It's a new year, and one thing I would like to do in 2013 is visit as many of the food festivals and events that South Australia has to offer. I find it is often difficult to hear about these events, especially some of those held in rural South Australia. I am going to compile a list here of all the food events that I hear of, and will update it throughout the year.
JANUARY
Harvest Festival McClaren Vale
From the 10th-13th of January, however the main event is on Saturday the 12th of January on the Mclaren Vale Oval.
Special guests inclue Simon Bryant of 'The Cook and the Chef', who will be doing demonstrations. Plus in the evening there will be bands playing. The theme of this year is 'Fleurieu Flavours'.
"Festival participants are led down an avenue of brilliantly coloured flags into a boulevard of stalls offering tantalising regional fare. The unique mix of ingredients is what will bring and keep thousands of people coming back year after year. The combination of food, wine, music and a good crowd vibe in an outdoor setting, gel to make this a weekend like no other. This is a family event with a fantastic range of activities to keep the kids amused; from face painting and craft, to pizza making and pony rides!"
Semaphore Greek Cultural Festival
Saturday 12th - Sunday 13th January, Semaphore Foreshore
Cape Jaffa Seafood and Wine Festival
Sunday the 13th of January, beginning at 10.30am, King Drive, Cape Jaffa SA
$5 entrance fee (children under 18 years old are free)
"Escape to the Cape to discover the amazing wine and edible delights available in our corner of the Limestone Coast. A day for the whole family with live music by Troy Harrison and The Mahalia Fox Trio and children’s entertainment, all overlooking the beautiful southern ocean."
Cape Jaffa is 315 kilometres away from Adelaide CBD, so you'll be looking at an almost 4 hour drive to get there. For some people looking at staying for the weekend might be an option, however, it really is lovely up there so it'd be worth the weekend away.
They are also providing a $10 return bus to get you to and from the festival.
Laziza Mediterranean Festival
Sunday 13th of January, Rymill Park
"It will continue to showcase the unique cultures and traditions that make Australia one of the most multi-cultural societies in the world, in a vibrant celebration of the best of the Mediterranean."
Schutzenfest
Friday 18th - Saturday 19th of January, Ellis Park West Terrace
Beer, Food, Fun; that's what Schutzenfest is all about.
Grapes and Gallops
20th of January at Frost Park, Mt. Barker
"Enjoy fine wine, fashion and racing at the Mount Barker Cooperative Mt Barker Grapes & Gallops... a celebration of the region's premium wine, gourmet food, combined with fashion and horse racing."
Tunarama Festival
25th - 28th January, Port Lincoln Foreshore
Food, Wine, Music, Family Fun and Entertainment + various competitions; all things to expect at 2013's Tunarama Festival.
Gourmet Gallop Food and Wine Festival
Saturday 26th January, Cygnet River Racecourse Kangaroo Island
"The Gourmet Gallop Food and Wine Festival is a fun day at the races with marquees, picnic sites, rides for children, and live entertainment. A range of the Island’s best foodies will be showcasing their dishes on the day in conjuction with Kangaroo Island Wines and Coopers Beer."
Adelaide Hills Crush Festival
27th of January from 9am - 6pm, Adelaide Hills
Free entry, but a $5 Spiegelau Festival Bordeaux glass must be purchased to taste the wines with.
"Discover unique wines matched with fashion, music and art at over 30 Cellar Doors at the Adelaide Hills annual Wine and Food Festival."
This festival beautifully show cases the best of the Adelaide Hills. To help with transport, there is a shuttle bus that will cost $15 dollars for the day, but you can use the service as many times as you like. There is a Hahndorf Shuttle Loop, and a Lobethal Shuttle Loop. For designated drivers, you can get a wrist band and receive a complimentary beverage (non-alcoholic). There are also special guests featured at different destinations throughout the day, such as Simon Bryant (from 'The Cook and the Chef', Michael Ellis (The Wine Punter) and Paul Vasileff (Local and extremely talented designer).
FEBRUARY
Taste the Limestone Coast
February 8th - 10th, Naracoorte
$10 for adults (>18), $5 for 16-17 year olds, free for under 16s.
