Shiraz. Australian wine was still very much the ‘new boy on the block’ and shiraz wasn’t well known at the time.

    The first bottle was a disaster and we were beginning to think we’d made an expensive mistake until we reread the tasting notes suggesting the wine would keep for at least ten years. We put it on the bottom shelf of the wine rack in the larder and forgot about it. Five or so years later, we decided to try another bottle. What a revelation – it was AMAZING and bursting with flavour. Bottles were very much kept for special occasions (and a good steak).

    We’ve never looked back since then!

  3. It has to be Sauvignon Blanc for its wonderfully grassy aromas. When we visited Mendoza in Argentina and checked into Bodegas Salentein, instead of the usual tiresome paperwork, we were asked, “Would you like to see your room or have a glass of wine”? Even at 11am, it wasn’t a difficult question and we explained our favourite white wine, Sauvignon Blanc. The barman grinned knowingly as after two large glasses, which came accompanied by a platter of bread and cheese, he gave us the key to our room, appropriately called Sauvignon Blanc.

  4. I enjoy wine very much mainly reds. I mention to people that if they like a certain wine look at the grape variety not the label as they must like that combination.
    A few years ago for the first time I tasted and enjoyed wines from India.

  5. I have never understood the fixation with French, Italian and Spanish wines when the ‘New World’ wines are often so much better. You cannot beat an Australian Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz! And the prices are so much more sensible!

  6. Whilst I have a passion for Portuguese wines having worked there for 15 years before I retired, my daughter-in-law has introduced me to a range of Supermarket Australian reds that I hadnt tried before. This years’ top two wines that made it to our weekly shopping list were 19 Crimes and Jammy Roo Red, both will be gracing our Xmas dinner table this year too!

  7. Cabernet Sauvignon … With flavors of black currant, anise, and black pepper, cabernet sauvignon is my popular red wine. Bold and rich, cabernet sauvignon is grown in almost every wine-growing region in the world.
    Great for Christmas

  8. I love a Malbec but with food a lovely rich Syrah. But basically I love trying all wines.

  9. I prefer any quality red wine, as superior taste is ensured and it’s higher in healthy anti-oxidants

  10. My husband says he likes his wine like his women – dark, full-bodied, leggy, bold ….and with a nice aroma!

  11. Chateau Neuf du Pap – visited the vineyard in Provence and thoroughly enjoyed the tastings. Also Pinot Noir, when we visited New Zealand, Brancott estate, fantastic experiences. Loved the wine as well a the scenery.

  12. It depends on whether I am eating, or just having a drink. Last night was a pleasant Shiraz with dinner at home, more often it’s a Viognier.

  13. My husband says he likes his wine like his women – dark, full-bodied, leggy, bold ….and with a nice aroma!

    So think chateau neuf du pape, Barolo and gigonda.

  14. I am a member of a wine tasting group and like a wide variety of wines. I prefer red wine and my favourites are Toro Loco and Cotes de Rhone. I also had an apartment in Spain for 16 years and during that time drank many varieties.

  15. At least a quarter of our wine is Australian. By grape we like Canernet and Shiraz. We have been trying out various regions but haven’t decided on a favourite one per se. Would be interested to know about any good wines from Queensland since I shall be travelling there for 5 weeks in 2023.

  16. I’m in the UK, and would love one day to visit Australia. In the mean time I really enjoy Australian Sauvignon Blanc, a really flavourful wine that often accompanies our evening meal.

  17. We like Chardeny and Pino Grizo for whites and Sheraz and Malbec for reds.
    Not been to Australia however had many wines from there. All have been good

  18. I like trying a range of wines but my favourites are the Italian Whites like Frascati! Reminds me of lazy summer days and being carefree!

  19. Don’t know a thing about wine but would love to win this prize then I could start to learn.

  20. Merlot is always good for a quaffing wine, but the variety I like depends on the food I’m eating with it, and on my mood

  21. My husband often looks forward to our evening meals and opening a bottle of Australian Sauvignon Blanc, a real treat.

  22. Chardonnay … Uncorking Australia’s liquid treasures, is one of life’s undiluted pleasures

  23. Has to be a good Shiraz – Jacobs Creek is always a winner! Not had the chance to actually get to Australia so far but can always dream.

  24. We were lucky enough to travel around Australia several years ago, including the Barrosa valley. It was amazing. They told us whilst we were there, that they plant a rose tree at the end of each set of vines. This was so that any insects around the vines, would attack the rose and not the vine. We visited the Jacob’s Creek, and Wolf bass vineyards. Our favourite tipple is a full bodied red wine, like Shiraz or Merlot. We like the red Rioja of Spain also, the Faustino’s But Australian reds are spot on.

