Barossa Valley

Tanunda is surrounded by vineyards showing Autumn colour.

The Barossa Valley is a major wine-producing region and tourist destination of South Australia, located 60 km northeast of Adelaide. It is the valley formed by the North Para River, and the Barossa Valley Way is the main road through the valley, connecting the main towns on the valley floor of Nuriootpa, Tanunda, Rowland Flat and Lyndoch.

History

An overview of the Bethany vineyard, first planted in 1852. Bethany was the first settlement in the Barossa region.

The Barossa Valley takes its name from the Barossa Ranges, which were named by Colonel William Light in 1837. Light chose the name in memory of the British victory over the French in the Battle of Barrosa, in which he fought in 1811. The name "Barossa" was registered in error, due to a clerical error in transcribing the name "Barrosa". The area is approximately 13 km long by 14 km wide.

The three major towns of the Barossa each have a distinctive personality. Tanunda is generally recognised as the most German of the three with long-standing traditions dating back to the 1840s when the first German settlers arrived in the area. Because many of them came from Prussian Silesia, they called the Barossa Neu-Schlesien, or "New Silesia".^[1] The German influence survives to this day (see Barossa German). Angaston, in contrast, is considered the English town as it was settled predominantly by Cornish miners and others from Britain. The third (and largest) town, Nuriootpa, was influenced by both the German and British settlers, and today is the commercial hub of the Barossa where most of the larger stores are located.

People

Currently, the Barossa Valley has a population of about 20,000, most of whom live in Tanunda, Nuriootpa, Angaston, Williamstown and Lyndoch, each having over 1000 people, with a few smaller towns such as Moculta and Springton. All of these towns are part of the Barossa local government. Many facilities not available in these towns are usually supplemented in nearby Gawler. In recent years, increased development in the area has seen opposition from the local communities.^{[citation needed]}

The area is also a Lutheran stronghold with many residents identifying themselves as Lutherans. Some towns have more than one Lutheran church. Tanunda, for example, has Langmeil, Tabor, St. Paul's and St. Johns. Nuriootpa has St. Petri and Holy Trinity. Angaston has Zion and Salem (Penrice).

Each major town also has a Lutheran primary school. Tanunda has Tanunda Lutheran School, Nuriootpa has Redeemer, and Angaston has Good Shepherd. St. Jakobi, the Lutheran primary school at Lyndoch, hosts the Barossa Airshow annually as its fundraiser.

Population

Major Town Populations:

Wine industry

Wine grape vines in the Barossa Valley.

The wine industry plays a major role in the Barossa, being the main source of employment for many residents. The many hectares of vineyard are the most distinctive feature of the area, especially when viewed from the Mengler's Hill lookout positioned on the range of hills that form one side of the valley itself. The success of the wine industry has historically been celebrated every two years (odd numbers) with a week-long Barossa Valley Vintage Festival. The festival draws visitors from all over the world and has entertainment for all tastes including a huge street parade, concerts and gourmet dining.

The Barossa Valley is primarily known for its red wine, in particular Shiraz. Normally^[2] large proportions of Barossa Shiraz is used in Penfolds Grange (Australia's most famous wine).^[3]. Other main grape varieties grown in the region include Riesling, Semillon, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are also some fortified wines traditionally produced in the region.

Food production

Although it is overshadowed by the wine industry, significant food production occurs in the Barossa Valley,^[4] including:

• Angas Park Fruit Company which produces dried fruit at Angaston
• Maggie Beer produces pate, verjuice and ice cream
• Apex Bakery in Tanunda is a traditional baker

The Barossa also is a renowned source for produce which is used mainly for making preserves and jams or is sold in local Farmers' Markets. Most of the food produced in the Barossa is made with the local produce.

Festivals

Each year the Barossa Valley holds a festival called the Vintage Festival. At the Vintage Festival local winemakers and producers can show their wines and produce as well as celebrations with local choirs and groups. Farmers' Markets are also very popular in the Barossa. This is where local producers can sell their products and where consumers know exactly where the product has come from and how it has been processed or manufactured.

See also

• Australian wine
• South Australian food and drink
• South Australian wine

References

External links

• Barossa Valley travel guide from Wikitravel
• Barossa Wine & Tourism
• Official Barossa Council Site
• Barossa Wedding & Visitor Guide - Venues, Accommodation, Attractions
• SouthAustralia.com Barossa Section - Travel Guides, Accommodation, Online Booking
• map and text descriptions of the wine region published by the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation / Wine Australia

Coordinates: 34°32′S 138°57′E / 34.533°S 138.95°E / -34.533; 138.95