When it comes to food and drink, South Australia truly is the land of legends. There is no better time to celebrate all the best eating and drinking experiences that the state has to offer than during Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel.
If you’re planning your visit during the second weekend of the festival (11 until 12 May), we have events that are sure to satisfy your cravings, taste, and budget. Plus no Tasting Australia experience is complete without a visit to Town Square - our free festival hub in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga – it’s a must on your festival itinerary! Mix & match events based on your preferences, or browse our online program to see what else is happening.
WEEKEND TWO: NIFTY THRIFTY
Degustation taste on a snack-sized budget? We got you. Peruse our top affordable picks across the festival’s second weekend and join the party.
SATURDAY 2PM: URBAN KITCHEN
Experience South Australia at its most delectable as Rundle Mall unites the state’s finest regional producers, artisans and icons for sessions pairing fresh produce with the best local beer, wine and spirits. See Sprout chefs at work, then taste two dishes and enjoy a tasting-sized drink.
FRIDAY 8PM: MASTERCLASS – PIRATE LIFE – FOR THE LOVE OF BEER
Join members of Pirate Life’s Brew Team on a guided tasting of core and limited-release beers. During this informative masterclass the team will cover everything from ingredients to brewing processes and getting the most out of every mouthful.
FRIDAY NIGHT: TOWN SQUARE
Town Square beckons. Friday-night drinks in the city’s heart? Done – plus a DJ spinning all your favourites
SATURDAY 2PM: MASTERCLASS – HOW TO WINE
Many people like wine. Far fewer are confident talking about wine. No matter: this relaxed masterclass takes a fun look at the fundamentals. Led by Tasting Australia co-drinks curator Meira Harel, wine writer Max Allen and winemaker Louis Schofield, it’s ideal for anyone looking to boost their knowledge.
SATURDAY 6PM: SIDEWAYS – EVENT SCREENING AND WINE TASTING
The Piccadilly North Adelaide is excited to relive one of the greatest wine movies ever made in beautiful 35mm on the 20th anniversary of its release. Sideways tells the darkly comic story of two men reaching middle age with not much to show for it but disappointment. They embark on a week-long road trip through Californian wine country just as one is about to walk down the aisle.
SUNDAY 11AM: ORGANIC PASTA MAKING MASTERCLASS (ADELAIDE HILLS)
Learn how to make pasta from scratch at Four Oaks Farm in the Adelaide Hills. Guests will knead dough, run it through a pasta maker, then enjoy the finished dish for lunch with a glass of local organic wine.
WEEKEND TWO: ALL OUT
Tasting Australia happens but once a year. Some of its culinary collaborations may never be repeated. Whether you’re marking a milestone or simply seizing the day, this is the place.
FRIDAY 12PM: THE HUMBLE X NGERINGA TASTING ADELAIDE HILLS LUNCH (ADELAIDE HILLS)
This exclusive collaboration will be hosted at an Adelaide Hills estate known for pioneering biodynamic wine. Ngeringa’s Erinn Klein is set to welcome chef Stacey Conner and restaurant manager Jade Tareha from Noosa’s Humble on Duke for a luxe long lunch. Expect the very best local produce and matched Ngeringa wines – including a new vintage barrel tasting.
SATURDAY 3PM: TASTING TABLE – FOG OF DREAMS
Nebbiolo isn’t new to Australia – but its mainstream popularity here is. Discover the elegant, seductive power of this variety as we explore labels leading the charge. Learn about nebbiolo’s slow start on local shores, the new-generation vine clones changing the game, and the winemakers harnessing its many strengths. Edinburgh Cellars manager Sam Taylor is set to host.
SATURDAY 7PM: DINING GALLERIES – BOUGIE BRASSERIE
Old-school glamour is coming to Town Square. Join chefs James Henry, Darren Purchese and Scott Huggins – together with cheese curator Valerie Henbest – as they conjure French food at its finest: cooking set to show why the cuisine retains such influence.
SUNDAY 12PM: MASTERCLASS – FROM SHIRAZ TO SYRAH
Think you know shiraz? Not so fast. We’re going beyond the stereotypes for a closer look. These are some of the most exciting wines being made in South Australia and beyond: supple styles with fascinating nuance. Settle in as we put them in a global context.
Stay on for lunch in Town Square after your masterclass – delicious options abound.
