‘Oscar Seppeltsfield’ in Australia’s Barossa region set to become ‘the Sydney Opera House’ of hotels

This hotel is set to be the most corking in Australia.

Rising in jaw-dropping fashion out of the picture-perfect Seppeltsfield vineyard, new hotel ‘Oscar Seppeltsfield’ – set to open in 2022 – will be ‘the Sydney Opera House’ of the Barossa region, according to the producer’s chairman.

On first sight, some might think the eye-opening curvaceous structure looks like an elongated boot, but the architecture firm behind the $50million (£25million) design insists it has been influenced by the art of wine barrel-making.

The architecture firm behind the $50million (£25million) design insists it has been influenced by the art of wine barrel-making. 

Intro architects said: ‘The form derives from the art of barrel-making, particularly the process of the curvature and manipulation of the stave. 

‘The design philosophy was borne watching the experienced craftsmen wield their tools, as they contort and convex each timber stave into an iconic, recognisable form – the barrel. This icon represents the many facets and complexities of Seppeltsfield history.’

The tranquil Seppeltsfield vineyard, 37 miles north of Adelaide, is one of the most historic in the country, dating back to the mid-1850s.

The hotel is named after the late master winemaker Oscar Benno Seppelt (1873–1963), who revolutionised the Australian wine industry 

The 12-storey building will be positioned right in the middle of the Great Terraced Vineyard 

The hotel is named after one of its former directors, the late master winemaker Oscar Benno Seppelt (1873–1963), who revolutionised the Australian wine industry. 

And it’s certain to be one of the region’s standout features.

The 12-storey building will be positioned right in the middle of the Great Terraced Vineyard, surrounded by century-old bush vines and only a short walking distance to the Seppeltsfield tourism village.

Around 70 rooms will be offered, including suites – each one boasting a private balcony 

Around 70 rooms will be offered, including suites – each one boasting a private balcony.

There will be a sky bar on the top level with 360-degree sweeping views of the Barossa. The ground floor will have a wellness day spa that includes private entry to a relaxation space and infinity pool. The hotel will also offer ‘a world-class restaurant, private dining room and boardroom’.

The standards, the vineyard said, will be ‘six-star’.

Seppeltsfield owner and Executive Chairman Warren Randall commented: ‘Oscar will complete the grand vision of our tourism master plan for Seppeltsfield to become the most desirable epicurean destination for tourists worldwide. We wanted to create a national icon for South Australia – a Sydney Opera House for the Barossa.

Seppeltsfield owner and Executive Chairman Warren Randall commented: ‘Oscar will complete the grand vision of our tourism master plan for Seppeltsfield’

The Seppeltsfield vineyard dates back to 1851 and made the 2019 top 50 vineyards ranking 

Seppeltsfield is 37 miles north of Adelaide in the state of South Australia

‘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.’

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said: ‘I am very excited about the potential for tourism in the Barossa and across regional South Australia. This type of investment in the region will be great.’

The hotel will be a joint venture, funded by South Australian businessmen from a company called Luxury Hotels Australia.

They are speaking to several luxury hotel operators regarding the running of the hotel, for which planning permission is being sought.

Seppelstfield will offer a 99-year lease on the plot.

For more information visit seppeltsfield.com.au.