The Barossa is the living legacy of Lutheran settlers and a name that stands as tall as Bordeaux, Napa, Stellenbosch, Marlborough and Tuscany.

1. See the Barossa’s Humble Beginnings

Visit the Herbig Family Tree near Springton, a giant, hollow gum tree where a family of Lutheran settlers lived in the mid-19th century. Next, head to any of the historic wine estates – Yalumba, Jacobs Creek, Langmeil, Penfolds and Seppeltsfield among them – to get a measure of just how the Barossa’s fortunes have flourished.

2. To Market, To Market

Indulge in the sights, sounds and tastes of the famous Barossa Farmers Market. It takes place on Saturday mornings (7:30am –11:30am) in the venerable (and very evocative) Vintners sheds in Angaston. Fill your baskets with local vegetables, orchard-grown fruit, farm-raised meats, gourmet mushrooms, virgin olive oils, preserves, pastries, dumplings, ice cream and handmade chocolates. Coffee and local bacon ‘n’ egg rolls are served at the Barossa Community Breakfast Bar.

3. Make a Date with the Avenue

The Avenue of Palms is a five-kilometre honour guard of 2,000 date palms, planted in the post-Depression years at the behest of the Seppelt family. It leads to Seppeltsfield, an 1851 estate now comprising a winery, fine dining restaurant (Fino) and the brilliant Jam Factory artisan hub where craftspeople work with metal, leather, glass and clay. Of course, it’s also where you can taste wines – including Vintage Tawny made in your birth year.

4. Say It Quietly at the Whispering Wall

Barossa Reservoir’s retaining wall has a magical ability to transport whispers over 100 metres. Plant half the family at one end and half at the other and see if you can still hear the kids giggling from the length of a soccer pitch. If being on the water tickles your fancy, book with Barossa Kayak Hire at Warren Reservoir for a self-guided or fully-guided tour. Grab junior kayaks for ages five to ten so the whole family can have a paddle.

5. Go Up, Up and Away

Ballooning over the Barossa is something of an institution, with two local operators offering regular flights. They’ll take you aloft at dawn to give you an eyeful of vines and ranges, before returning you to earth for breakfast and a glass of sparkling wine. Alternatively, take a joyride with Peter Kies at Barossa helicopters: heli-flights range from a four-minute taster to an hour-long excursion over the Barossa Ranges and out to the Murray River.

Read dueSouth Magazine here.