This is the One Barossa Valley Cellar Door You Shouldn't Miss

On the western ridge of South Australia’s Barossa Valley, among the 170 hectares of rolling vineyards, rustic gardens and heritage-listed buildings, lies an exclusive cellar-door experience where bookings are essential. Dating back more than 174 years and located just under one hour’s drive from Adelaide’s CBD, Seppeltsfield Estate is regarded as one of Australia's most successful and historic wine dynasties. Here are five of the best ways to soak up the splendour. 

Taste Australian History

Shortly after the winery was established by Joseph Seppelt in 1851, his son Benno, built the Centennial Cellar that’s now home to the world’s only unbroken lineage of single vintage Tawny that dates back to 1878 and spanning 147 consecutive vintages. 

Today, the A Taste of History Tour includes a tasting of the winery’s jewel in the crown, the recently released 1924 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny, with an opportunity to purchase a bottle along with the RIEDEL Cognac Vinum glasses that Seppeltsfield Chief Winemaker, Fiona Donald describes as “the perfect glass for our 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny”. 

Awarded a perfect 100 Point review in the revered Halliday Wine Companion, leading wine critic Dave Brooks described the 1924 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny as an “epic wine and a national treasure”. The rare Tawny is the result of a century of seasons maturing in oak: rich flavours; impressive volume and mouthfeel; and remarkable freshness and length driven with blood orange acidity.

Sample the finest in South Australian dining

After you’ve tasted a drop of liquid history, meander across to the award-winning FINO restaurant next door. Settle inside the high-ceilinged dining room, overlooking the FINO terrace where you will be surrounded by date trees, and settle in for the ultimate long lunch. You can choose from a progressive regional dining menu that celebrates the very best of South Australian produce created by head chef Daniel Murphy, including king prawns with flat beans doused in XO butter or Wagyu brisket with eggplant and harissa. Dessert is a must, with their Crema catalana best paired with a glass of Seppeltsfield Para Tawny. For something more casual, pop in for a pit stop at Octeine café at Seppeltsfield, which proudly serves locally-sourced coffee, charcuterie platters and panini sandwiches. 

Explore the vineyards on two wheels

The vineyards of Seppeltsfield are located high on the hill above the winery, which is why the segway tour – a one-hour guided jaunt on two wheels – is the ideal way to learn more about the historic estate. Beginning with a brief riding lesson, visitors then embark on a guided exploration of the Great Terraced Vineyard, one of the oldest vineyards in the Barossa consisting of bush vine Grenache planted in 1855 and then replanted in 1958 in contoured rows that follow the natural shape of the land. Once there, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the entire village and finish with a tasting of Seppeltsfield’s wines, including the contemporary best-selling Barossa Grenache, at the cellar door.

Immerse yourself in Seppelt family home

Curl up next to the fire with a glass of award-winning Seppeltsfield Barossa Shiraz in one of the spacious lounge rooms at The Lodge. Built by Joseph’s grandson, Udo Waldemar Seppelt, in 1903, the sprawling homestead is surrounded by flowering gardens on a rolling 1.2-hectare property. The six spacious bedrooms can comfortably sleep 12 guests. Early risers can enjoy breakfast in the formal dining room, with provisions to whip up scrambled eggs provided from the fully equipped kitchen. 

Cultivate your love of arts and craft

What’s wine without a barrel to put it in? Spend the day in the Seppeltsfield Cooperage with master cooper Andrew Young, working side-by-side with his team to craft your own 10-litre barrel. If shaping oak staves isn’t your speed, pop into JamFactory in the restored horse stables of Seppeltsfield Village. Explore the six studios –  including ceramics, glass, jewellery, millinery, metal-work and knife-making – where you can take a ceramics class or listen to a seminar lead by local artisans, bookings are essential.