“Cellar door” is sometimes cited as the most beautiful-sounding phrase in the English language. When it represents a gateway to more than 180 wineries, breweries, distilleries and food producers, we have to admit, it sounds pretty good. We’ve handpicked the best events for those looking to squeeze the most out of the festival weekend.
Mix It Up at a Masterclass
The man behind the macaron – Sugar Man’s Alex Crawford – is partnering up with Max Mason from The Henry Austin to deliver a pairing of sweets, sticky wines and liqueurs. The Gimmie Some Sugar Masterclass is the stuff dessert dreams are made of.
Sunday February 26, 4pm–5pm
$30pp
Break from the wines of McLaren Vale, the Hills and the Barossa to sample the produce of the Riverland. Global Master of Wine Philip Reedman will unveil the wineries that illustrate the region’s diversity, complexity and innovation with styles such as Montepulciano and Tempranillo. The drops will be paired with a selection of Riverland produce provided by Waikerie’s Illalangi.
Sunday February 26, 12pm–1pm
$30pp
Enjoy a Long Table Lunch – or Dinner
Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant Head Chef Wayne Brown and award-winning cheese maker Kris Lloyd (Woodside Cheese Wrights) have curated a three-course menu that is their version of South Australia on a plate. The dinner will be served alongside wines selected by father/son duo John and Randal Tomich (Tomich Wines).
Friday February 24, 7.30pm–8.30pm
$65pp
Lloyd will also collaborate with Topiary chef Kane Pollard,and Vinteloper winemaker David Bowley on a long lunch menu. Expect Kane’s “locavore” passion for local ingredients paired with Woodside cheeses and matched with a range of Vinteloper’s small-batch wines.
Sunday February 26 1pm–2pm
$65pp
Immerse Yourself in the Art of Wine Making
Feel the wet squish of grapes between your toes. The Urban Winery Project takes a very hands-on (or rather feet-on) approach to winemaking, offering festival-goers the chance to create their own wine by crushing locally grown shiraz and malbec grapes. Imagine uncorking a bottle of Project Red #4 at your next dinner party and casually telling guests, “I stomped it myself.” And don’t worry, there’s a foot-washing station for before and after.
Cellar Door Fest is at the Adelaide Convention Centre from Friday February 24 to Sunday February 26.
