Beyond Barossa Shiraz

About an hour’s drive north-east of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is a shiraz success story. From ancient shiraz vines, the warm and dry region produces wines that are rich, complex, full-bodied, and loaded with black fruit and spice. They are rightfully considered to be among the world's best examples of the variety. 

Indeed, Barossa shiraz is up there with Vegemite as one of Australia’s most recognised exports, and is arguably one of the most famous red wines in the world. 

The Barossa Valley. Image credit: Wine Australia.

Reading through Dave Brookes’ tasting notes from his most recent trip to the region, it was no surprise to see the variety featured heavily. But for every top-rated shiraz, there was a top-rated cabernet sauvignon, a top-rated grenache, a top-rated semillon. Even chenin blanc, grenache blanc and durif get a run. 

If you love the Barossa but are looking to expand your vinous horizons beyond shiraz, here are 10 'other' wines to try.

Expand your knowledge with Halliday Wine Academy

Through Introduction to Wine, students will learn about Australian wine and wine regions, how wine is made, how to taste and describe wine, how to approach food and wine matches, along with handy tips that address common wine questions. And in part one of our Wines of the World course, discover and explore the iconic wines, regions and laws of France, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Germany and Austria.

Image credit: Wine Australia.