Gather Round Barossa 2025 brought an electric atmosphere to the Valley — and here at Monkey Nut Café, we were right in the thick of it!

With thousands of footy fans visiting the Barossa for the AFL’s much-loved regional round, our café saw plenty of happy faces, full tables, and an incredible buzz all weekend. Located on the Kies Family Wines estate, just across the road from Barossa Park (home of the matches), we were perfectly placed for a front-row seat to the action — and a full house of hungry and thirsty visitors.

A Busy Weekend at Monkey Nut Café

From big breakfasts to fuel up before kick-off, to long lunches and relaxed dinners paired with a glass of Kies wine, our team was flat-out all weekend. We even had a big screen set up so guests could catch every game while enjoying the view of our vineyard.

There was a real sense of excitement in the air, and we loved being part of such a positive, energetic weekend for the region.

But It Wasn’t Just About Footy…

While we welcomed fans with open arms (and full plates), our team — and the Kies family — were also mindful of something just as important as a good game: vineyard biosecurity.

With foot traffic and parking close to the vines, the Kies Family Wines team made sure there were clear boundaries in place to keep visitors out of the vineyard itself.

What did that look like?

• Bunting lining the vineyard headlands
• Signage asking guests not to enter the vines
• Staff gently reminding people to stay out of vineyard areas

And it worked! Visitors were respectful, followed the signs, and helped protect the vines that produce the very wines we pour here at Monkey Nut Café.

The Community Behind the Scenes

The Barossa really came together to make this event safe and successful. The Barossa Council, with support from Vinehealth Australia, installed biosecurity signs along walking and cycling trails to help educate visitors about the importance of keeping our wine region disease-free.

As Sam Scarratt, CEO of Vinehealth Australia, put it:

“Kies Family Wines showcased how major events and vineyard protection can go hand in hand.”

We couldn’t agree more.

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Thank You for a Fantastic Weekend

To everyone who stopped by Monkey Nut Café during Gather Round Barossa 2025 — thank you! Whether you came for a coffee, a meal, a cheeky glass of wine, or just to soak up the view, we loved having you.

It was a big weekend for us, and for the Barossa. We’re proud to be part of a region that can put on a show while still taking care of the vines that make it world-famous.

Here’s to more events, more good times, and always — more great food and wine.

See you soon at Monkey Nut Café.