Summer in the Barossa Valley

In celebration of Australia Day, here's a look at summertime in one of the country's most notable wine-producing regions, including a profile of one very special winery that helped thrust the Barossa Valley into the international spotlight.

Get to Know Barossa Valley in the Summer

Summer in the Barossa Valley runs from December to February. Days are hot and full of sunshine (around 26-29°C), but the evenings can be quite a bit cooler with temps dipping to around 12-14°C — perfect for dining alfresco with a bottle of wine to keep you company.

Barossa is most often associated with Shiraz, the local name for the Syrah varietal native to and grown in the Rhone Valley in France, but you'll also find Barossa wineries producing wonderful examples of Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre, and Grenache.

Yalumba Winery

Yalumba launched as a family-owned winery in 1849. Since then, six generations of the Hill-Smith family have worked tirelessly to produced wines that reflect the regions terroir. Their philosophy — low interference, respect for the land, and a willingness to experiment when the time as right — has led to an incredible portfolio of diverse and distinctly delicious wines as well as a slew of high-profile awards not only for the wine but also for a commitment to sustainable practices.

Yalumba Winery is also the only winery in the entire Southern Hemisphere with its own cooperage. Two on-site coopers painstakingly select and shape oak into barrels that will eventually contribute additional flavour, aroma, and overall complexity to grapes sourced from Yalumba's very own vineyards.

Another fascinating point of interest: The Yalumba Nursery. Launched in 1975, this dedicated nursery produces quality vines not only for Yalumba's own use but also for vineyards across Australia. Part state-of-the-art production facility, part research HQ, the Nursery is known for in-depth studies and reviews of vine health, clone characteristics, and emerging varieties. Some of the Nursery's efforts include bringing non-native varietals to Australia, which is how Yalumba become the first winery with Viognier plantings outside of the Rhone Valley.

Sustainability

As the powers that be at Yalumba Winery put it, "sustainability never ends." They also believe that sustainability is integral to the winery's success, which is why the Hill-Smith family has a long track record of making wine with minimal intervention and continuously exploring new takes on sustainable practices that emphasize the health of the vines and the planet overall.

Some of Yalumba's sustainability-related accreditations include recognition from Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and International Wineries for Climate Action, and they've also been recognized for their environmental management systems, including the use of solar power and research into water preservation.

In addition, all of Yalumba Winery's wines are vegan friendly.

To try some Barossa Valley magic for yourself, check out our extensive collection of Yalumba Winery wines.