Seppeltsfield ‘six star’ hotel will take Barossa to new level of luxe

South Australia’s Barossa is internationally renowned for its big, bold shiraz. Soon though, it will be recognised for something even bolder: Oscar Seppeltsfield, a ‘six-star’ hotel – and architectural jewel – opening amid the historic vines of Seppeltsfield Winery in 2024.

Designed by Adelaide firm Intro Architecture, the team behind Monarto Zoo’s impressive new visitor centre, the controversial 12-storey hotel has just received the green light from local council, with ground set to break on the ambitious development later this year.

The luxury hotel will include a restaurant, wellness spa, function venues and more.

Despite Australia’s official rating going no higher than five stars, the presumably self-rated luxury hotel will feature 71 all-balcony rooms and suites, a fine-dining restaurant, infinity pool and spa, and a rooftop bar affording 360-degree views across the surrounding countryside.

While an official hotel operator is yet to be revealed, you can be sure it will be a brand that knows and understands the service levels required for such an establishment.

Just under an hour from Adelaide, Seppeltsfield was founded by Joseph and Johanna Seppelt in the 1850s, with the estate flourishing on the back of its wine, brandy and vermouth production, and helping to shape the history of Australia’s wine industry.

Each of its 71 rooms and suites features a balcony to soak up the view.

Current owner Warren Randall purchased the award-winning estate back in 2009, reviving the vineyards and brand, and setting it on a path to becoming a world class destination.

Named after pioneering winemark Oscar Benno Seppelt, the building features a curvaceous glass-encased design – likened to a glass slipper or shoe, by some – that was inspired by the vineyard’s history and the wine barrels in its renowned Centennial Cellar.

Owner and Executive Chairman Randall says he hopes the unique building will eventually become an icon for the Barossa, much like the Opera House for Sydney.

It’s worth noting too that the Opera House’s design was not without controversy, with the Jorn Utzon-created masterpiece not winning the public favour it has today for some time.

Some locals objected to the design, stating it wasn't in keeping with the area.

“The hotel will be positioned gently in the middle of the Great Terraced Vineyard, surrounded by century old bush vines, an amazingly tranquil location and a short walking distance to the world-class Seppeltsfield tourism village,” Randall says.

“In 2019, Seppeltsfield was judged as one of the top 50 vineyards in the world. The addition of this luxury hotel will elevate Seppeltsfield to one of the top five vineyards in the world, in turn lifting Australia’s international wine reputation.”

When complete, Oscar Seppeltsfield will join an elite group of vineyard hotels that includes the extraordinary Frank Gehry-helmed Hotel Marques de Riscal in Spain, where the boundaries of design are just as important as the premium wines bottled onsite.

Though still a while off yet, the hotel will be worth patiently waiting for, much like a premium cellared wine. There's a high chance it will eventually make its way onto the list of Australia's best resorts and lodges too.

The Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marques de Riscal in Elciego, Spain.

The Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, home to 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors, including Yalumba, Peter Lehmann Wines, and Jacob’s Creek.