Best of the Barossa

There are myriad accommodation choices in the Barossa Valley, but if you like a little luxury (and you have the budget), then The Louise, the iconic all-suite resort, is undoubtedly the best place to stay. 

For wine lovers (and why else would you be here?) The Louise, one of Australia's top boutique vineyard retreats, has put together a comprehensive program of wine experiences available exclusively to its in-house guests. 

“We are happy to share with guests the close relationships we have developed with local producers and have put together a choice of several activities that give visitors the chance to see and taste the essence of the Barossa, including hidden gems, up-and-coming 

winemakers and uber-small garagiste operations,” says marketing manager Ruby Stobart.

The exclusive wine experiences offered by The Louise and its restaurant Appellation include a private tasting at Charles Melton Wines, a short winery tour and then lunch or a cheese plate with a glass of wine, or maybe a tour of Seppeltsfield with a private tasting and the chance to sample a fortified wine, direct from barrel, from your birth year.

Other activities feature wineries including Tscharke, Murray Street Vineyard, Elderton, Milhinch Wines/Seize The Day, Hentley Farm, Rusden Wines, Two Hands, Small Fry, Kalleske and Hutton Vale.

For those dining on site, new Appellation chef Ryan Edwards hasn’t missed a beat since taking over from local legend Mark McNamara and his nightly tasting menu is a bargain for $125 (or $180 when matched with boutique Barossa wines).

Think dishes like jellied Hutton Vale lamb tongue with pickles, capers and leaves or rare roasted breast of Eden Valley pigeon with confit cherries and juniper glaze.

Suites at what was once known as Peppers Hermitage feature king beds with crisp linen and soft contemporary furnishings, in-room fireplaces, large dual spa tubs, private outdoor showers, LCD digital flat screen TV/DVDs and marble en-suite bathrooms, heated flooring, and intimate seating areas and terraces overlooking the vineyards. heated flooring, and intimate seating areas and terraces overlooking the vineyards. 

There's also a wine bar for pre-dinner drinks and the service is top-notch, particularly in the restaurant. And yes, there's free wifi.

The Louise and Appellation are on the corner of Seppeltsfield and Stonewell Roads, Marananga. (08) 8562 2722. www.thelouise.com.au.