  25. Nowadays we tend to drink new world wines simply because we know that we will get guaranteed good quality at a reasonable price (especially those from Australia and New Zealand). We have visited vineyards in both East and West Australia and the South Island of New Zealand and always been impressed, normally coming away with a few bottles. However, as I am being asked about my favourite I will have to return to Europe and, in particular, France. I considered some Bordeaux reds but then settled for a choice between Sancerre and Chablis, with Chablis coming out on top. I know to some I am only talking about a “posh Chardonnay” but I find a good Chablis drier and crisper, refreshing to the palate and something to savour. Budgetary constraints mean that we are talking about an “occasional bottle” but it is something to really look forward to but the Louis Latour bottle in the rack won’t be staying there for long.

  26. We’d love to try Barossa Valley wines! Having visited Sydney a few years ago, we did some wine tasting in the Hunter Valley. The big names like Tyrell and McGuigan are very good, but we particularly liked a couple of the smaller newer ones. We enjoy most styles of wine, but for a good Australian Chardonnay, we liked the Scarborough Wine Company’s Obsessive Semillon. A great red was the Dairy Hill Shiraz at Briar Hill.

    Hoping to extend our knowledge of wines from South Australia!

  27. The dark red/black wines of The New World float my boat. Especially in the cold winter months, better than turning on the expensive heating!

  28. Cabernet Sauvignon is my favourite and I also like Shiraz. I’ve tried the produce of a few countries but I prefer Australian. Many years ago when I visited Australia I wasn’t really a wine drinker – a missed opportunity.

  29. I love big fruity Australian Shiraz especially with red meat dishes it just sets the palate up for a double treat.

  30. Discovered red wine with my first Cabernet Sauvignon and it became my go to favourite. I later found that it tastes good when blended properly with other varieties like Merlot. I’m now a lot more adventurous and will try any good reds or even a few home brews; if I beat the birds to my grapes and I have the time. .

  31. Just back from Australia Unfortunately we did not have enough time in the Barossa area to visit the wineries but managed to call in at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide to sample a few (ok perhaps more than a few) Having now acquired a taste for these wines an opportunity to enjoy them at home is something we look forward to

  32. I love a smooth Pinot Noir not only as an accompaniment to a meal but to drink on its own. My last flight to Sydney I had an amazing bottle of it , just wish I could remember it’s name.

  33. There are so many good wines out there but my overall favourite has to be a Spanish Rioja.

  34. I worked in Melbourne for 4 years in the 1960`s and remember well our lunches at Jimmy Watsons, cooking steaks on the barbeque and then enjoying them with a glass (or 2) of superb Aussie red wine

  35. My wine of choice on most occasions is Sauvignon Blanc. Its fresh herbacious fruity taste can accompany meat, fish, sea-food, pasta and is not too heavy for desserts. My son-in-law is a New Zealander, and a case of his native wine is a sure-fire gift which we all enjoy on his birthday.

  36. Cotes du rhone – simple wine with a long history and every time I have it, it transports me back to a wonderful 3 months working on organic farms in Provence.

  37. Malbec is probably my favourite, however I’m partial to most reds. We had the pleasure of wine tasting is some NSW vineyards a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

  38. I like Argentine malbec, pinot noir, anything red from that country. I try to put down bottles for a special occasion but I’ve no willpower.

  39. I too adore a good Sauvignon Blanc. It is the ultimate in white wine which is my favourite colour too. The only area I visited whilst in Western Australia visiting my old tennis partner was Margaret River which was a fantastic experience. I’m sure the wine chosen here will be as good.

  40. An off dry Pinot Gris is my favourite wine ever since a wine tour in New Zealands South Island, spent 3 weeks in an almosr permanent haze . Good job I wasnt driving.

  41. My daughter introduced me to a lovely Sauvignon Blanc many years ago and I have been hooked since. Whenever in doubt I always go for it as I know it won’t be disappointing. I am no connoisseur but know I can’t go wrong with Sauvignon Blanc.

  42. My favourite wine is Sauvignon Blanc and I really do enjoy Australian wines are they are fuller bodied than a lot of others

  43. I love Asti de Moscato. it is light and fruity.It has a good sparkle without being dry like champagne. An ideal party or summer wine.

