Friday, September 24, 2010

Barossa Valley Grapes

Grapes Found in Barossa Valley

In 1788, a British Governor in New South Wales named Capt. Arthur Phillip headed the establishment of vineyard in Barossa Valley. Locals of New South Wales ventured viniculture in Sydney however it unsuccessful that they eventually tried the land of Barossa Valley in 1860s. Vineyard in the place is distinctive for its viniculture is not derived from any British influence but solely Prussian itself. Vineyards in the Barossa Valley became renowned, making it as the prime Barossa Valley attraction. The region is the prime supplier of Chardonnay , Semillon, Riesling , Shiraz , Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre and Grenache.

Chardonnay, Riesling and Semillon are the types of grapes in Barossa Valley that yield white wines.Riesling is the earliest type of grape that was given focus in the area. The grape could be either red or white skinned. The most costly wine from the type is the late harvest for it yields a natural sweet flavor. The hot climate in the region helps in ripening the grape making the wine alcoholic. Another white wine maker grape is Sémillon. Barossa Semillon possesses a pinkish skin which is a bit greasy in texture with full flavor and less acidity. Chardonnay is a green-skinned type yielding a white wine. Barossa Chardonnay grape is big and ripened well by its hot climate. The variety is given focus in Penfolds aiming to attain the taste of apple and pear. White wineries are the most visited spot among Barossa Valley attractions.

Cabernet Sauvihnon, Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre are the grape types of region that create red wines. The region gained its wine history from the Shiraz grape wines. It is a black-skinned grape. It started in South Australia in 1839. In the beginning, the grape wasn't highly regarded until some vineyards and wineries in the region created a fame for the selection. The region’s Shiraz wine is categorized as obtaining a taste chocolate and spices. More or less identical to the latter is Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a black grape that yields red wines. Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon is similar to Barossa Shiraz - classified as having fine tannins and high in alcohol content. Grenache is the very least produced grape in Barossa Valley. It was brought to Barossa in 1844, together with Shiraz. Wine from Barossa Grenache is fruity but doesn't have enough tannin. One more variety is Mourvedre which started from Spain. The grape is smaller in comparison to other types. It has a thicker skin with exceptionally alcoholic and sweet fruit. Barossa Mourvedre is more of a Spanish version than French. Strong and dark red wines are the produce of Barossa Mourvedre.

Viticulture in the region is victorious as ever for the area is blessed with warm environment that is ideal to vineyards. The warm climate is necessary in the stage of grape ripening. Tourism in the region is progressing given that guests' Barossa Valley accommodation benefit them a lot for there are numbers of wineries for them to check out in the area. Currently, there are 135 vineyards and wineries are spotted in the region. The most well known family-run wineries are Langmeil, Grant and Helen Burge, Majella Wines, Henschke , Pirramimma , D’arenberg, Kalleske, Yalumba Wines , Taylors , Jim Barry Wines.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Barossa Valley Arts and Galleries

The art galleries around Barossa Valley could convey that the residents value arts as much as they value the tradition of winery and food. The works displayed in galleries depict the history, tradition and culture of Barossa Valley. One can say that nationalism is the usual concept of arts.

 One of the most established gallery in the region is Barossa Regional Gallery in Basedow Road. Aside from memorial gallery of Tanunda soldiers and Hill & Son Grand Organ, the building also houses the historic and modern paintings, arts and sculptures of local artists. It proudly displays the outstanding collections of art produced every biennial celebration of Barossa Valley Vintage Festival. The festival holds art competitions inviting native artists to create entries themed on Barrosa valley attractions such as landscape paintings. The winning entries that are displayed include the works of Pamela Kowenhaven, David Dallwitz , Dianne Longley , Inmants Tillers , Kathleen Pettyarre , Alfred Engel, and Rod Schubert.. Other than paper paintings, the place also exhibits the finest gallery of wall hanging. The "The Barossa Wall Hanging" nicely hangs in its wall. The wall hanging is legendary for it was crafted for four years by 30 women of Barossa.

 Inspired artists are one of the people who are behind the glory of contemporary arts in Barossa Valley. They established their own galleries to further promote the magnificence of the region through arts and crafts. In Tanunda, one will find Mc Crae Gallery. The showroom was made in 1991 to provide a place to the works of Darren Mc Crae. The artist is renowned for its unique impressionist arts featuring the regions' flora and fauna, sports and landscape as reflected in his modern abstract painting and contemporary sculpture. Another gallery is found in Lyndoch known as as Spinifex Art and Crafts. It provides a wide range of locally created arts and crafts. It displays works that include embroidery, paintings, ceramics and quilts.. Nearby , one will find Peter Franz Fine Art Gallery. Peter Franz, a noted photographer, gave birth to Peter Franz Fine Art Gallery in August 2008. The 90-square-meter room stores the photographs of the founder and the arts produced by the residents. The featured arts are paintings, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, artful textile, glassworks, and jewelry. The gallery also holds events highlighting works of native artists.

