10 Mar 2023

In search of a coastal paradise? Look no further. The Fleurieu Peninsula – less than an hour south of Adelaide – is home to pristine beaches, rolling vineyards and endless eating and drinking options. Even better: Tasting Australia events are taking place right across the region. It’s time to explore.

Indulge

Salvador Dali and the Singapore Circus
Salvador Dali and the Singapore Circus

McLaren Vale Made
Journey to Maxwell Wines for the long lunch of your dreams. Chefs Gill Meller (River Cottage, UK), Danielle Alvarez – formerly of Sydney drawcard Fred’s – and the in-house Fabian Lehmann will take inspiration from local fare, with the day also set to include a lime cave visit and winery tour.

Salvador Dali and the Singapore Circus
Surrealism, meet Singapore. Gather for an evening at the glittering d’Arenberg Cube, enjoying Salvador Dali works alongside dishes influenced by South East Asia. Matched wines are set to complement the five courses.

It’s All About the ‘R’ Word
Victory Hotel owner Doug Govan and wine columnist Nick Ryan will share 2019 gems from Burgundy. Expect rare, beautiful wines, all linked by the letter r.

A Historic Hike to Bec Hardy’s Tasting Table
Take the scenic route to this very special lunch. Guests will stroll through Onkaparinga National Park for about an hour before arriving for a set menu lunch crafted by chef Anthony Schlenk at Tipsy Hill Estate.   

 

Best of local wine and beer

Asian Food Meets Aussie Wine at Heidrun Estate
Asian Food Meets Aussie Wine at Heidrun Estate

Decades of d’Arenberg with Chester
Savour a rare tasting experience overlooking the d’Arenberg winery floor – where all the magic happens. Fourth generation winemaker Chester Osborn will lead a tasting of four wines, among them current releases and museum bottles.

Asian Food Meets Aussie Wine at Heidrun Estate
Sample Heidrun Estate’s boutique range during this hour-long masterclass. Tastings will be complemented by canapés featuring the freshest Fleurieu Peninsula produce.

Low ‘N’ Slow at The Taphouse
Vale Taphouse is taking it Texan. Executive chef John Rankin and Grant Neal from competition barbecue team the Smoking Joint will prepare four courses paired with Vale Brewing beers and spirits from the Riverland’s 23rd Street Distillery.

Argie Asado at Swell Brewery
A roaring fire, live music, slow-cooked meats, craft beer and plenty of yarns await as McLaren Vale’s Swell Brewery teams up with good friends Argie Asado for a night of traditional Argentinian barbecue among the vines.

 

Lunch date

A Porchetta Party at Olivers Taranga
A Porchetta Party at Olivers Taranga

Angove McLaren Vale x St Agnes Distillery – The Ultimate Mix
Settle in with Richard Angove for the ultimate guided whisky and brandy experience. Enjoy tastings alongside small plates from head chef Georgie Rogers, with return bus transfers from Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga also provided.

A Porchetta Party at Oliver’s Taranga
Local winery Oliver’s Taranga is hosting this long, relaxed lunch on its new (and fully enclosed) deck. On the pans: Todd Steele, one of the region’s most experienced and versatile chefs.

Bread: Everything You Knead to Know
Get to Goolwa for this bread-making experience. Learn from award-winning expert Anita Robin and relax over a light lunch and glass of wine or two while perfecting your technique.

GSM3 at Kay Brothers Wines in McLaren Vale
Deconstruct the classic blend of GSM at one of McLaren Vale’s leading wineries. Sip grenache, shiraz and mataro from Kay Brothers and two international sources, exploring the origins and versatility of each variety. An expertly matched menu will accompany each flight.

Peninsula Providore Community Extra Virgin Olive Oil Project
Share a relaxed harvest lunch in the Peninsula Providore olive grove. Mixed meats and seasonal vegetables will be on the grill, with salad and cheese on offer too. Guests can also bring their own olives to the property and contribute to its community oil project.

 

Still can’t decide? Discover more regional Tasting Australia events here