Marananga’s luxury vineyard retreat claims top honour with exceptional 98.5 score from Condé Nast Traveller readers
The heart of South Australia’s renowned wine country is celebrating an extraordinary achievement. The Louise, nestled in Marananga on Seppeltsfield Road in the Barossa Valley, has been crowned the Best Hotel in Australia and New Zealand at the 2025 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, earning an exceptional score of 98.5.
This internationally recognized accolade represents one of the travel industry’s most prestigious honours, determined entirely by discerning travellers who vote for properties that deliver truly exceptional experiences. For The Louise, this recognition validates nearly two decades of unwavering commitment to luxury hospitality in Australia’s premier wine region.
A Testament to Excellence in the Barossa
“I couldn’t be prouder of the team,” said Hannah McGregor, General Manager of The Louise. “We’re absolutely delighted to have received this recognition. It’s a huge honour and a real testament to the dedication and heart our people bring to The Louise every single day.”
The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, now in their 28th year, celebrate the world’s most beloved destinations, hotels, and travel experiences through the eyes of those who experience them firsthand. This year’s recognition places The Louise among an elite group of global properties that consistently exceed guest expectations.
Where Vineyard Luxury Meets Barossa Heritage
Located at 375 Seppeltsfield Road in the charming hamlet of Marananga, The Louise occupies a privileged position among the rolling hills and ancient vineyards that define the Barossa Valley. Just one hour northeast of Adelaide, this luxury vineyard retreat encompasses 15 architecturally inspired villa-style suites, each designed to immerse guests in the region’s celebrated wine culture.
The property’s position in Marananga proves ideal for wine enthusiasts. The Tscharke and Two Hands wineries sit within a two-minute walk, while the historic Seppeltsfield estate and dozens of other acclaimed cellar doors dot the surrounding landscape. The Barossa Valley itself is home to more than 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors, representing one of the world’s most significant wine-producing regions.
The Barossa: A Wine Region Like No Other
The Barossa Valley’s viticultural heritage stretches back to 1842, making it one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. What makes this valley truly exceptional is its collection of ancient vines—some dating back to the 1840s—that have never been affected by phylloxera thanks to strict quarantine laws. These old vines produce grapes packed with concentrated flavour and character, forming the backbone of some of Australia’s most celebrated wines.
The region is particularly renowned for bold, full-bodied Shiraz wines characterized by rich blackberry, plum, and pepper notes. The Barossa is home to the world’s oldest continuously producing shiraz, grenache, mataro, cabernet sauvignon and semillon vines. Iconic wines like Penfolds Grange and Henschke’s Hill of Grace have their roots literally planted in Barossa soil.
Suites That Embody Sophisticated Comfort
The Louise features fifteen architecturally inspired suites on a vine-lined hillside, with privacy paramount and facilities state of the art. Each accommodation evokes the generous, spacious luxury of Southern Europe, where contemporary design meets vineyard tranquility.
Suite features include:
- Private courtyards and terraces overlooking vineyards and rolling hills
- Gas log fireplaces creating intimate ambiance for cool Barossa evenings
- Spacious bathrooms with underfloor heating, walk-in showers, and spa baths
- Outdoor showers for refreshing star-lit moments
- Modern amenities including flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, and complimentary WiFi
- Thoughtful touches like house-baked cookies and premium Barossa port upon arrival
The Stonewell Suites, which revolve around the entrance piazza and are accessed via private courtyards, feature seductive modern tones from raspberry to aubergine. The two-bedroom Marananga Suite offers even more expansive vineyard views for families or groups seeking additional space.
Appellation: Where Barossa Flavours Take Centre Stage
At the heart of The Louise experience sits Appellation, the property’s acclaimed restaurant that has earned its own constellation of accolades. Appellation is recognized as South Australia’s world-class regional dining destination, widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest regional restaurants.
Executive Chef Sam Cooper brings over 15 years of fine dining experience to the kitchen, having previously led teams at Adelaide’s Aurora restaurant and Tasmania’s The Islington Hotel. His philosophy centres on showcasing the Barossa’s extraordinary seasonal produce through contemporary techniques that honour traditional foodways.
The Locavore Philosophy
The restaurant’s menus are underpinned by the ‘locavore’ philosophy, with 80 percent of the menu’s seasonal produce sourced within a 50-kilometer radius. Ingredients harvested from The Louise’s own kitchen garden each morning appear on that evening’s menu, creating an intimate farm-to-table connection.
The dining experience unfolds as a considered tasting menu that tells the story of the Barossa—its farmers, growers, winemakers, and seasons. The tasting menu is priced at $175 per person, with matched wines available for an additional $75 per person. The restaurant’s elegant atmosphere features window seats and private dining nooks with restful vineyard views, accommodating just 48 guests to ensure personalized service.
Adjacent to the main dining room, a modern lounge bar serves pre-dinner drinks from 5:30pm, offering local wines, spirits, cocktails, and a bar snack menu featuring charcuterie and regional specialties. The glowing “wine lantern” cellar showcases over 800 bottles representing the best of Barossa, South Australian, and Australian vineyards.
The Baillie Lodges Difference
The Louise is part of the esteemed Baillie Lodges collection, joining sister properties like Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island. This association brings the expertise of a company renowned for creating properties in extraordinary destinations where personal connection with people and place defines every stay.
