The Louise

Cosset yourself at an idyllic gourmet retreat, located in a tranquil corner of South Australia’s main wine region

An hour’s drive north of state capital Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is the epicentre of South Australia’s wine production. Its vintages are certainly world-class - but there's plenty to do beyond the obligatory vineyard tour. Foodies are spoilt for choice, thanks to a plethora of top-notch restaurants, cafés and delis, while heritage hunters will enjoy exploring historic villages, Lutheran churches and the Barossan goldfields. Nature lovers will revel in the rolling, golden hills and exotic birdlife; sporty types will find walking trails and golf courses galore.

The Louise, with its stunning panoramic views, makes an ideal base from which to explore the Barossa’s diversity. The low, rambling limestone buildings nod to turn-of-the-century Federation architecture but, inside, all 15 immaculate suites have been brought right up to date with state-of-the-art home entertainment systems, deeply comfortable kingsize beds and opulent bathrooms. Some have outdoor showers (a real luxury in the hot summer) and real-flame fires (more for ambiance than warmth, really). But the pièce de résistance is a superb restaurant, Appellation, which has spectacular tasting menus and each dish is specially wine-matched: pure Epicurean delight.

Highs

• The sense of remoteness from the outside world - even though you’re only a short drive from the Barossa’s wineries and towns
• The award-winning restaurant is worth the trip alone - but do book it at the same time as your room as it's highly popular
• A superb wine list references not only the best of Barossa but also exemplary vintages from around the world
• Service combines Aussie friendliness with 5-star efficiency and lashings of local knowledge
• All rooms have private terraces and dining tables; breakfast can be served in-suite at a time of your choosing

Lows

• The bedroom décor is rather neutral
• The hushed, reverent atmosphere in both the hotel and restaurant may not suit everyone
• You’ll need to hire a car to explore the area (the nearest towns are an 8-minute drive away); not ideal when wine tasting is on the menu
• Not suitable for children aged 2-14 (a plus for some!)
• The price - it's not cheap, though we still think it's fair value for money