It’s only eight sleeps to go until the fat man does his rounds and I’m still determined not to panic. There’s still plenty of time to finish (or start) the Christmas shopping, make buy the pudding, plan the menu for the big day, make some home-made, gourmet treats for friends and family, clean the house, wash the dogs, wrap the gifts, find all of the matching crockery, cutlery, table linen and make sure the fridge is stocked with plenty of cheer. And NO, my voice wasn’t at all shrill as I said that. (Pass me that bottle, please.)
Christmas pudding
Once all the food is eaten and the madness is over and done with, we start to slip into the delicious holiday torpor of summer, where the days are long and, for those of us on vacation, our time is our own. It’s a time for slow mornings, long lunches and afternoon naps for many, but the more exuberant among us may be looking for a little more action than that – so this post is for you. (No, really – I’ll be fine on the sofa, you go ahead and party.)
Here in South Australia we have some of the very best food and wine in the country, much of it within easy tavelling distance of the city, and plenty more just far enough away to make for a pleasant break. Summer is the perfect time to celebrate it and we’re awfully fond of a party – so here is a list of regional summer food and wine celebrations. Choose from seafood in the south-east to the delicious cool-climate wines of my own region, in the Adelaide Hills, or throw caution (and your liver) to the winds and go to all of them. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the quality of our offerings.
Cape Jaffa Seafood and Wine Festival
11 January 2015 (Limestone Coast)
Lobster, prawns, snapper pie & great wines – what’s not to love about a seafood festival?
McLaren Vale Harvest Festival
17 January 2015 (Fleurieu Peninsula)
With cooking demonstrations by Cheong Lieu, and masterclasses in chocolate and beer matching, olives and olive oil and wine and beer. Actually, they had me with the word “chocolate”.
Kangaroo Island Gourmet Gallop
24 January 2015 (Kangaroo Island)
Find out why so many locals cross the Backstairs Passage for their holidays – enjoy a day at the races and some of the renowned produce of this unique region.
Crush Food and Wine Festival
24-25 January 2015 (Adelaide Hills)
Escape the city heat and head for the hills to enjoy the cool-climate wines from my neck of the woods.
Taste the Limestone Coast Festival
6-8 February 2015 (Limestone Coast)
Food, wine, sport and music – there’s something for everyone at this community supported, regional festival – and funds raised go towards supporting the local aged care facility.
Love Langhorne Creek
7-8 February 2015 (Fleurieu Peninsula)
Explore great food and some stunning examples of what they are doing with alternative wine grape varieties in this increasingly popular region.
Cellar Door Wine Festival
20-22 February 2015 (Adelaide)
Celebrate ALL of the South Australian wine regions without leaving the city – one of my favourite events of the year!
Fork and Cork – Mount Gambier Food and Wine Festival
28 February 2015 (Limestone Coast)
Sydney based chef and food media personality, Miguel Maestre will headline this fantastic food and wine event in it’s second year.
South Australia has the BEST food events. I’ve only been to three but holy cow, the quality of the setup, the quality of the vendors and all the happy people make attending really worthwhile.
OK, I’m officially freaking out with the days till Christmas countdown! I have so many goodies to make…ugh. I’ll share that bottle with you 🙂
As for me, I’m already panicking. I just haven’t even started my Christmas shopping. I don’t know why I’m so disorganised this year but a lot of curve-balls have come my way and they have taken precedence and so now I’m slightly worked up. SA does have exceptional produce xx
Merry Christmas to you and thanks for listing all the upcoming food and wine events.
There’s no shortage of good food for you guys! 😀 Ahh the big day is looking closer!