Imagine spending a relaxed three hours exploring South Australia’s renowned Barossa Valley through the lens of wine and food. For $122 per person, this Double Barrel Signature Experience offers an immersive look into Jacob’s Creek’s innovative winemaking, combined with a delicious, locally inspired lunch at Harvest Kitchen. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll enjoy a combination of vineyard insights, sensory tasting, and a shared-style meal—perfect for those eager to understand what makes this region so special.
What we love about this experience is the chance to taste Jacob’s Creek’s unique Double Barrel wines, which are matured first in traditional barrels and then finished in spirits barrels like whiskey, cognac, and rum. The second highlight? The shared Feed Me Like a Barossan menu, which offers a wonderful opportunity to sample local flavors in a convivial atmosphere, complemented by two glasses of Jacob’s Creek wine.
One potential consideration is the fixed lunch seating at Harvest Kitchen, which is always at 12 pm regardless of your tasting session. If you’re booked for the 11 am start, you’ll need to arrive at 11 am and then head to lunch at noon, but if you choose the 2 pm experience, you’ll have lunch first at 12 pm. For those who prefer flexible timing, this requires some planning.
This tour is perfect for wine lovers who want to deepen their understanding of Barossa Valley wines, particularly those interested in innovative winemaking techniques. It’s also ideal for foodies eager to pair local wines with thoughtfully curated dishes. If you’re after an authentic, small-group experience with plenty of insights and tastings, this fits the bill.
Key Points
- Unique Wines: The Double Barrel range offers a distinctive taste, matured in both traditional and spirits barrels.
- Expert Guidance: A knowledgeable host walks you through the winemaking process and tasting notes.
- Vineyard Tour: A personally hosted tour of the onsite display vineyard provides context and a scenic start.
- Food & Wine Pairing: The Feed Me Like a Barossan menu paired with two glasses of Jacob’s Creek wines creates a delicious, local culinary experience.
- Small Group: Limited to 8 participants for a more intimate and interactive experience.
- Timing & Planning: Lunch always at 12 pm means timing your experience accordingly is important.
Setting the Scene in South Australia’s Barossa Valley
Starting your day at Jacob’s Creek, located in the heart of the Barossa Valley, means you’ll be stepping into a landscape renowned for producing some of Australia’s finest wines. The experience begins with a personally hosted tour of the onsite display vineyard, where your guide explains the nuances of the terroir and vineyard management that influence the wines. This scenic stroll offers a perfect introduction to the region’s agricultural charm, and it’s a moment to appreciate the meticulous care that goes into every bottle.
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Discovering the Double Barrel Wines
The core of this experience revolves around Jacob’s Creek’s Double Barrel wines. These are not your run-of-the-mill bottles; they are crafted with a two-stage maturation process. First, the wines are matured in traditional wine barrels, which impart classic flavors and textures. Then, they are finished in second-use spirits barrels—such as whiskey, cognac, and rum—adding complex, layered notes that set them apart from standard wines.
Your guide, possibly named James or Sarah (names often mentioned in reviews), will walk you through the original concept, explaining how the aging in spirits barrels adds extra depth and richness, a technique that blends the worlds of winemaking and spirits mastery. As we tasted the wines, we appreciated the balancing act—the spirits barrels don’t overpower but elevate the wine, creating a unique flavor profile.
Many reviewers note the depth and complexity that this aging process imparts, making these wines a conversation starter. One guest remarked, “We loved the way the spirits barrels added a layer of richness that was different from traditional reds and whites.”
Sensory Experience and Tasting
The tasting isn’t just about sipping wine; it’s a sensory journey. Your guide will walk you through the evolution of the Double Barrel range, explaining how each wine develops in the barrel and what to notice in your glass—such as aroma, texture, and finish. This is where we found the experience especially valuable: it’s not just about tasting but understanding what makes each wine unique.
Reviewers mention that the in-depth guidance helps even novice tasters appreciate the subtleties of the wines. One reviewer noted, “The host’s detailed descriptions made me notice flavors I would never have picked out on my own,” highlighting the educational aspect of this experience.
Vineyard Tour and the Local Context
Before the tasting, you’ll enjoy a personalized walk through the display vineyard, which offers wonderful photo opportunities and a sense of connection to the land. Knowing the vineyard’s history and the grapes’ origins adds richness to every sip.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Lunch at Harvest Kitchen
Following the wine exploration, you’ll head to Harvest Kitchen for the lunch component. This always takes place at 12 pm, regardless of your start time, so plan accordingly. The meal is styled as “Feed Me Like a Barossan”, a shared, family-style menu that celebrates local ingredients and traditional flavors. Each dish is carefully paired with two glasses of Jacob’s Creek wines, providing a seamless pairing experience.
The lunch is praised for its generous portions and authentic flavors. Guests often comment on the quality of the ingredients and the thoughtful presentation. The pairing of wines with each course isn’t just about matching flavors—it’s about enhancing the tasting experience and understanding the wine’s role in bringing out the best in the food.
What We Thought
We found the entire experience to be well-paced and intimate, thanks to the small group size. The 4.9-star rating from other travelers confirms that most find this tour both informative and enjoyable. The host’s enthusiasm and clear explanations make the technical aspects approachable, even for those new to wine tasting.
The cost of $122 per person, while not the cheapest, offers great value. You’re getting a comprehensive vineyard tour, a sensory tasting of a unique wine range, and a substantial lunch—all in a beautiful setting. For wine aficionados, the chance to learn about the innovative Double Barrel technique is a highlight, and food lovers will appreciate the thoughtful pairing.
Considerations
The main thing to keep in mind is the fixed lunchtime at 12 pm. If you choose the 11 am experience, you’ll need to arrive early and then head straight to lunch. Conversely, opting for the 2 pm start means enjoying lunch first. This logistical detail is straightforward but worth noting for planning your day.
While no take-home bottles of wine are included, you can purchase your favorites afterward, giving you a chance to bring home a sample of this innovative style.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts curious about winemaking techniques and those who enjoy pairing food with wine. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate small-group tours with personalized guidance. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and delicious way to spend a few hours in South Australia, this experience will delight.
The Double Barrel Signature Experience combined with Harvest Kitchen lunch offers a memorable taste of South Australia’s wine and food scene. It balances educational insights with authentic flavors, all within a friendly, intimate setting. The focus on innovation and tradition makes it stand out for those wanting to understand what makes Jacob’s Creek special.
While the fixed lunch time requires some planning, the overall value—a vineyard tour, a detailed tasting, and a hearty meal—makes this a smart choice for anyone seeking an engaging and delicious introduction to the region. It’s perfect for avid wine lovers, curious travelers, and foodies alike who want more than just a standard tasting experience.
If you’re after a personalized, insightful journey into South Australia’s wine culture, this tour is a great fit.
How long does the experience last?
It lasts about 3 hours, including the vineyard tour, wine tasting, and lunch.
Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it is not suitable for children under 18 years.
What should I know about the timing?
The experience can start at 11 am or 2 pm. Regardless of the start time, lunch at Harvest Kitchen is always at 12 pm, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Are additional wines available?
No, only the two glasses included with lunch are provided. Extra glasses are not available during this experience.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.
Can I take home bottles of wine?
No, take-home bottles are not included or offered, but you can purchase your favorites afterward.
This carefully curated experience offers a thoughtful blend of education, tasting, and local cuisine—perfect for discovering what makes South Australia’s wine scene so vibrant.
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