cstinaa

We're looking forward to visiting wineries while downunder in Aug-Sept.
Any advice on Barossa wineries?
cellar door pass? is it worth the $99?
What do they charge for tastings if you were just to drop in?
Do we need appointments?

Bokhara

Have a look at this link, it might answer some of your queries. I haven't been to the Barossa for a while - usually go to the Clare. If the 6 wines are anyway half-reasonable, at AUD 16.50/bottle, you'd think the $99 would be a pretty good deal if it includes 50 wineries as well. I guess the clue is to see which of those 50 are in the areas you want to visit. Usually you don't need appointments unless it's a very small winery and not usually open to the public. The pass probably gives you opening times etc. Not all wineries charge for tastings. Again, can't say specifically for the Barossa, and they may because it's such a tourist area & they might need to to cover their costs.

There's a wealth of online info about Australian wines - both here on Fodors and on Google.

Bokhara

oops! Here's the link: http://www.totaltravel.com.au/travel.../barossavalley

kstrueh

We chose McLaren Vale (south of Adelaide) over Barossa, as being less touristy. The absolute highlight was d'Arenburg, that has a great restaurant as well as great wines. Can't remember all we went to, but Kay Brothers was fun for the museum (it was founded in the 1800s) and Kangarilla actually made a zinfandel. We started our tour at the visitor's center right in McLaren Vale, that has maps and helpful information.

For something really different, we spent a few days in the Granite Belt, in the highlands southeast of Brisbane. Cody's B&B/Winery was a great place to stay, and they arranged a dinner and special tour at Ballandean Estates where Angelo was just a hoot.

Lizzy101

We have been to the Barossa many, many times and have never paid for wine tasting.

Some wineries are only open for selected hours and not on specific days. Details on wineries can be found here:

http://www.winediva.com.au/wineries/barossa-valley.asp

We enjoy Henscke, Rockford and Langmeil in the Barossa. As a poster has noted on another thread about the Barossa, the Clare Valley is also north of Adelaide and close to the Barossa - combining the two would give you an excellent variety of grape and wine styles. Lunch on the balcony at Skillagallee winery (or by the fire in August!) is highly recommended!

Hopefully we would have had some rain by then and the scenery will be nice and green!

Traveller16

I love the Barossa - it is such a lovely place. A few of the wineries charge for tasting but not to many (if they are a winery that charges ($5) but you buy a bottle then they normally do not charge the fee).

the big wineries (free tastings) include Orlando (Jaocbs Creek), Wolfblass, Penfolds, well, it is endless - it is a great place!!!! You will love it - pack warm clothes that time of year - althoguhh we are in a draught so don't expect rain unless there is a miricle!!