Bounded by soft, green hills and neat lines of grape vines that stripe off into the distance, Angaston is one of the prettiest spots for a romantic getaway. This small country town in the heart of the Barossa oozes old-school romance with charming, historic red-roofed buildings, neat tree-lined streets and a riot of sweet, colourful flowerbeds. Just an hour’s drive north of Adelaide, it’s also a stone’s throw from exceptional small-batch artisan wineries, gourmet producers and a wealth of casual and fine-dining options.
FRIDAY
An early arrival means time to indulge in the creamy handcrafted cheeses made by former-winemaker, Victoria McClurg at The Barossa Valley Cheese Company. There are nineteen listed in her chic Angaston storefront with the natty black and cream striped canvas awning, including a delectable triple cream and tangy washed rind.
In nearby Nuriootpa, we scoot down the dusty stretch of Nuraip Road, flanked on either side by nubby, hundred-year vines, and discover little gems like Elderton, Kaesler and Home of the Brave. At Yelland and Papps, we try a Vermentino and Vin de Soif in a retro 1950s kitchen, before savouring the noteworthy elegance of a 2013 Greenock Shiraz. Back in Angaston, our dinner of choice is the warm ambience and award-winning pizzas of licensed, local favourite, 40s Café.
SATURDAY
Day two of our weekend getaway starts at the small but friendly Barossa Farmer’s Market. Packed with fresh produce, flowers, biodynamic wines, hand-made chocolates, artisan breads, cheeses and pastured meats, we stroll its stalls hand-in hand, stopping at times to sample the delicious Swedish buns at Eleni or the different oils at Cornucopia Farming Olive Oil, and learn olive tree cuttings were originally smuggled into South Australia by Italian migrants cunningly wrapped around coat hangers.
In the afternoon, we motor past sprawling vineyards, pockets of sunny wattle and flowers in bloom, and come across a small, hinged sign announcing Melton Wines. In a grey stone building amid vineyards, we try ‘Sparkling Red’, a tizzy shiraz traditionally served in the Barossa on Christmas morning with a side of bacon, and the slightly sweet Sotto Di Ferro, their unique dessert wine made from basket-pressed naturally dehydrated grapes.
As the afternoon sky deepens to a flinty grey, we make our way to Seppeltsfield through a curious landscape of winding roads lined with large, spiky headed palms, planted during the Depression by its workers as a means to make a living, and visit the newly opened cellar door of Izway Wines, a small-batch boutique winery focused on creating dense, handcrafted reds with minimal sulfur. They’re delicious. Afterwards, perched at the bar of chic restaurant, Fino at Seppeltsfield, we enjoy a glass of rose and feast on a tart yellowfin tuna and vegetable escabeche and a layered bacon broth with chicken tortellini and cavolo nero soup.
SUNDAY
With only a few hours left of our romantic weekend away, we make a final stop at Artisans of the Barossa, a consortium of tiny winegrowers, and feast on Mediterranean-inspired share plates next door at Harvest Kitchen, a funky restaurant owned by former Masterchef contestant, Tracy Collins.
WHERE TO STAY
Once the stately residence of Angaston’s founding family, Collingrove Homestead is now an immaculate luxury B&B notable for its manicured gardens, white linen and original hand-carved French provincial furniture.