People of Barossa Valley combine art and food as depicted in some dinning establishments. Tanunda's Old Mill Gallery is a showroom at the same time a dining place. It's a good place to visit if one craves for food at the same time desires to commune with Barrosa Valley attractions thru paintings, drawings and crafts. The restaurant displays the crafts, paintings and drawings of locals and visiting artists. The works of arts are finely framed. Crafts displayed are made from Barossa native materials such wood wares that are crafted from old wine barrels. These works of art are available for purchase. Other restaurants such Peter Lehmann Wines Cellar Door features the works of Rod Schubert and Gomersal Wines highlights George Aldridge’s works.

Arts of the region tend to promote Barossa Valley attraction, culture and tradition. The arts aren't just letting tourists relish their Barossa Valley accommodation in a modern setting but allowing themo experience the old Barossa Valley via displayed arts.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Barossa Valley Restaurants

Barossa Valley is not just well regarded as manufacturer of finest wine in the world. It is also celebrated for its unique delicacies. Food in the place has a touch of Germanic and Modern Australian style.

Although the valley’s cuisine has grown revised, you may still find local restaurants that provide regions culinary legacy and tradition.

KabMinye Wines
It's celebrated for serving more on conventional Australian food in preference to modern Australian recipes. Vegans would love to dine for it dishes up number of vegan dishes. Classic platter is served for the entrée together with specialized sandwich and vegan cuisine for vegetarians. Main course of Germanic cooking such as kassler, poached chicken partnered with healthy dishes are also served coupled with dessert and side dishes.

Appellation at the Louise
It serves both Germanic and Modern Australian cuisine which include sliced beef with picked carrot, soy ginger, and wassabi, creamy chowder, pouched lobster, roasted Coorong Angus beef and more.

Harrys at Novotel Barossa Valley Resort
It provides the region’s periodic cuisine. Its signatory menu is smoked ocean trout salad, grilled market fish, and grilled chicken salad. It provides a good diet, side dishes, and desserts.

Contemporary Australian cuisine
It is greatly defined of its eclectic feature. As there are rising numbers of combined ethnicities living in the area, modern Australian cuisine prevails. Modern cuisine is characterized by a superb combination of diverse foods from various nationalities that inhabit the area. It offers a taste of blending Asian tempting flavor such as specialized spices mixed with European delicacies. There are lots of restaurants which serve superb modern Australian cuisine.

Salter's Kitchen
Its serve modern Australian cuisine which signature is fresh potato & rosemary flat bread. It also serves pizzas, side dishes, and bread.

Vintners Bar & Grill
The restaurant is distinctive in Barossa Valley for the majority of of its ingredients are seafood such quail, scallops, ocean trout, oysters, prawns, crab, fish. This also dishes up meaty menu and vegetable too.

Jacob's Restaurant
It’s the only real dining destination in Barossa Valley that serves modern Australian delicacies that highlights Asian’s flavoring.

Kaesler Restaurant & Cottages
Influenced by modern day Australian menu, this restaurant is best known for its exclusive marinated kangaroo. In addition, it serves pork wrapped in bacon, fish, paprika marinated chicken, and Moroccan spiced eye fillet. It offers desserts and variety of drinks.

Maggie's Farm
It offers premium ice cream. It’s well known for its Pheasant Farm Pate and quince paste. It also prepares exceptional unripe grape juice generally known as verjuice.

1918 Bistro & Grill
This is a place of four cuisines; Modern Australian, Delicatessen, Bistro and Café . It prepares mouth-watering menu for entrée and main course which include Soba Noodles, a number of pizza, Tempura Zucchini Flower, Stracci Pasta, battered garfish, grilled lamb and much more.

Juergies
It’s the only eating place that serves global cuisine among Barossa Valley restaurants headed by Chef Juergen Leib. It serves a variety of vegan menus.

Murdock Cellar Door & Restaurant
It is exclusive for its French, Mediterranean, and Modern Australian cuisines. This is well known for its only exceptional Tapas dining style with wine.

Black Pepper Cellar Steakhouse
The place is known for its ideal culture of outdoor coffee and light meal. It is a Bistro, Cafe/Deli, and Steakhouse.

Baccus Restaurant
Inspired by modern Australian delicacies, the restaurant serves seafoods and vegetables in tandoori variety of cooking.

Barossa Valley’s Restaurants and foods not only provide the flavour of its traditional and modern dishes but also let diners feel the essence of its region’s livelihood and convention. You’ll surely discover a destination that absolutely matches your cravings in Barossa Valley.