Fact Sheets & Video - South Australia

Read the label on a bottle of premium wine and if it's from South Australia you know it's going to be good! Some of the most famous wine regions in the world are dotted across South Australia, with by far the most wine being produced here than any other Australian state. From Shiraz in the Barossa, and Riesling in the Clare Valley, to the big reds of the Coonawarra, a pilgrimage around this wine lover's paradise is simple when all roads seem to lead to wine.

Almost as well known as the wine itself, are the labels that appear on the front of each bottle. So what is the story behind these prominent wine labels?

Chateau Tanunda - Barossa Valley

In 1845 the very first vines in the Barossa were planted on the Chateau Tanunda Estate, giving birth to the Barossa Valley as we know it today. The grand Chateau building was built in 2 years 1888-1890 and has since then had only three changes of ownership. Today Chateau Tanunda provides the opportunity to visit it's superb Cellar Door, housed amongst hundreds of barrels of maturing wine, and offering fine Chteau wines and wines from over 20 smaller producers - continuing the historic relationship between the Chteau and the growers of the Barossa Valley.

It's also home to an International standard croquet green and the festival cricket oval, overlooking the vineyards and Barossa Ranges, and one of the most spectacular grounds in the world - perfect for a leisurely afternoon of wine and recreation.

Richmond Grove - Barossa Valley

One of the Barossa's most picturesque and historic wineries, Richmond Grove nestles in a natural amphitheatre on the undulating banks of the charming North Para River, which meanders gently past the outskirts of the quaint old town of Tanunda.

The winery was built in 1897 as part of a citrus, stonefruit and vineyard property, but today offers splendid facilities - the Orangery and Paddock Cellar performance and exhibition spaces, the stylish Cellar Door and the wonderful riverside Amphitheatre.

Richmond Grove produces a range of premium wines from grapes grown in Australia's best viticulture regions.

Bridgewater Mill - Adelaide Hills

The Bridgewater Mill, nestled in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, was built in 1860 and spent most of its early life as a flourmill. It was the only mill in the state driven by water, and the giant waterwheel remains an icon of the era.

As the wheat and milling industry changed, the building went through other uses until Petaluma purchased it in 1984 and transformed it into its public face.

Today, the grand old building has been spectacularly renovated to now house the company's famous restaurant, cellar door, and its methode champenoise cellaring and production facility.

Further Information:

Bridgewater Mill Mt. Barker Road, Bridgewater SA. Resturant: Lunch from midday- Thursday to Monday. For bookings and enquiries call- (08) 8339 9200. Cellar Door: Open daily from 10am to 5pm. For enquiries call (08) 8339 9222 or visit www.bridgewatermill.com.au

Richmond Grove Para Rd. Tanunda, SA. Cellar Door: Open daily from 10:30am to 4:30pm. For enquiries call (08) 8563 7303 or fax (08) 8563 7330 or visit www.richmondgrove.com.au

Chateau Tanunda 9 Basedow Road, Tanunda SA. Cellar Door: Open daily from 10am to 5pm. VIP guided tours and barrel tastings arranged on request. For enquiries call (08) 8563 3888 or fax (08) 8563 1422 or visit www.chateautanunda.com

Novotel Barossa Valley ResortGolf Links Road, Rowland Flat SA. The newly opened Novotel Barossa Valley is Adelaide's first-ever hotel resort day spa. For more information call (08) 8524 0000 or visit www.novotelbarossa.com Special Deal for the first 100 callers: 1 night, twin share, in a studio suite, with a bottle of Barrossa Red; $136 per night. That's a 50% saving! First 100 callers only. Valid until 31/08/07

DriveAway HolidaysUpgrade Specials: book compact pay economy car rental $55 per day. Valid for collections till 30th June, 2007. For more information visit: www.driveaway.com.au