The Louise is an attractive, rambling set of buildings hiding 15 immaculate suites. Luxurious and full of state-of-the-art equipment, they also have outdoor showers for cooling down in the heat and real log fires for warming up in the cooler months. By combining classic Aussie friendliness and 5-star efficiency, the service is impeccable; staff have superb local knowledge to share.
The suites are generously sized, opulently kitted out and yet homely. Relax on your private terrace overlooking the tapestry of vineyards, sink into your cavernous spa bath and get stuck into the complimentary port and homemade chocolate chip biscuits. To complete your indulgence, plunge into the infinity edge pool before signing up for an in-suite massage or paying a visit to the sauna. The biggest attraction, though, is the superb in-house restaurant, Appellation, which champions seasonal produce sourced within 50km radius. We suggest that you start with pre-dinner drinks in the elegant lounge bar before moving into the restaurant to sample the five-course degustation dining menu or the ten-course seasonal tasting menu, where each dish is perfectly prepared and matched with a delicious wine.
If it’s wine that you’re interested in, make sure to talk to the staff for insider information on which wineries are at their best at the time you visit. We’ll also be able to arrange private tastings and meetings with the vineyard owners, top sommeliers and wine guides or you could explore the local cellar doors and private estates on a vineyard safari. The ‘Breakfast with Kangaroos’ dawn picnic is a further highlight, held in a nearby conservation park where you’ll be treated to a gourmet breakfast after a walk in the bush. Otherwise, join the chef on a Saturday morning visit to the Barossa farmers’ market, where they sell artisan cheese, breads and fresh veg as well as bold brassy red wines. Here, you’ll enjoy a real feel for local life along with the chance to take part in a tutorial on how to match wines and cheese. Whatever you do, you’ll soon end up with a new favourite vineyard.
