The ATEC's Explore South Australia 2025 Event, held in August in partnership with the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), offered an intimate glimpse into this flagship region's soul through two wineries. Just one hour from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley showcased its evolving identity - where cutting-edge collaborative winemaking meets time-honored family craftsmanship, proving that innovation and tradition can flourish side by side in Australia's most celebrated wine country.
The first stop took place at Jam house, a cellar door home to three talented small-batch producers: Chad from White Gate Wine Co, Dave from Geyer Wine Co, and Scotty from Forage Supply Co. This tailored experience highlighted the collaborative spirit of the shared winemaking space while offering an intimate journey through the wine process.
Nestled next to Nuriootpa, near historic Tanunda, Jam House represents a revolutionary approach capturing international attention. This facility brings together three distinct personalities challenging the region's traditional bold style in favor of something more nuanced.
Chad Connolly crafts lighter Barossa varietals through minimal intervention. "I was tasting a 16% alcohol Shiraz that could power a car," he recalls. "I thought, 'This isn't what the valley used to be about.' So I started picking earlier, and suddenly the wines started singing rather than shouting."
Dave Geyer revives neglected vineyards to produce innovative wines. "My grandfather would roll over seeing me make 11% alcohol wine from 95-year-old Semillon vines," Dave laughs. "But these old vines have stories we've been drowning out with over-extraction."
Scott Rogasch established Forage Supply Co as a social enterprise promoting sustainability. A former diver, he was inspired by environmental damage: "Diving the Great Barrier Reef, watching bleached coral, I realized I had to do something meaningful. Wine became my vehicle for change – every bottle funds environmental projects."
The Jam House experience runs Thursday through Sunday, limited to 12 guests. Visitors witness the entire grape-to-glass process, seeing different approaches under one roof. Located 60 kilometers northeast of Adelaide, it proves innovation and tradition can thrive together in Australia's premier wine region (Jam House, 494 Research Road, Nuriootpa – Visits by reservation only, call 0423 280 694).
The journey continued to Lambert Estate Wines in Angaston, just a few minutes’ drive from Jam House, where a different kind of family story unfolds. When Jim Lambert's business travels brought him to Australia in the 1990s, he realized his love of wine and beautiful places could mark out a new future for him and his wife Pam. Nestled in the hills just outside Angaston, this family-owned winery produces premium single vineyard wines from pristine, unspoiled locations with fine soils and climatic conditions.
Their son Kirk joined them on their journey from Wisconsin, studying winemaking in Adelaide where he met and fell in love with fellow student Vanesa - who was from Peru. "We joke that our wines have passport stamps from three continents," Kirk laughs, surveying the 240-acre vineyard property that grows 11 different grape varieties. "Dad always said the best wines tell stories of place and people. Here, we're writing chapters from Wisconsin, Peru, and the Barossa all at once."
The Lambert approach contrasts beautifully with Jamhouse's collaborative model. Situated on rolling hills with 17 unique soil types planted around old gum trees scattered throughout the property, Lambert Estate represents the classic family winery evolution - where American entrepreneurship, Latin passion, and Barossa terroir converge into something uniquely their own.
The cellar door opens daily from 11am to 5pm, with their restaurant operating Friday through Sunday from noon to 3pm. What sets Lambert Estate apart is their commitment to creating a complete experience - combining boutique winery, vineyard, restaurant, event center, eco-cart tours and accommodation all under family management.
The ATEC experience at both venues highlighted the Barossa's remarkable diversity - from Jamhouse's innovative shared winemaking space to Lambert Estate's traditional family heritage model, proving this historic valley continues to reinvent itself while honoring its roots.
The Barossa Valley offers accommodation to suit every style and budget, from luxury vineyard retreats to eco-friendly escapes. All accommodations below are available via your login in our booking system. Our team of specialists at Across Australia is also at your disposal to help organize your clients' stay. Contact: [email protected]
Barossa Shiraz Estate (Lyndoch) stands out for its unique offer: luxury self-contained cottages set within private vineyards, featuring wood-burning fireplaces, spa baths, and sweeping valley views. The converted 1848 Barn offers particularly exquisite modern design with original cobblestone floors.
CABN Seppeltsfield redefines the "small and special" category with elevated eco-cabins featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, private in-cabin saunas, and a luxurious off-grid experience just 30 meters apart. Their CANVS option offers pavilion-style canvas accommodation with large glass doors to truly connect with nature.
Barossa Weintal Hotel (Tanunda) provides accommodation in the heart of the valley's main town, perfect for easy access to cellar doors and restaurants.
Discovery Park Barossa Valley (Tanunda) and Vine Inn Barossa (Nuriootpa) offer economy options for budget-conscious travelers seeking comfortable bases for wine exploration.
Stonewell Cottages (Tanunda) delivers cottage-style accommodation, while The Barns of Freeling (Freeling) offers another "small and special" experience with converted heritage buildings in a tranquil setting.
The Villas - Barossa (Marananga) provides 2 eco-villas, nestled between vineyards and woodland, built adjacent to a 19th-century bread oven and historic former schoolhouse where the owners, Cathy & Grant, reside.
Tiny Rosie (Flaxman Valley, on the eastern slopes of the Barossa) rounds out the moderate options with charming, intimate accommodations perfect for romantic getaways.
Each property reflects the Barossa's diverse character - from heritage charm to contemporary luxury, ensuring every visitor finds their perfect valley experience.
