Nuriootpa is the major commercial centre in the Barossa Valley in South Australia, about an hour's drive north of the capital, Adelaide. The name of the town is reputed to be the local Aboriginal word for "meeting place".
Nuriootpa is situated at the north end of the Barossa Valley, and has a population of almost 4500 people, making it the largest town in the area. It is a picturesque town, bordered by vineyards and community gardens.
Like much of the Barossa, Nuriootpa has been largely forged by the wine industry, being home to some very famous wineries including Penfolds, Elderton, Kaesler and Wolf Blass.
Since the 1930s, Nuriootpa has often been cited as a textbook example of inspired community development. The town's community owned and operated hotel has funded many important public facilities, including the Senior Citizens' Club, the swimming pool, the kindergarten and recreation areas.
The 1950 Australian Grand Prix, which was Australia’s premier motor race of that year, was held on a temporary course utilising roads in and around the town of Nuriootpa on 2 January 1950. The race was won by Doug Whiteford driving a Ford V8 Special.