Monday 5 January 2015

Australia’s Longest Running Wine Festival launches its 2015 Program




Australia’s original wine event, the Barossa Vintage Festival, has officially launched its 2015 program, showcasing 95 events over five days.

The Barossa Vintage Festival is Australia’s longest running wine festival, celebrating the rich heritage and gastronomic pleasures of this renowned region in South Australia.

Be consumed by the celebrated Barossa Vintage Festival from 15-19 April 2015.

Highlights include a decadent feast, an exclusive wine auction featuring the Barossa’s most distinguished wineries and a host of indulgent wine and culinary experiences sure to delight and tantalise the senses.

In amongst the tastings, leisurely lunches, breakfasts and sightseeing you might even spot a celebrity or two.

Australia’s favourite foodie, Maggie Beer, is set to woo the crowd with her culinary delights at the World Release – Willi’s Wine Bar Paris Poster event. Or learn how to get the most out of seasonal ingredients from Masterchef alumni, Callum Hann.

Bed down in one of the many quaint and cosy Bed & Breakfast’s or splash out at the luxurious Novotel and join the local community as they open their cellar doors, and hearts, for a taste of Barossan life.

The diverse and eclectic program will appeal to everyone with the start of the Festival targeted at wine connoisseurs and the premium end of the market, and the weekend full of relaxed, family-friendly activities.

“Whether you choose to come to experience the premium black tie events, or bike around from winery to winery taking in the spectacular surroundings as you go, the Barossa Vintage Festival is the perfect time to visit this much loved destination” says Festival Director, Andrew Dundon.

One thing’s for certain, this isn’t a festival to rush through. It’s a festival to experience.

As Dundon says, “I encourage you to stay for a few days and immerse yourself in the Barossan way of life – you will come back changed”.

For more information on the Barossa Vintage Festival visit barossavintagefestival.com.au

Friday 2 January 2015

Top Adelaide Hills Wineries in running for Strathalbyn Cup




Four of the Adelaide Hills top wineries have come to an arrangement with Strathalbyn Racing Club to see regional wines served for the first time at the Strathalbyn Cup – one of South Australia’s premier racing events.

Following an approach spearheaded by Sidewood, the four Adelaide Hills producers to feature their wines are Sidewood, Golding, K1 and Bird in Hand. With the famed cool climate of the Adelaide Hills lending itself to the creation of some of the finest sparkling and white varieties in the country, the January 11 event is perfect for a nicely chilled glass or two whilst celebrating with friends on a warm summer’s day.

Sidewood owner Owen Inglis said, “it just seems natural that when a major event is held in the vicinity of this fantastic wine producing region, Adelaide Hills wines should be offered to patrons. Given this one is close to my heart, we couldn’t just sit idly by and not make an approach to the Strathalbyn Racing Club. Thankfully we received a positive response.

“This is a first of what we hope will influence other events in the Adelaide Hills and its surrounds whereby moving forward, regional wine producers will be afforded the opportunity to pour their wines” he said.

Owen Inglis’ affiliation with horses and racing extends back to his youth, having spent a large portion time at his aunt’s 400 acre horse stud around Clarendon and learning to ride at just 5 years of age. At around 10, he spent a year at Hong Kong’s apprentice jockey school – thankfully his career took him in other directions that eventually saw him purchase Ashwood Estate vineyard (and its stables) from Coriole in 2004. The rest is Sidewood history!

The place to be at the Strathalbyn Cup will be the Sparkling Summer enclosure - $100 tickets include

  • Race Entry
  • Private outdoor picnic area with prime trackside viewing
  • A commemorative Speiglieu wine glass
  • 4 glasses of premium Adelaide Hills wine
  • 3 food vouchers from The Vendor with food cooked on Jules’ impressive 5m long charcoal BBQ! (as seen at Barrio, Big Day out and Sydney food Festivals)

Total ticket value is $120

Tickets for the Sparkling Summer enclosure and General Admission are available at http://www.strathracing.com.au