Tasting Australia is back from the 3rd to 12th of May, and this year promises an exciting lineup of events to tantalize your taste buds. Amongst the smorgasbord of food and drink events are a host of events focusing on the beverage South Australia is most known for: wine. From exploring the unique character of volcanic wines to delving into the fascinating link between terroir and Aboriginal Country, get ready for an unforgettable journey through the world of wine.
We highlight a few of the must-attend wine events at Tasting Australia 2024. Let’s raise a glass to discovery.
Top wine events at Tasting Australia 2024:
Eruption of Flavour – Volcanic Wines
Distinctive soils help inform the most established international wine regions. Join the team at Jennie Wine Bar in the heart of Adelaide for an ‘eruption of flavour’ as they lead a unique journey through the world of volcanic wines.
Explore the fascinating connection between volcanic soils and wine production. Expect a broad range grape varieties, with wines from Australia and abroad to feature. Delicious snacks in the form of olives, charcuterie and cheese will fuel the adventure.
4th of May, 2024
Jennie Wine Bar, Adelaide
From Terroir to Country
Wine is a story about place. About how places shape us, and we them. About how that relationship between people and place finds expression. The French call this Terroir. In Australia this idea has a much longer history – outside of wine – in Aboriginal concepts of Country. Increasingly – as farmers and winemakers seek to understand and better acknowledge Aboriginal Country – these questions intersect with the food and wine industry. Coonawarra winemaker Sue Bell, Professor John Carty and Dr Jared Thomas will lead a fascinating conversation at the South Australian Museum exploring these themes.
Taste wines from important places – think Koomilya from McLaren Vale – along with those made by First Nations people like Bell. This after-hours event at the South Australian Museum promises to be a unique celebration of traditional wisdom, and of its influence on remarkable wine.
4th of May, 2024
South Australian Museum, Adelaide
Masterclass – From Shiraz to Syrah
Big. Bold. Brawny. 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. Wine professional Erin Larkin is leading this masterclass alongside winemakers Helen Masters, Riley Harrison and Adam Wadewitz.
Try remarkable local releases from Ngeringa and Alkina alongside international stars like Ata Rangi, Gaillard and Guigal, exploring the evolution of shiraz and syrah – and their unique personalities. Larkin, whose specialties include judging, private cellar curation and writing for the likes of Halliday Wine Companion and Robert Parker Wine Advocate, will set the scene.
12th of May, 2024
The University of Adelaide Masterclass Pavilion, Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga
A-Z of Wine: The Grape-a-bet
You know there’s a whole world of drinks out there. But 26 in one tasting? Yes and yes. Our latest beverage program is wrapping up in style.
Be there as producers share a full grape-a-bet of wares across one very special stand-up session. Everything from Arneis to zinfandel is on offer. Explore a huge variety of local, national and international wine, with spirits and other coveted options featured too.
Tasting Australia celebrates drinks and the talented folk behind them. That’s true across the entire festival – and especially so here.
Featured wine producers include Alpha Box and Dice, Ministry of Clouds, Unico Zelo, Rippon, Alkina, Seppeltsfield and more. Featured spirit producers include Lobo, Senjo and 23rd Street Distillery.
11th of May, 2024
The University of Adelaide Masterclass Pavilion, Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga
Pike Wine Dinner at Sammys
South Australian seafood, beef and wine will star in this beachside degustation at Sammy’s on the Marina.
You’ll be treated to five courses of the freshest catch: a true smorgasbord of our state’s best.
Selections from Clare Valley label Pikes Wines are set to complement each of the sumptuous courses. Your host for the evening will be Pikes chief winemaker Steve Baraglia who will share his winemaking journey throughout the meal.
Soak up your surroundings at picturesque Glenelg beach with 270-degree views of the Holdfast Promenade, and get ready for an evening that promises the freshest and highest quality food, perfectly crafted South Australian wine and wonderful conversation.
9th of May, 2024
Sammys On the Marina, Glenelg
Tasting Table – Zero Zero
Nothing added, nothing removed. That’s the essence of zero zero, a bold new approach to natural winemaking.
Join Victorian wine importer Liz Carey as she highlights high-profile wines eschewing preservatives and taking a new path. This Tasting Table will be held at Adelaide’s LOC, an intimate bottle bar loved for its warm welcome and expansive offering.
Vivant Selections, Carey’s business, launched in 2016 and works exclusively with farmers and winemakers using organic or biodynamic methods in their viticulture. Wines from France, Germany and Austria feature in its portfolio.
Curious? This intimate, illuminating Tasting Table awaits.
4th of May, 2024
LOC Bottle Bar, Adelaide
3rd – 12th of May, 2024
