Barossa Valley

Barossa Valley is an Australian Geographical Indication (AGI - similar to the European Designation of Origin system) wine region within the Barossa Wine Zone, north of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. The Barossa was settled by English landowners and Silesian immigrants escaping religious persecution in Prussia (now part of Poland). The imprint from both cultures is clearly seen in the rich diversity of cuisine and in the historical villages dotted across the Barossa. Predominantly a red wine region, the Barossa is Australia's most famous wine region and has an enviable reputation for its Shiraz. It is also a high quality source of wines from much sought after hundred-year-old vines, especially Grenache and Mourvedre (or Mataro). Other notable Barossa Valley varietals include Viogner, Semillon (which often rivals the Hunter Valley for prestige) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Early vineyard plantings were often destined for fortified wines, and while not enjoying the widespread popularity of yesteryear, these wines are still in high demand by those in the know. Under the AGI system, Barossa Valley Wine Region wines can be mixed with (adjacent) Eden Valley Wine Region wines to produce wines labelled Barossa or Barossa Zone.