  44. My favorite is not really a wine but a sherry. My husband taught me to enjoy a Manzanilla which is an extremely dry sherry. I first tasted it in Spain on our first campervan tour, so it brings back happy memories of sun-soaked days and warm evenings sitting in bars with tasty tapas. Manzanilla is served chilled and is delicious. It is too dry for a lot of people so all the more for me!

  45. I think it takes a lot to beat a medium-priced red Rioja for value, body and taste. We’ve had a variety over the years and although we drink less these days hat region still produces some of our favourite bottles. I happened to win a much more expensive case of 12 bottles of a quite well-known French chateau wine (which shall remain nameless) priced at £400 but it could not show a candle to the Riojas we have had.

  46. I think my current favourite variety is Zinfandel – Morrisons do a very nice one The Wanted – at a good price

  47. I enjoy a glass of Shiraz and it is even better in the company of my husband and friends. Wine making fascinates me and I intend to find out more in Australia.

  48. I love a dry, crisp, South African Chenin Blanc. Reminds me of a fantastic holiday on the Western Cape where my Fiance, now husband, proposed.

  49. Australian sparkling wine is delicious but sadly difficult to find these days when everyone seems to stock of prosecco. Tasmanian used to be my favourite but I would be happy to test some from the Barossa valley if only I could find a place that sells it. North of Lancaster….

  50. My favourite is a Rose but I also like a red merlot and a white New Zealand Marlborough Saviogon Blanc

  51. My husband and I love French wines but also enjoy Chilean merlot, Argentinian malbec and Australian wines if they have a plummy/fruity depth to them.

  52. I’ve just reconnected with Cabernet Sauvignon. If not a Malbec.
    I have recently been trying South African wines- such good value.
    But Australian wines never let you down

  53. I’m not a wine expert but do enjoy it. I like to experience wines from all over. As I have a heart problem the experts tell me I should only drink red.

  54. A nice blend of suitably chilled sauvignon blanc and semillon. The latter helps take the edge off some of the Australian and New Zealand sauvignon blancs. We first had this in a wine tasting in the Hunter Valley – a lovely area but it was 10am in the morning and already 40C outside!

  55. I like nice Reisling Especially Eden Valley.
    On the occasions that I do drink red its always Australian Shiraz.

  56. Californian Cabernet Sauvignon.
    Fruit led with depth and finish that stays on the palate and the throat. Enough spice to tickle the tonsils and and enough tannins to slightly dry the sides of the tongue.
    Not to exclusion though. For Christmas we have also ordered Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Chateau Neuf, Margaux, Gevres Chambertin and Barosso.

  57. Love a chilled Sauvignon Blanc as I can’t get to taste Australia perhaps a taste of Australia can come to me courtesy of the Ultimate Winery

  58. So many choices but an Australian Shiraz is always a hit for a glass of something to enjoy whatever the occasion.

  59. My favourite wine has to be Bardolino Chiaretto Rose. We were fortunate enough one year (before Covid!) to visit the Bardolino Rose Wine Festival. What an experience! We purchased a glass for something like 2.5 euro which was then filled with wine. We then used the same glass to sample different wines from the stalls alongside the lake and then took the glass home with us as a memento. Absolute bliss!

  60. I always love a nice fruity Red wine. One of my greatest memories was a Bar-B-Q at a winery with a whole lamb on the spit. I chose what I thought would be an interesting Red. The waiter was a little aghast and told me that we might find it too heavy for lunch – we actually had a second bottle between three, it was so good!!

  61. A close call, but Sauvignon Blanc with fresh asparagus spears has to be top. If the wine is from New Zealand it will bring back memories of a fantastic trip there nine years ago. Generally I like to pair wine with food so Shiraz with hearty, warming winter fare would be my choice for this time of the year.

  62. I was introduced to Saviogon Blanc recently whilst away on holiday, this wine I really enjoyed. What a great prize for the winner. Pleased to read a bit more about wines

  63. I am very happy to imbib ANY really dry white wine…..
    As yet I have not been able to isolate a favourite !

  64. Alas, I cannot enjoy a drink now due to health issues…..
    But, I would love to win this prize for my wife who does a brilliant job of looking after me.

  65. A white wine with lots of Full and fruity flavour and not drunk too cold. A great prize for Christmas.

  66. Pinot Gris is fruity, off-dry, richly-textured, with a tongue-coating density that provides a satisfying mouthfeel. It has a lovely hint of pink in the colour too!

