If you’ve been waiting in anticipation for the Riverland’s Food and Wine Festival 2026, you’re not alone! The festival is back and better than ever. Event organiser and Riverland local Andrew “Sarez” Sarakinis says 2026 is shaping up to be the best year yet.
“After COVID, the festival went on pause and never made a return. The whole region really missed it so I decided to take on the challenge of bringing it back through my events company, Sarez Pty Ltd,” says Sarez. 2025 saw its successful return.
Sarez, a local winegrape grower for more than 25 years, says he aims to put a positive spin on an industry that’s been doing it tough in recent years. The event is all about showcasing the epic selection of wines in the Riverland, including Mallee Estate, Ricca Terra, Freestone, Jachmann Cider, 23rd Street Distillery and the Woolshed Brewery.
“I’m really passionate about the local wine industry and about creating high quality events here in the Riverland. Reviving the festival has definitely been a bit of a passion project something I really wanted to do for the region and the community,” Sarez adds.
Sarez, who brought the festival back to the Berri riverfront in March this year, says we can expect big things for 2026, including a bigger layout, more bars, more wine and food options, and a lot more seating for festival-goers. Sarez says the biggest change next year is how people experience the wine offerings.
“Previously, wineries were only doing tastings and guests had to buy their wine from the main bar. Next year we’re changing that up, you’ll still be able to enjoy your complimentary tastings but if you find a wine you love, you can now buy a glass or even a bottle directly from the winery stalls themselves,” says Sarez.
“This new setup means no lining up for drinks and more time actually enjoying the festival, while still keeping that personal connection between guests and the winemakers.”
Still need some convincing? If the lineup of wines doesn’t have you itching to hop online to grab some tickets, allow yourself to be tempted by some of the mouth-watering food vendors, including Fuzion Foodz, Lefty’s Greek Street Eats, and Golden Elephant’s Indian cuisine. As far as entertainment goes, expect things to be bigger and better than ever before.
“The entertainment side has also been stepped up this year with a bigger main stage featuring live band McKenzie as the headline act, along with a great mix of local artists setting the vibe throughout the day,” says Sarez. “Music and entertainment are my speciality, so I’m making sure that side of the festival is top quality from start to finish. Expect lots of dancing!”
So, sail away on a Riverland reverie and let your palate guide you, as the Riverland Food and Wine Festival is ready and raring to go on March 7, 2026, from midday to 8pm.
Tickets start at only $45, and will definitely give you more bang for your buck this year with ticket prices including a festival wine tumbler, five complimentary wine tastings, and access to all food vendors and live entertainment.
“Last year the event sold out at 1200 people and next year we we’re expecting about 1500-2000,” says Sarez.
WHAT: 2026 Riverland Food and Wine Festival
WHERE: Riverview drive, Berri, SA
WHEN: March 7, 2026, 12pm-8pm
The discounted early bird tickets have already sold out, but you can still purchase tickets – including a VIP food and drinks package deal – by clicking this link: Riverland Food & Wine Festival | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree.
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