Why Greenock is a Must for Every Barossa Itinerary

When you’re looking for things to do in the Barossa Valley, Greenock is an absolute must.

You could easily mistake this Barossa village for a sleepy town. And while this hamlet is a tranquil base for locals, as you delve into the lifeblood of Greenock, you will find so much more.

Peaceful yet eclectic, you can spend a day or more on foot experiencing the authentic village atmosphere. With cellar doors, craft brewery, historic buildings, the best tavern in the Barossa, plus a Colombian inspired café and homewares shop all within walking distance from the town square.

Nestled into the famed Western Ridge, Greenock is a short drive from Seppeltsfield Road and a close neighbour of Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Angaston.

Let us take you on a tour of our favourite 10 things to do in Greenock, to give you full insight into this hidden South Australian gem.

1. Share the Passion of Boutique Barossan Winemakers

If you are after a true grape to bottle experience, look no further than Ballycroft Vineyard and Cellar. This boutique winery is where you will find the vigneron, cellar-hand and winemaker wrapped up in one man, with his wife beside him, ready to share their knowledge and passion.

Having ‘True Greenock Spirit’, Joe was recently sighted lovingly pruning the old, gnarly grape vine at Greenock Brewers. 

Then there is Schluter Wines.

When entering the ‘old garage’ you will be greeted by the purveyor himself, standing behind the rustic cellar door bar, a position he well and truly owns.

In fact, he and his forefathers have owned the bordering Greenock Tavern for roughly 150 years.

These days, whilst leasing the Tavern, he quite happily opens his cellar door to tourists and locals alike offering them hospitality, a tale or two and some bloody good wines!

2. Sample the Finest Organic & Hand-Crafted Barossa Wine

Let’s pay homage to Kalleske Wines. After six generations of growing grapes, the seventh generation established Kalleske Wines.

Certified as biodynamic and organic, you will find their Vintage Dodge Truck parked stately out the front of the Kalleske Wines Cellar Door. Here you can savour their range of estate grown, hand-crafted wines.

Out the back you will be greeted by the greenest patch of lawn, where regular catered events are supported by locals and tourists alike.

3. Experience the Purity, Intensity and Detail of Sustainable Winemaking

Murray Street Vineyards are renowned for producing hand-crafted wines which reflect the exceptional detail of the region’s ancient Western Ridge and its unique terroir.

The Tasting Room is surrounded by lovely stone buildings and walkways, with their friendly staff ready to offer you private tastings in their beautifully landscaped courtyard and gardens overlooking their vineyards.

Absolutely picture perfect.

4. Discover Much More than your Typical Barossa Wines

Envisage a beautifully renovated cellar door that was once the town’s bakery.

The cellar door has an extensive repertoire showcasing the Barossa’s largest range of Spanish, Italian, Portuguese & French wine varieties.

The atmosphere and hospitality on offer will tempt you to settle in and partake in a generous platter of Barossa Produce. And, you’re likely to return for a wood-fired pizza matched with a Mediterranean wine on a chosen night.

This is Delluva Wines

5. Get Intimate with Barossa Craft Beer

You will find a gem of a microbrewery specialising in handcrafted beers and ales, operating out of the town’s original wheat store.

At Greenock Brewers, you will be encapsulated by the warmth and generosity of the husband and wife team. Whilst tasting their brews, you’re likely to be given an intimate tour and in-depth guide to the beer making process.

It seems fitting that their “Victorville” Ale and “Bunawanda” Blonde are beers named after certain sections of town from its formative years.

6. No Visit is Complete Without Taking a Seat at El Estanco

When we speak of eclectic, imagine yourself walking into a character building with a chalk board menu, mismatched chairs, a roaring fire with Columbian-born owner/chef and his wife offering a small but mouth-watering menu, philosophising farm to table produce.

Not to forget the aroma of the most glorious Barista made Columbian coffee. 

Themed Friday nights featuring palatable delights from all parts of the world. Think Paella, Mexican, Caribbean, American Street Food, Peruvian, Wood fired pizzas.

This is El Estanco.

7. Find out Why The Greenock is Barossa’s Best Tavern

What makes a great pub you ask?

A mouth-watering seasonal menu? Beer taps continually evolving? Local Wines? Regular events? A heritage building oozing character rooms and a beer garden?

You will find all of this at The Greenock

Wander the rooms, to look at the historical photography, grab a book from a shelf and feel tempted to settle in for the afternoon.  There will be a cosy but upbeat vibe that the publican and his helpers have spent years perfecting.

8. Take a Slice of Hygge Goodness Back Home

Visualise entering an old saddlery shop now operating as a retail space oozing copious amount of “Hygge” vibes.

From Denmark, Hygge, means “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment”.

Whilst perusing the beautiful products for sale at Hygge Home and Vintage, you are guaranteed that Hygge feeling with the most adorable Trudy spreading “Hygge” love.

9. Encounter the Heart and Soul of the Village

Then there are the locals.

You will see them showing custom at the local tavern, walking to the general store for their daily paper. They will be in the historical post office.

Artisans aplenty amongst them –an “oliveologist”, brewers, gourmet food producers, talented artists, just to name a few.

You may see Greenock’s own Kernich Family delivering their “Jersey Fresh” milk in the quaint truck to the local general store. 

You may notice a stalwart local, driving to the centenary park to overlook the campers setting up under the pines. You will see children excitedly exploring the new playground, proudly spearheaded by locals who saw the need for an upgraded facility for the children of the village.

10. Take a Step Back in Time in Little Scotland

Greenock is named after the town on the River Clyde in Scotland. And, this “Little Scotland” of the Barossa is the epitome of a historic village. In a recent article by City Mag, promoting the town’s own Tavern, Greenock was perfectly described as “still showing respect to its formative years, in the architecture, tree lined streets and the glowing sense of pride the locals take in their town”. 

You can discover more about the town of Greenock, thanks to its own historical walk which highlights buildings and characters of a bygone era.

Produced many years ago by a passionate group of local men, who still sit quietly in the background to protect the history of the buildings, and to maintain the village feel that progress could destroy.

On the outskirts of town, Greenock Aviation Museum showcases the private collection of an extraordinary local man – you will see preserved aircraft, replica aircraft, restoration projects, scale model aircraft, and general aviation memorabilia.

Greenock – the Barossa Village with Everything

Just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide CBD, this sweet little village can be likened to a fine developing Barossa Red – a moody blend of welcomed diversity merged with a cherished heritage of years gone by.

On your next visit to the Barossa, make the time to include the many things to do in Greenock to your itinerary.

You will be so glad you did.