Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/52531
big sell When it comes to the Barossa, superb wines are a given. We look beyond the vineyards and cellar doors, and discover there are plenty of other treats on offer in this legendary region. STORY SALLY HAMMOND PHOTOS GORDON HAMMOND A JAR OF MAGGIE BEER'S BURNT FIG JAM sits on my breakfast table and I'm making it last. Not because once it runs out I won't be able to buy any more – any provedore worth his sea-salt would have stocks of it. No, I'm savouring it because it reminds me of a recent, sunny picnic lunch by the water at Maggie's Farm Shop, where I'd bought the jam, on our last day in the Barossa Valley. Maggie has become something of a legend in South Australia, and despite being named Senior Australian of the Year in 2010 she remains proudly Barossan. We'd first bumped into her when we hit the famous Barossa Farmer's Markets, the place to be every Saturday morning in Vintners Sheds, Angaston. There's everything from puff pastry to potatoes, honey, olives and lamb – plus noisy chatter and music, and the delectable smells of home cooking. It's a real social experience, too. Maggie was chatting to everyone, posing for the odd fan-photo, shopping bag on arm. She was on her home turf, after all. But there's more to the Barossa than Maggie. Most people visit the region with one firm agenda: wine tasting. Not us. At least not this time. Although our visit entailed a fair bit of delving around in food and wine outlets, we were curious to see what else the Barossa had to offer, particularly in the way of retail. Instead of driving the Main North Road to Gawler like we always do, we decided to head east through the lovely Adelaide Hills to tiny Williamstown with its old bluestone houses on the very edge of the region. Our first stop was Dragonfly Antiques, which has brought a touch of north Asia to the town. It fills several rooms of an old building with travel&living 49 OPPOSITE The old buildings in Murray Street, Angaston, SA, are full of charm and character. ABOVE Maggie Beer and Lyndey Milan off duty at The Barossa Farmers' Market, Angaston. As well as a bit of celebrity spotting, there's also a plethora of unique stores to browse.