  67. First choice for me is a smooth Merlot. In South Africa in the 80s there was a wonderful Gamay that we adored. In terms of white wine, I really like Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand and Chile.

  68. I would love to try these wines and compare them against the excellent wines that we have discovered when cruising along through Germany along the Rhine, Maine and Moselle.

  69. Although not a wine expert by some people’s measure I do prefer a South African wine to the wines produced in other countries. The grapes are ripen by the long summer days and give a warmth that is so often needed in life today

  70. Having two hands and one mouth presents a problem, as I have a fondness for two different wines. You can chat about meal accompaniments all day long, and many, many do…
    The 19 Crimes collection from SE Australia not only scores high marks, but has always interesting background stories which one can seek out and research, nice little bonus if the dinner chat becomes humdrum.
    A merlot next, Grand Vin de Stellenbosch, a Cabernet Sauvignon masterclass. This South African thirst quencher hits the spot and I’m tickled by one part of it’s fruity descriptions “with subtle toasty vanilla oak notes!”
    The Rainbow Nation doing subtlety, goodness me, whatever next….

  71. Grenache, Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon? What a choice eh? I love them all. A trip to Oz to sample them them all at ground zero would be wonderful as we have never been Down Under. Those big, juicy and strong Aussie reds are right up my street though I am not opposed to the more delicate delights of Merlot, Malbec, Carmenere and of course Pinot Noir. Do I have to choose just one? Alright then- Carmenere. There, I’ve said it. (Do like Shiraz an awful lot tho’).

  72. For reds I love a Sicilian Nero d’Avola and for whites I go for a South African Pinotage

  73. My very favourite are really dry and crisp pink wines served chilled at any time of the year. For a red, a Pinot Noir, light but still flavoursome.

  74. In summer, my go to wine would be a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
    In the winter months, a warming, full bodied Shiraz.
    ….Bitterly cold here today….and there’s a Barossa Ink Shiraz with my name on it ;-))

  75. Well I’m afraid I drink whatever my husband gives me. However, I know I do love a Red Tempranillo. It does get worse as when choosing a bottle of wine I am drawn to a good label. This does make me sound a bit of a heathen when it comes to wine but I really love it and enjoy and appreciate a glass of good wine and prefer red over white but enjoy both.

  76. My doctor told me that drinking red wine (in moderation) and eating dark chocolate was good for me so I drink my favourite, Shiraz, on doctor’s orders and eat 70%+ chocolate – but take no medication!

  77. I love a Pinot Noir but on a sunny summer day there’s nothing better than a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

  78. I do love most Australian reds but my current favourite wine is Montepulciano D’Abruzzo – just hope that doesn’t scupper my chances of winning. Good luck everyone!

  79. Merlot- Organic version feels so lush on my tongue. Pairs with a meaty dish takes the drinking experience to another level. Another is Greek table wines are a dream. Not a lot of people are aware of Greek wines. Try Santorini sparkling wine (Santo wine brand) seeming like Champagne. You’ll be in awe.

  80. My daughter likes a light Rose wine and I find that this is to my taste too. So we always have a bottle in the house.

  81. Recently I have found out how good some rose wines can be. They can be enjoyed any time of the year, not just in the Summer.
    They are very refreshing and not overpowering . My personal favourite is a nice dry fruity pinot noir.

  82. I’m still discovering wines, a bit late in life but I’ve always been the designated driver. I’m enjoying reds and rose more than white but that might be my uneducated palate, what a great time I’m having learning ha ha.

  83. The only way I enjoy Chardonnay is in Champagne, Shiraz is always our choice otherwise but give me a hot summer and a very cold Mateus Rose or Madame F and I’m a very happy bunny!

  84. We recently visited our son in Vancouver, Canada and he took us up to the Okanagan Valley; we toured some of the vineyards on the wine trail there and sampled some great wines but my personal favourite is a Californian Zinfandel. I prefer New World wines (Usa, Australia, Chile, etc) to the more traditional ones (Mediterranian); my wife prefers a good Merlot but I lean towards a Cabernet Sauvignon and I also like Shiraz.

  85. We visited the Cave Spring Vineyard situated on the Canadian Niagara peninsula in the summer of 2017. The vineyard produces wines similar to the northern wine growing regions of France and Germany – Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet French as well as Gamay, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. Across the street from the winery tasting room is The Inn on the Twenty where we lunched and sampled more wine. My taste in wine is eclectic but if I had to choose it would be the light bodied Pinot Noir – aromas of spice with a long smooth finish.

Comments are closed.

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.