$5 per glass of wine
The actual 'Taste Festival' is being held on Saturday the 9th at the Naracoorte Town Square, where there will be food and wine stalls, plus plenty of entertainment and activities for children.
Carnevale
February 9th - 10th, Adelaide Showground
$15 for adults, $8 for children 5-15, free for children under 5, $10 concession.
"Carnevale brings Italy to your doorstep where you can enjoy the warmth and hospitality Italians are famous for. You are invited to join the Italian community as they celebrate their culture in a fun, cosmopolitan atmosphere. In the company of family and friends you can enjoy fabulous regional food and a glass of wine while experiencing anything from opera to fashion parades to cooking demonstrations."
East End Food & Wine Festival
Febraury Sunday 17th from 11am, 'Gluttony' Adelaide Fringe, Rymill Park.
Free entry
As part of the festivities for the opening weekend of the Adelaide Fringe Festival, 'Gluttony' is hosting the East End Food & Wine Festival. It's a family event with tons of entertainment, plus masterclasses and food!
"A showcase of South Australian wines and produce with family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. Sample some of the finest wines made by the top wineries in the state and enjoy food inspired by the world."
Cellar Door Wine Festival
February Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th, Adelaide Convention Centre
Per day: $30 general admission, $25 concession, free for children under 17.
2 day pass: $45
3 day pass: $60
Extras: $20 goodie bag, $40 masterclasses
Ticket includes entry, a Riedel glass, a calico shopping bag and a passport to "travel" around.
"Falling on the last weekend of February for the third year, discover the best wine, food, beer, cider and regional experiences South Australia has to offer. Explore 13 iconic South Australian wine regions and enjoy unlimited tastings from more than 150 wineries from the convenience of one location, the Adelaide Convention Centre in the heart of the city. Meet the winemakers and learn the story behind the personality of your new favourite wines as you are taken through an educational journey across “the wine state”
Tomato Festival
Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th, Adelaide Botanic Gardens
"The Tomato Festival brings together tomato gardeners and home cooks from across South Australia to share the benefits of home-grown produce, promote the diversity of tomato varieties and inspire cooks to embrace the versatile tomato in new ways. With a range of activities on offer, there is something to excite any interest or level of expertise."
MARCH
St. Peters Fair
Saturday 23rd March, 10.30am - 4pm
Dunstone Grove-Linde Reserve, Stepney
"The St Peters Fair is a much loved, family event which provides the opportunity for local artists, community groups and organisations to promote their products and services to the community. . . offering everything from arts and craft, fresh produce, homewares and children’s toys to hand-crafted jewellery and a colourful selection of vintage fashion and accessories. Children’s amusement rides, roving entertainers, live music and stage performances completed the picture to provide a relaxed, affordable and fun-filled day for all to enjoy."
Barossa Vintage Festival
30th March - 7th April, Barossa Valley
Under the umbrella of this one festival, there are many events to be held all over the region. There's an array of workshops and dinners being held, so book your spot now because they will fill up quickly (they do sound amazing though!).
"The Barossa Vintage Festival celebrates the blend of Barossa – the wine, the food, the people and their stories. The 2013 Barossa Vintage Festival Program includes more than 150 events including art and craft, music, literature, heritage and of course, food and wine."
APRIL
Magill Road Alive
Sunday 7th April, 11am - 4pm
Richards Park and on Magill Road between Osmond Terrace and George Street.
"Local traders showcasing their products with retail, demonstration and food and beverage stalls. . . vibrant street party atmosphere, family entertainment, food and wine."
Coonawarra After Dark
12th - 13th of April, various cellar doors, Limestone Coast
"Come and celebrate the 2013 Coonawarra vintage as wineries throw open their doors "After Dark" at this magical time of the year. Meet local winemakers and the families behind some of Coonawarra's iconic wines in a real party atmosphere. Enjoy fabulous food, live music and of course plenty of Coonawarra wine!"
