December 29, 2014
Today our goal was to locate Beer – Maggie Beer that is. So it was off to the Barossa for a summer visit!
We enjoyed a scenic drive along country roads and up through Eden Valley. We stopped to admire the Herbig Family Tree in Springton and nearly got blown off the hill top by the wind at the Eden Valley scenic lookout.
Approaching Tanunda, we followed the signage to Maggie Beer’s farm near Nuriootpa. Maggie Beer is a famous “country cook” from South Australia via Sydney. In addition to publishing several cook books and starring in a television cooking program, “The Cook and the Chef“, she has an extensive food product line which we tasted at her Farm Shop.
We couldn’t believe how busy the car park was on a Monday. However, after parking beside the ram pen, we scored a sweet table spot in the Demonstration Kitchen (the studio filming location of the television program). As the Verjuice demonstration did not begin for an hour, we ordered lunch and enjoyed some tea & coffee in the lead up to the main event.
Catherine was our presenter and she did a fantastic job entertaining and educating us on Verjuice, Vino Cotto and roasted vegetables. It was standing room only as mouthwatering mushrooms were sauteed and squash, zuchinni & onions were baked. A bit of Maggie’s history and passions were presented mixed in with some of her quotable quotes like, “Butter is Love!”
The audience was able to sample verjuice, taste the vegetables and pose for pictures in the kitchen. We left with big smiles and full bellies!
We took a stop in Tanunda to visit the main street and the Barossa Regional Art Gallery. Then it was off to Jacob’s Creek for a rest in the bean-bag loungers.
Such a fun and relaxing day in the Barossa!
Herbig Family Tree, Springton, SA, December 29, 2014
Eden Valley Scenic Lookout, Eden Valley, SA, December 29, 2014
Maggie Beer’s Demonstration Kitchen and Farm Shop, Nuriootpa, SA, December 29, 2014
Maggie Beer’s selection of Verjuice and Sparkling beverages, Nurioopta, SA, December 29, 2014
Barossa Dukkah Picnic Basket, Maggie’s Farm Shop Food, Nuriootpa, SA, December 29, 2014
Doug gives a tasty approval to the Duck, Currant and Muscat Pate Picnic Basket, Nurioopta, SA, December 29, 2014
AUS: Pumpkin Soup (CDN: Squash Soup), Nurioopta, SA, December 29, 2014
Rhubarb Cake and Cream, Nuriootpa, SA, December 29, 2014
Maggie’s Sparkling Pink Lady Apple Juice and Barossa Breakfast Tea, Nuriootpa, SA, December 29, 2014
Verjuice and Vino Cotto Recipes, Nuriootpa, SA, December 29, 2014
Catherine and Esther show how it’s done, Nuriootpa, SA, December 29, 2014
Hey! Who let Carolyn in the test Kktchen? Security? Nuriootpa, SA, December 29, 2014
Carolyn and Esther enjoying the pond and sunshine at Maggie Beer’s Farm, Nuriootpa, SA, December 29, 2014
Jacob’s Creek Shiraz grapes, Tanunda, SA, December 29, 2014
Lounging at Jacob’s Creek, Tanunda, SA, December 29, 2014
View from the gardens at Jacob’s Creek, Tanunda, SA, December 29, 2014
Sean relaxes in the afternoon sunshine, Jacob’s Creek, Tanunda, SA, December 29, 2014
Carolyn puts her feet up, Jacob’s Creek, Tanunda, SA, December 29, 2014
Australia 2014 - 2015 
Brought back memories! Did a Barossa wine tour day….and we also dropped by Maggie Beer’s bought some dukka but we were undecided on the verjus!
Yes, we’re spoiled to have so many great regions within a short car ride. Food, drink, views, it really is a great area to find ourselves in for the year.
Woohoo!!! Everyone is looking great! Yummy food, beautiful sunshine, a few learning opportunities and some candid photos! So much fun!
It’s been quite the change to the vines since your visit. They are green and loaded with grapes. The bean bag loungers are just as comfy! 🙂