8 Best Hotels in The Barossa Wine Region, South Australia

Tranquility reigns at this antiques-filled property on 50 acres of rolling beef farm with Barossa views and an 800-plant rose garden. Silence and blissfully comfortable beds with super-high-thread-count Egyptian linens make drifting off easy. One of the eight rooms has a jetted tub, another a deep, claw-foot enamel bathtub, and the rest double showers. All have complimentary tawny and chocolate. Relax in your room or venture out to sit by the fireplace in the main house---or the outdoor firepit should the weather permit. Abbotsford’s renowned home-cooked breakfast, which uses local and farm-grown ingredients (from its vegetable garden and Angus cattle herd), will fuel you up for a day of exploring the valley.

Rose-filled gardens or sweeping rural acres surround these classic Australian accommodations, where wood-burning fireplaces in several invite you to relax with a bottle of red after a day in the Barossa region, and comfy beds tempt you to sleep late. In Christabelle Cottage, an 1849 Heritage-listed former chapel, a spiral staircase winds up to a mezzanine bedroom. The other cottages, houses, and suites have one, two, or three bedrooms and country kitchens.

Its name means "view into the valley," which understates the breathtaking panoramas from this lovely B&B. Amid vineyards in foothills five minutes from the Barossa's heart, the retreat is a tranquil base for exploring. Gardens surround the self-contained lodge apartments and studios, and breakfast is served on the homestead veranda. You can also indulge in afternoon tea.

Set in a historic 1856 homestead on a 225-acre estate, Kingsford The Barossa offers one of the Barossa Valley's most exquisite experiences and is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding wine country. The homestead has been converted into eight suites including the enormous Matilda Suite, which includes a four poster bed and a fireplace opposite the tub in the bathroom. The more modern View Suites look out over the rolling meadows surrounding the property and capture the morning sun. There's an on-site pool, three bars, a secluded "bush bath" surrounded by gum trees and a kegelbahn (traditional German bowling alley). Guests can book the entire homestead and property for themselves, making it their home away from home with complete exclusivity and privacy. On weekends, a stay requires a minimum of two nights—you'll want to stay longer. Guests can book exclusive use of the B&B, including luxury accommodation and country continental breakfasts for up to 14 guests, or upgrade to the “all inclusive package,” which includes generous country breakfasts, multi-course dinners, and drinks and canapés at sunset. Indulge in the signature "outdoor bush bath," a gorgeous claw-footed tub for two set in the open air in a secluded corner of the property; request a wine tasting in the historic stone cellar; or just relax on one of two verandas and take in the magnificent views. Each room is individually decorated and features a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, bath amenities by Australian luxury brand Appelles, and a mini-refrigerator stocked with soft drinks.

Amid 20 acres of grapes, in a courtyard shaded by gnarled peppercorn trees, these delightful stone cottage–style suites were assembled from the remains of barns dating from the Barossa's pioneering days. A wood-burning stove warms the Krondorf Suite in the original 1852 cottage, while in the Para Suite—former stables with ceiling beams from Adelaide shearing sheds—you can soak in a hot tub and then sleep late in a brass bed. The farm is within easy walking distance of six wineries.

Some Barossa wineries make French-style wines; this delightful retreat is in the style of a classic Provençal farmhouse thanks to owners who have filled an 1857 homestead with French silk curtains, armoires, and objets d’art, and added a light-filled conservatory that overlooks sprawling lawns leading down to a gum-lined creek. The overall effect is of extreme luxury and this is the perfect place to relax after a day visiting the local wineries, whether you soak in one of the large freestanding tubs in the deluxe king rooms or the heated mineral pool at the back of the property just meters from the vines. And if you get the chance to dine in the guests-only restaurant, take it---the owner’s mother cooks fabulous recipes from her native Aix-en-Provence.

Rambling and aristocratic, this bluestone homestead with period-style furniture was built in 1903 for one of the 13 children of Joseph Seppelt, founder of the showpiece winery across the road. Barossa vintages fill the wine cellar, crystal and polished timber gleam in the formal dining room, and big, comfortable sofas inspire relaxing in the sitting room, perhaps with a book from the library. The four large guest rooms each have a bay-window seat that looks out at the gorgeous garden. Set-menu dinners (A$90 and available by reservation 24 hours ahead) make good use of local produce.

Prepare for pampering and privacy at this country estate on a quiet back road with glorious valley views and destination dining at its best. Step from your personal Mediterranean-style courtyard into a plush world of charcoal, chocolate, and cappuccino hues. There are wide-screen LCD televisions, wood-burning fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and double-head rainwater showers in all suites; some also have a walled rear terrace with an outdoor shower. For an extra charge, a local driver takes guests on an excursion to a nearby nature conservatory to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the real Australian bush, and the knowledgeable staff can also organize exclusive access to nearby wineries that will suit any taste. The award-winning Appellation restaurant (08/8562–4144, www.thelouise.com.au/appellation) offers degustations featuring sophisticated, innovative regional cuisine and sister venue Three75 ((08/8562–2115, www.thelouise.com.au/three75) provides a more casual dining experience.