Adelaide Food Wine Cooking Show
Friday 19th April - Sunday 21st April 10am-5pm, Adelaide Showgrounds
[Linked with the Sunday Mail Home Living Expo]
From the looks of it, there will be cooking demonstrations and tastings with appearances from 'Fast Ed' of Better Homes and Gardens, and Nic & Rocco from My Kitchen Rules. There will be more than just cooking demonstrations, and if you have a flick through the website you will see that there are seminars and demonstrations that can easily appeal to many peoples interests.
"Come and tempt your tastebuds on a huge variety of food and wine products, plus experience the free cooking demos and expert advice with celebrity chefs."
Kangaroo Island Feastival
26th - 30th April, Kangaroo Island
"The annual 2013 Kangaroo Island FEASTival is a six-day culinary and viticulture adventure featuring a range of pop-up dining events and experiences staged in a collection of wilderness and private locations around Kangaroo Island.
Each event is inspired by the stories, locations and people behind the food and wine produce of the island providing visitors with exclusive opportunities to indulge in a slice of island life."
MAY
Clare Valley Gourmet Festival
18th - 19th May, Clare Valley
"Enjoy fine food prepared by leading chefs around the region throughout the weekend."
JUNE
Sea and Vines Food and Wine Festival
8th – 10th of June, Fleurieu Peninsula
"Join us on the June long weekend in 2013, as local producers come together to showcase an assortment of food and wine that represent some of the most tantalising taste experiences South Australia has to offer."
JULY
Coonawarra Cellar Dwellers
Various locations throughout July, Limestone Coast
Details TBA
"A rare opportunity to follow wine trails, meet the winemakers and taste special release and hard-to-find aged wines at the cellar door."
Winter Reds Cellar Door Weekend
28th - 29th of July, Hahndorf Academy
"Mists rolling through bare vines. Blazing fires, hearty local fare and award winning red wines. Rug up, join us and capture the season of winter in the Adelaide Hills."
Willunga Almond Blossom Festival
27th - 28th of July Main Festival Weekend, Fleurieu Peninsula
10 day event held at the end of July to the beginning of August
"Every year, the Willunga Almond Blossom Festival gets bigger and better, and this year is no different. There is entertainment galore for all ages, show rides, food stalls, markets and so much more."
AUGUST
Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow
Details TBA
"The famous Coonawarra wineries under the banner of the Coonawarra Vignerons Association, pack their bags to showcase their wares at this very popular and celebrated event."
Cellar Treasures Weekend
Langhorne Creek Cellar Doors, Fleurieu Peninsula
Details TBA
"Take this rare opportunity to discover back vintages and museum wines of Langhorne Creek wine producers at charming cellar doors including Bremerton Wines, Bleasedale Wines, Cleggett Wines, Lake Breeze Wines, Rusticana and Angas Plains Wines."
SEPTEMBER
OzAsia Festival
13th - 29th September
Price TBA
This festival suprised me last year with the culinary legends it drew for this festival last year. Christine Mansfield did a masterclass last year, and will prices tend to be a little hefty, they are well worth it. Keep an eye on this even, details will be released later on in the year.
Ceduna Oysterfest
Details TBA, Ceduna
OCTOBER
Kangaroo Island Art Feast
4th - 13th October, Kangaroo Island
"The 10-day Art Feast celebrates the art, food and wine of Kangaroo Island. It is a venue-based festival and each venue must exhibit art and is encouraged to also offer food and wine or spirits. Artists, chefs and winemakers are Kangaroo Islanders or have a strong connection to the Island, and Kangaroo Island produce is central to the culinary experience during Art Feast."
Good Food and Wine Show
Friday 11th - Sunday 13th October, Adelaide Showgrounds
Price TBA
I can attestify to this event, last years was excellent with an array of delectables to taste and buy. Outdoors there was live music and some food stalls from some of Adelaide's better known establishments. The masterclasses were varied in what they offered, and in price. The celebrity chef demonstrations sell out quickly, so I would suggest booking tickets prior to the day. And they also do book signings, so take your books with you if you'd like them signed. Dymocks bookstore had a stall there selling the books too if you want to purchase them on the day. It is a lot of fun and a great way to learn about products on offer from Australia, and also South Australia.
