Romantic Barossa

If there’s one affair I would have, it would have to be a Barossa Affair. As weird as it may sound, Barossa was everything I pictured it to be. With a beautiful mix of old and rustic, culture, history, modernity, tantalising fresh air and heavenly landscape of rolling vineyards; I could stretch out, with eyes close and lay on the fresh virgin soil and frolic with the pure bliss surrounding me.

Since I made Australia my home, I relish the thought of visiting Barossa and indulge in all of its beauty. I’m glad I did and exposed my family to the wondrous of nature and land that surrounded us.
We headed out on Saturday morning with a happily packed Terri stocked with a picnic bag, map book, numerous DVD’s for the boys and hubby the almost well informed navigator, and drove down the scenic route of Gorge Road.

Although it ate up on travelling time, it was definitely a smart choice as we delighted in soaking with the rapid waters at Torrens River. We should have brought our bathers as the water was so inviting with its gorgeous deep blue streams, set against scattering wet rocks with stunning greenery as a backdrop.

After the first snack pit stop and showering the bush with more nutrients, our gorgeous Terri baby took us for a fun ride down the scenic Gorge Road. The Terri snaked along the road and we were engulfed by pure beauty and fresh abundance of air.

We soon came across another breathtaking sight, which reminded me of the luscious greenery and turqoise lakes during my short years in Washington. Kangaroo Creek Reservoir is magnificent! The hills offered a lovely panoramic view and at its foot, an oasis of deep blue water, what a welcoming sight to Adelaide's region, which is known to be dry.

The Terri baby enjoyed a short rest by the trees, with its shining body lending envy to the passing cars. A bunch of riders stopped for a chat and smoked and I was very tempted to take a ride with them. Yes, I have a strong fascination with motorbikes, and have always dreamt of hitching a ride with a bearded, stout Harley Davidson mate! Don't be suprised that I may just live out my fantasy
We bid them farewell and as we cruise to the final end of Gorge Road, I made a brief stop and met Sue who ran a flower stand; I bought a pretty bouquet of Protea and headed off to Lyndoch.

A pretty country town, and reminded me of a vivid scenery from American old favourites The Waltons. After a quick pizza lunch at Bakehouse Tavern, I stopped by to delight at the neighbourhood Ops Shop and found a gorgeous Indian mirrored-cladded incense holder for a steal $2, it would sit perfectly well at my new treasured bookcase.

We set off to Williamstown and ventured out to The Whispering Wall. The boys enjoyed the walk down the bridge overlooking the Barossa Reservoir and we heard people talking as far as 150m away, so be careful when you visit here, as you might give away your secrets.

A few Kodak moments later, we set off to our final destination, Tanunda, the pulse of Barossa. The Terri moves smoothly across the valley and soon we bear witness to South Australia's pride and joy, the vineyards! First stop at Ross Estate and we meet Suzanne who gives us a well informed wine tasting tour. We delight in the light and bubbly Chardonay, strong and rich Shiraz and the tantalising warm Tawny. I love the homely decor at Ross Estate. With an old British painting framing the wooden fireplace, leather sofa with bodiced pillows, married with ancient Chinese vases adding to the decor, it exuded a British drawing room set from a Dickens novel.

With a Tawny and Beekeeper Reisling douched with a soft honeysuckle sweetness, we delighted in stocking up for Christmas and New Year. Toilet pit stops and gears checked in the boot, we set off and cruise down Tanunda, and found our way to delightful Jacobs Creek Visitor Centre.
Set against rolling vineyards, and a breathtaking view, we welcomed a kids play area where the boys soon took to colouring and playtime. Vig and I soon savoured more wines and found ourselves relaxing by the huge barrels converted tables and sipped wine, whilst gazing at the breathtaking views and immersing in the fresh air.

We watched the boys run in the fields, gazing at the many rows of grapes bearing Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Sauvignon whilst listening to Michael Buble in the speakers.

I remember gazing at the panoramic beauty and whisperd in the air, 'I shall return my new found lover'. Barossa is every bit magical. Not just for lovers, it is a land for dreamers, poets, writers like me and anyone who wants to catch a whiz of energy amidst a comatose vineyard feeling.
As I blew kisses to Barossa, we stocked up the Terri with more delicious wine bottles and head back to Lyndoch for a lovely early Father's Day dinner at Lord Lyndoch Restaurant.

Jeff, the owner is hilarious and the boys enjoy a burst of giggles with him. With a beautiful meal and an electric fireplace by us, we tuck in before we head home, taking the Gawler route into the CBD.
Barossa was magical and divine. Since it is a vast land and so much to cover, we hope to include it during our next weekend adventures and cover Angaston, the famous Norm Coolies show dogs, Lego land and Whistler Wines as recommended by Glam Adelaide.

Let me leave you with a musical piece, to describe my experience at Barossa. We reached home and parked the adventurous Terri to sleep and I could have sworn she blinked her lights at me as I walked away.

Sweet dreams everyone..and 'Good night John Boy!'