The Baillie Lodges philosophy emphasizes:
- Generously inclusive packages that remove the stress of additional costs
- Expert local knowledge providing “backstage access” to unique experiences
- First-name service that feels personal rather than formal
- Seamless integration with the surrounding landscape and culture
- Sustainability practices that support local communities and environments
Experiences Beyond the Vineyard Gate
McGregor notes that guests enjoy personal access to the region’s most iconic wineries as well as intimate, small-scale cellar doors, passionate producers and local artists and their work. Through close relationships with neighbours, The Louise curates a range of signature and exclusive experiences—the kind that are only available to those staying at the property.
These curated experiences might include:
- Private winery tours and tastings at prestigious estates like Henschke, Seppeltsfield, and Yalumba
- Breakfast with kangaroos at a nearby conservation park at dawn
- Hot air balloon adventures floating above the patchwork of vineyards at sunrise
- Pasta-making classes with Italian chef Matteo Carboni at Casa Carboni
- Blending sessions where guests create their own wine to take home
- Cycling the Barossa Trail, a 40-kilometer path connecting the valley’s main towns
- Birth year port tastings at Seppeltsfield’s historic cellar containing wines dating to 1878
The Louise’s team maintains what’s been called the best “little black book” in the Barossa, connecting guests with artisans, winemakers, farmers, and artists who bring the region’s character to life.
Wellness in Wine Country
After days filled with wine tasting and culinary adventures, The Louise offers multiple ways to restore balance:
- Wet-edge lap pool positioned for sunset views over the vineyards
- Fully equipped fitness centre with cardio and weight training equipment
- Cedar sauna with both dry and humid functions
- Bicycles for leisurely exploration of Seppeltsfield Road and beyond
- Garden walks through lavender-lined paths and vineyard rows
A Stay That Includes It All
The Louise’s generously inclusive tariff eliminates unexpected costs while elevating the guest experience. Rates include:
- Gourmet breakfast served in Appellation with fresh juices, premium teas, and Barossa Coffee Roasters espresso
- Pre-dinner drinks and snacks in the lounge bar
- Four-course dinner at Appellation with matched wines
- In-suite bar stocked with house-made treats and beverages, replenished daily
- Use of all lodge facilities including pool, fitness centre, and sauna
Why This Award Matters
The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards stand apart from industry-judged accolades because they reflect the authentic experiences of travellers themselves. The 98.5 score earned by The Louise represents exceptional performance across every touchpoint of the guest journey—from initial booking through departure.
These awards consider:
- Facilities and design excellence
- Service quality and staff dedication
- Dining experiences that create lasting memories
- Location and setting advantages
- Value proposition relative to expectations
- Unique experiences unavailable elsewhere
- Overall guest satisfaction and likelihood to recommend
The Louise’s recognition as Australia and New Zealand’s finest hotel reflects consistently outstanding performance in all these areas, year after year.
Planning Your Barossa Escape
Location: 375 Seppeltsfield Road, Marananga, South Australia 5355
Access: One hour by car from Adelaide city centre; 76 kilometers from Adelaide Airport (ADL)
Best time to visit: Autumn (March-April) during vintage season offers warm days, cool evenings, and the biennial Barossa Vintage Festival. Spring (September-November) brings wildflowers and pleasant temperatures.
Minimum stay: Two nights recommended to fully experience the property and region
Dining: Appellation welcomes both guests and outside diners for dinner (reservations essential for non-residents). Children aged 10+ welcome.
Getting around: While The Louise provides bicycles, having a car allows exploration of distant wineries. Tour operators and private transfers available for those preferring not to drive after tastings.
The Barossa Community Connection
The Louise’s success reflects not only the property’s excellence but also its deep integration within the Barossa community. The lodge employs a large proportion of its team from local residents and actively supports regional initiatives including the Barossa and Marananga Wine Shows, the Seppeltsfield Road Business Alliance, and social organizations like the Barossa Foundation.
The property’s sustainability practices extend beyond recycling programs to economic impact. By sourcing an average of 85% of Appellation’s ingredients from producers within 100 kilometers, The Louise generates significant economic return to local farmers and smaller markets, helping keep family businesses viable in an era of consolidation.
A Destination Worthy of Its Accolade
The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate everyone from pilots and guides to chefs and concierges, focusing on the personalities behind the experiences that make travel meaningful. In awarding The Louise the highest honour in Australia and New Zealand, travellers have recognized a property where every team member contributes to creating something extraordinary.
This isn’t merely a hotel surrounded by vineyards—it’s a carefully crafted gateway to understanding the Barossa Valley’s soul. From the ancient vines visible from every suite to the morning-harvested vegetables appearing on evening menus, from the exclusive winery access to the warm welcome that greets every arrival, The Louise delivers the authentic, immersive experience that defines truly exceptional hospitality.
For wine lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a luxurious retreat in one of the world’s great wine regions, The Louise stands validated by its peers—the travellers themselves—as the finest choice in Australia and New Zealand.
Ready to experience Australia’s #1 hotel? Contact The Louise directly at +61 8 8562 2722 or visit thelouise.com.au to plan your Barossa Valley escape.
The Louise acknowledges and pays respect to the Ngadjuri, Peramangk and Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Barossa and Adelaide Hills region, paying respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
