Chateau Dorrien: At Tanunda in the Barossa Valley region of South Australia

(Text & pictures supplied by Sightseeing South Australia)

Chateau Dorrien is a family-owned business established in 1985 by the Martin family. The cellar-door is situated in the former Seppelts Winery which was built in 1912.

Over the years Chateau Dorrien has remained a popular tourist attraction. The property is located on the corner of Barossa Valley Way and Seppeltsfield Road at Dorrien (halfway between Tanunda and Nuriootpa).

Chateau Dorrien is instantly recognizable, with its beautiful line of tall palm trees that dominate the property. In addition, the eight eye-catching concrete castle-like vats create a grand entrance to this historic winery building.

When visiting Chateau Dorrien you need not be a wine expert or connoisseur. Enjoy white or red wines by the glass or bottle, created by father and son team Fernando and Ramon Martin. The friendly staff will guide through their comprehensive wine list featuring Shiraz, Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Trebiano. You can even team your tasting with a cheese platter, available with olives, pickles, crackers and relish.

You can also sample a mellow port or one of their meads (honey wine). In fact, Chateau Dorrien is the only place in the Barossa Valley that produces mead.

One of Fernando Martin's mead creations is scarlet, a beautiful chocolate and cinnamon honey mead. Served warmed it becomes a delightul partner to rich chocolate desserts, hot expresso coffee, fine chocolate biscuits and cold nights by a warm fire.

During the winter months enjoy a wine by the cellar-door's glowing log fire or browse the historic building that holds a rustic timber roof truss integrity. You will also discover the Una Leybourne Heritage Gallery. See the murals (pictured) painted on the row of concrete wine vats depicting the heritage of the Barossa Valley.

The cellar-door staff pride themselves on their good product knowledge and look forward to putting you at ease and guiding you through a genuine informal tasting.

Comments from the guest book include:
"The best wine-tasting I've enjoyed here."
"Such a pleasure to visit a real family-owned winery. Even more of a pleasure to taste your meads."
"The best part of a very full enjoyable day was reading the history and studying the murals of the settlement of the area."

Chateau Dorrien also houses the Barossa Craft Market which is an independent business featuring the work of many local craftspeople. It operates every weekend during the three winter months and is open every day throughout the rest of the year.

A friendly atmosphere and easy listening music makes it an ideal venue for finding gifts and indulgences. Among the permanent stalls you'll find knitted goods, gemstones, jewellery, fork art, timber products, pottery, wood burning, fairy accessories and many other crafts. Local produce is also featured, some of which are available for tasting.

Chateau Dorrien
Cnr Barossa Valley Way & Seppeltsfield Road, Tanunda 5352
Ph. (08) 8562 2850 Fax. (08) 8562 1416
Email. dorrienwines@ozemail.com.au
Website. www.geocities.com/dorrienwines/index.html