Barossa Valley
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:Tanunda.jpg Image:Bethany, Barossa Valley.jpg The Barossa Valley is a major wine-producing region and tourist destination of South Australia, located 60 km northeast of Adelaide.
Contents |
History
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 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. The German influence survives to this day (see Barossa Deutsch). Angaston, in contrast, is considered the English town as it was settled predominantly by Cornish miners and others from Britain. The third 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 supplimented in nearby Gawler. In recent years, increased development in the area has seen opposition from the local communities.
Wine industry
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 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.
Wineries
Template:Mainlist Among the well known wineries located in the Barossa valley are Grant Burge, Orlando (producers of Jacob's Creek), Kaesler, Penfolds, Peter Lehmann, Wolf Blass, Rockford, Elderton, Yalumba and Seppelts.
See also
External links
- Template:Wikitravel
- South Australia Central
- South Australian Tourism Commission
- Barossa Wine & Tourism Association
- Official Barossa Council Site