Tasting Australia
Its one of Adelaide’s biggest foodie celebrations. I’m yet to actually get off my behind and get to one of the many events, but this will be the year (I promise). Tasting Australia encompasses a variety of producers, restaurants, wineries- you name it, they have it. From foraging tours, intimate dinners, long table lunches and helicopter rides, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.
This is what is on my radar of events to visit this year-
A Nomadic Experience
Who doesn’t LOVE suprises?! This experience will have you kick things off at Penny’s Hill for canapes and bubbles, followed by 5 other courses prepared by chef Tom Boden of The Kitchen Door. If you’ve had his food before, this will already have you hooked. Once you’ve been wined and dined, you’ll be whisked away in a helicopter, taking in some of the most incredible views of the Fleurieu Peninsula, from rugged coastline to impeccable views of the vineyards. Your next stop will have you meeting two SA producers- Tom Bradman of Nomad Farms and Andy Coppard of Lino Ramble Wines. I can’t give too much away, but this is set to be one hell of a day.
Cost $380.00
Glasshouse Kitchen- Spice
If you like it hot, hot, hot, then this is not to be missed. A lineup of world class chefs, from interstate and overseas will take you on a culinary journey through Chile, Asia, Europe and beyond. Expect dishes full of flavour using local South Australian produce, paired with wines from S.C Pannell, Unico Zelo and Ashton Hills.
Cost- $286.55
Taste the Alphabet
Want to try all of Alpha Box & Dice’s wine collection? Well here’s your chance. Dabble in their alphabet, as well as museum wines and even new vintages straight from the barrel. For the foodies you’ll be delighted to see catering by Jessie Spiby and My Grandma Ben- a combination not to be missed. Bonus, it super affordable and they are offering return bus transfers for the city folk.
Cost- $75.00
Return bus transfer- $30.00
Underground Dining Lime Cave Experience at Maxwell Wines
13th April, dining in their mushroom lime cave. Being in the lime cave is an experience in itself, but lit up by candles and fed to the brim with exquisite food by Fabian Lehmann will make it a experience not to be forgotten. You’ll be treated to 6 courses, some featuring mushrooms that were grown in the exact cave you’ll be dining in. Of course there will be Maxwell Wines served alongside your food- a match made in heaven.
Cost- $200.00
A Taste of Beerenberg
If you’re a South Aussie, then there’s no doubt you’ve heard of Beerenberg. They made the best jams, sauces, relishes and have a strawberry patch stretching as far as the eye can see. At this experience you’ll get a backstage pass and find out all about this iconic SA business, as well the chance to graze on platters filled with gourmet local produce. As always, there will be drinks, thanks to Bickfords, and the chance to roam their strawberry patch afterwards. Groups are small, making it more intimate, and the price is very easily justifiable.
Cost- $65.00
Forage, Feast and Ferment Adventure Tour
The tagline has me hooked- ‘Are you ready for a hyper local & seasonal foraging, food, and wine adventure like no other?’. Yes. Yes I am. This experience will have you transported to a location in Peramangk country/the Adelaide Hills where you’ll be treated to morning tea, followed by a foraging session to look for wild edibles. You’ll also visit Schultz’s Forest Orchards, where you’ll have a rustic 3 course meal utilising locally foraged fare and natural wines. Bring a decent jacket, sturdy shoes and a big appetite.
Cost- $159.00
Gin Society at The Howling Owl
If you know me, you know I love gin. So this event is definitely calling my name. Held at the Howling Owl, this experience will have you meeting some of SA’s gin makers, giving you a in depth look into the gin making process. Of course there will be a decent dabbling in the liquid itself, as well as some local produce on hand to keep your hunger pains down.
Cost- $150.00
Quattro Formaggio at Sunnys Pizza
You got me at pizza. On the 16th of April you’ll find some of our best chefs (Somer Sivrioglu, Benjamin Cooper, Aaron Turner and Jock Zonfrillo) for a self proclaimed ‘pedestrian pizza party’ at Sunnys Pizza. It’s a casual affair, with no bookings and good times guaranteed. Stretchy pants recommended.
Cost- Pizzas from $20.00
Scoff Something Wild
If you’ve been into the Adelaide Central Markets then you’ve probably caught a glimpse at Something Wild- SA’s Indigenous food and open range meat supplier. This cooking class has a hands on approach, showing you how to cook with some of the best meats, herbs and spices sourced locally and from Outback Australia. You’ll be making dishes like Barramundi served in pepperleaf, cauliflower lemon and Lemon Myrtle icecream, as well as drinking some of SA’s best wines. Definitely one for the cooking enthusiast who is looking for something a little different.
Cost- $145.00
Garden To Plate
One of my favourite chefs and queen of the kitchen at The Salopian Inn, Karena Armstrong, invites you into her home for the ultimate lunch experience. Karena, alongside sommelier Alex Marchetti, will show you through Salopian’s kitchen garden, and cook you up an incredible lunch straight from the patch. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet local suppliers as well as the chance to get your hands dirty- gardening gloves and boots are recommended. This is my idea of fun!
Cost- $120.00
What’s on your list for Tasting Australia this year? Have you ever been before? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Want to see the full Tasting Australia program? Click here.
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