"Indulge in Adelaide’s passion for flavour with fine food, delectable cheeses, premium produce, and of course, award-winning South Australian wines. Succumb to your senses and immerse yourself in hundreds of mouth-watering food and wine samples. Catch celebrity chefs in action and take a cooking class or two! With all this and more, there’s a feast of food on offer at the 2012 Adelaide Good Food & Wine Show."
Riverland Wine and Food Festival
Saturday 20th October, Berrihttp://www.riverlandwineandfood.com/
"Thousands of visitors gather for the festivities which showcase 10 local wineries, a microbrewery and an array of locally prepared and sourced menus."
Glendi Greek Festival
27th - 28th October, Adelaide Showgrounds
"Glendi is an annual weekend long festival that celebrates Greek culture in Australia and is the largest multicultural festival in South Australia. For over 30 years Glendi has been presenting Greek culture at its best. The festival blends all the things which make life so wonderful; food, dance, music, art, education and family. Glendi is the Greek word for "party"."
Fleurie Art Prize
26th October - 25th November, Fleurie Peninsula
"The Fleurieu Art Prize culminates in a rich combination of fine art, some of the world's best wine, fine food and beautiful vistas of McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula as the finalists of the Fleurieu Art Prize are exhibited in wineries and galleries throughout this exquisite region."
CheeseFest
Details TBA, Rymill Park
http://www.cheesefest.com.au/"Cheese lovers will enjoy cheese sampling, cheese cooking, cheese making demonstrations and cheese master classes. . . A selection of South Australian wines, local brewers, restaurants and food producers will be serving up their delicacies for all to enjoy."
Clare Valley Wine Show
Details TBA
Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Weekend
Details TBA
"The highlight of the Coonawarra calendar, this weekend celebrates all that is Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon with an array of special events, including a Masterclass, Tutorial and Retrospective Barrel Series Tasting. With many of Coonawarra's wineries also staging their own fantastic events, this is a weekend not to be missed!"
Copper Cove Marina Festival
Details TBA, Yorke Peninsula
"The Copper Cove Marina Festival is held over two days with an emphasis on boating and seafood. The Festival offers a great balance of marine industry trade displays and services, and leisure and food related activities."
NOVEMBER
Gorgeous Festival
Saturday 30th November, Mclaren Vale
Price TBA
"Like its name Gorgeous Festival is exactly that for every audience member. Not simply a music festival it is an experience of the abundance of the region."
DECEMBER
No Events Yet!
ONGOING EVENTS
Friday's Uncorked
Every Friday fortnight from 4.30pm, at the National Wine Centre, SA
Free or $20
The National Wine Centre features a different winery each fortnight, whereby anyone can attend and taste their wines. For those who want more, there is the option of 'Meet the Maker' which runs from 5pm-6pm. There is food, entertainment, a beautiful venue with superb scenery, and of course, wine! It is a great initiative and worth checking out.
Adelaide Night Market
Every Sunday from 5pm - 9pm (until the 31st of March)
North Terrace, between Kintore Avenue and King William Road
"... A lively, vibrant, exciting market featuring some of the best hawker food that the city has to offer, alongside an array of artisan, clothing, jewellery, cultural goods and local gourmet produce."
Splash Adelaide Summer Fridays in the East End
Fridays from 6pm-10pm, Ebenezer Place (Parallel to Rundle St) until March 22nd.
Ebenezer Place becomes a kitsch little market place on Friday evenings. It fits perfectly into the east end of the city, with plenty of Adelaide's most loved food trucks (Burger Theory, Veggie Velo, La Waffle to name a few). There's entertainment, and live dj-ing from Sound Pond, it's honestly a really nice way to spend a Friday evening!
"The markets, which consist of food and stall vendors, selling everything from homemade lemonade, through to vintage clothing and jewellery to skin-care to photos and paintings, have brought Ebenezer Place and East End Adelaide alive."
For all events in South Australia, the 'South Australia' website is extremely comprehensive and is a great guide to our beautiful state.
