Double Barrel Signature Experience & Harvest Kitchen Lunch

Discovering the Double Barrel Signature Experience & Harvest Kitchen Lunch

If you’re eyeing a visit to South Australia’s renowned Barossa Valley, the Double Barrel Signature Experience at Jacobs Creek is worth considering. It promises a blend of wine education, sensory fun, and a relaxed, delicious lunch — all wrapped into about three hours. We’ve heard from travelers that it’s a thoughtfully curated experience, perfect if you’re curious about wine innovation or simply want a taste of local flavors.

What really catches the eye here are two standout aspects: First, the chance to learn what makes Jacobs Creek’s Double Barrel wines unique — matured first in traditional barrels, then finished in spirits barrels like whiskey, cognac, or rum. Second, the shared-style Feed Me Like a Barossan menu at Harvest Kitchen, paired with two glasses of wine, offers a satisfying, community-feel meal.

One thing to keep in mind is the schedule — the lunch is always at noon. If you opt for the 11am experience, you’ll want to arrive at 11am, whereas the 2pm experience means arriving at 12pm for lunch. This can be a little confusing initially but is manageable with a quick note to yourself.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy wine tasting, are curious about winemaking techniques, or want a relaxed yet engaging way to sample local cuisine and wines. It’s not ideal if you’re traveling with children under 18, but adults looking for a well-rounded, informative indulgence should find it just right.

Key Points

• Unique Wines: The Double Barrel process involves maturation in both traditional and spirits barrels, creating distinctive flavors.
• Educational Experience: Guides walk you through the evolution, innovation, and premium aspects of these wines.
• Vineyard Tour: A brief guided walk gives insight into the onsite display vineyard and its role.
• Tastings: You’ll enjoy a tasting of the Double Barrel range, with enough detail to appreciate the subtleties.
• Delicious Food: The Feed Me Like a Barossan menu offers shareable, flavorful dishes paired with Jacobs Creek wines.
• Flexible Scheduling: The experience offers two start times, but lunch always begins at noon, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting at Jacobs Creek Cellar Door

Your journey begins at the Jacobs Creek Cellar Door, a spot known for its scenic vineyard views and welcoming atmosphere. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at the Welcome Desk, which is straightforward and friendly. The spacious, well-organized setting sets the tone for a relaxed exploration. The location coordinates are -34.56473159790039,138.93338012695312, making it easy to find with GPS.

The Guided Vineyard Tour

The tour kicks off with a brief, approximately 10-minute walk through the onsite display vineyard. Here, the guide shares insights about the vineyard’s layout, the grapes used, and how the environment influences the wine. While it’s a short tour, it’s enough to give you context before moving into the tasting.

Travelers often appreciate the friendly guide’s ability to explain complex winemaking concepts simply. It’s a good mix of visual interest and informative commentary, so even if you’re not a wine expert, you’ll get a sense of the vineyard’s role in shaping the wines you’ll taste later.

The Wine Tasting: Double Barrel Range

Next, you’ll head into the tasting room, where the main event happens. The focus is on Jacobs Creek’s Double Barrel wines, a series that stands out because of their unique maturation process. Your guide will take you through the evolution of this style, emphasizing how maturing in spirits barrels adds depth and complexity.

What we love about this part is the deep sensory experience — you’ll smell, swirl, and sip, with your guide helping you notice subtle differences. The tasting lasts about 50 minutes, giving you ample time to appreciate the nuances. Reviewers often mention that the explanation of the process enhances the tasting, and many find themselves surprised by the flavor profiles that spirits barrels impart.

Some travelers have said, “It was fascinating to learn how whiskey barrels give a smoky note to the wine,” which perfectly captures the curiosity this experience sparks. Others note the premium quality of the wines, making you feel like you’re getting a taste of something special.

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The Shared Lunch at Harvest Kitchen

After the tasting, it’s time for the highlight of the day — a shared-style lunch at Harvest Kitchen. The menu is called Feed Me Like a Barossan, designed to be enjoyed communally. It’s a menu that emphasizes tasty, well-prepared dishes designed for sharing, paired with two glasses of Jacobs Creek wine.

The lunch is always scheduled at 12pm, no matter if your tasting starts at 11am or 2pm — so be sure to arrive on time. The atmosphere at Harvest Kitchen is relaxed, and the menu generally receives praise for its flavor and freshness. Reviewers describe the dishes as “delicious tapas-style plates,” perfect for grazing and conversation.

While the menu isn’t detailed in the info, the emphasis on flavor and shareability makes it ideal for those who enjoy a laid-back, social eating experience. And of course, the wines paired with the meal generally complement the flavors nicely, elevating the overall enjoyment.

The Practicalities

The entire tour lasts approximately three hours, starting either at 11am or 2pm. The group is small — limited to 8 participants — which encourages a friendly, intimate atmosphere. This size also means your guide can give more personalized attention and answer questions.

The activity is accessible for wheelchair users, which is worth noting if you or your traveling companions require it. The experience costs reflect the quality of the wines, tour, and meal, but many reviewers feel it’s good value given the depth of the experience.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews laud the delicious wine and tapas as the highlight — “The food was excellent, and the wines paired perfectly,” remarked one guest. Others appreciate the informative yet relaxed style of the guide, which made the experience feel friendly and unpretentious.

Some mention the schedule confusion due to the fixed lunch time but note it’s easy to manage with a quick plan. Travelers also find the small group size to be a plus, making the experience more personal and engaging.

Is This Experience Worth It?

Considering the price, the experience offers a solid value for wine lovers and foodies. You get a vineyard tour, an in-depth tasting of a specialty wine range, and a thoughtfully curated lunch. If you’re curious about innovative winemaking, enjoy good food paired with wine, or simply want to learn more about the Barossa Valley’s offerings, this tour hits the right notes.

The delicious food and wine pairing is consistently praised, making it a memorable part of the experience. It’s not a whirlwind tour of the region but a focused, quality encounter that balances education and leisurely indulgence.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adults who appreciate wine and enjoy a relaxed, social meal. While not designed for children under 18, it’s perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking to deepen their understanding of wine production while enjoying excellent food.

It’s also a good option if you prefer smaller groups for a more personalized feel. If you’re after a quick, budget-friendly tasting or a large-group tour, you might find other options more fitting. But for those wanting a blend of education, wine, and good food in a scenic setting, this ticks many boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, the tour is designed for adults over 18, mainly because it revolves around wine tasting and alcohol consumption.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 3 hours, including vineyard tour, tasting, and lunch.

What should I know about the schedule?
If you book the 11am experience, arrive at 11am; for the 2pm experience, you should arrive at 12pm for lunch. Lunch is always at noon, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans shift.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, which is important to know if needed.

Do I need to pay upfront?
No, you can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility in planning.

What’s included in the lunch?
You’ll enjoy a shared-style Feed Me Like a Barossan meal, paired with two glasses of Jacobs Creek wine, emphasizing flavor and community.

In summary, the Double Barrel Signature Experience paired with Harvest Kitchen lunch offers a well-rounded, engaging way to explore Jacobs Creek’s innovative wines while enjoying tasty, thoughtfully prepared food. It’s particularly appealing to those who enjoy learning about wine, savoring good meals, and sharing a friendly atmosphere. If you’re after a relaxed, informative day in the Barossa, this is certainly worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: