Adelaide Hills

Adelaide Hills celebrates return of Winter Reds Festival

Winter Reds will be the first major food and wine, three-day event to be rolled out post COVID-19 restrictions easing.

Photo: Howard Vineyard

Adelaide’s most popular and largest winter festival has been lucky not to skip a beat, the Adelaide Hills Wine, Winter Reds proudly boasts being the first major food and wine, three-day event to be rolled out post COVID-19 restrictions easing.

Adelaide Hills Wine Region Executive Officer, Kerry Treuel, said: “The past six months have been challenging to say the least for wine companies in the Adelaide Hills.  

“Many were devastated by the January bush fires and then COVID -19 hit, meaning cellar doors and other hospitality venues were forced to close.”

This year’s Winter Reds weekend is all about welcoming visitors back to the Adelaide Hills. 

Ms Treuel said: “Everyone is just really excited to be back doing what they love – sharing their wines and local produce and opening their cellar doors and wineries for all to enjoy. 

“The Winter Reds weekend will be rolled out over July 24-26 and it just keeps getting better every year with new venues, new events and new experiences for wine, food and festival lovers to enjoy!

“We hope to entertain over 19,0000 across the 20 plus venues.”

The Adelaide Hills is synonymous open fires, rustic fare and of course, red wine, visitors will be immersed in the beauty of the Adelaide Hills in Winter.”

Ms Treuel said: “We’ve curated a program that is extensive, offering loads of experiences to suit all visitors.

Festival goers can take their pick of morning, afternoon and evening events throughout the weekend.

Ms Treuel said: “We have been working closely with Government officials to ensure the safety and success of Winter Reds.

“Where possible we are encouraging everyone to plan their Winter Reds weekend in advance – check out the website and book into your favourite venue. 

“This will go a long way in helping our venues manage capacity whilst still ensuring attendees are well looked after and receive the true winter reds experience of cosy long lunches, fire side feasts and warming red wines.” 

The weekend has really become multi platformed and is far more than just wine. 

Winter Reds has something for everyone, small or large groups and even families.

Mouth-watering snacks and dining occasions, art, music, theatre and of course lots of wine, will all be part of the different experiences at Winter Reds. 

To start the weekend, Golding Wines will launch ‘Fire and Spice while Penfolds will host their Penfolds Ben 389 60th Anniversary dinner by Magill Estate Restaurant.

Ms Treuel said: “For some Après Ski vibes, visit Saint & Scholar Wines.”

They will showcase an eight-course degustation, carefully designed to pair perfectly with their small batch cool climate red wines.

For the ultimate in red wine tastings, Shaw + Smith is offering up a Winter Reds Wine Flight. They are presenting five cool climate reds from the collection including aged release and single site Pinot Noir and Shiraz.

For those wanting some merry festive cheer, Cobb’s Hill Estate, is hosting a Pinot Party and Shiraz Show Down but also a Christmas In July celebration.

Plenty of bonfires and will be roaring across the Adelaide Hills. 

Ms Treuel said: “One worth mentioning is Sidewood’s Winter Feast in their new cellar door and restaurant in Hahndorf, it’s a family friendly affair with activities for all ages.

“Another exciting offering is Howard Vineyard.  With newly renovated cellar door,  the winery has curated an Asian delights experience and coupled that with live acoustic music – the perfect setting for a long lunch.”

Venues have truly gone beyond this year, coming together to showcase the region’s best produce.

There has never been a time where the Adelaide Hills needs support and all our wineries and business are eager to encourage South Australians to come and enjoy the Adelaide Hills warm hospitality

Ms Treuel said: “Winter Reds is a fabulous weekend and after several months of calm, we look forward to welcoming guests to the Adelaide Hills to celebrate some to the best red wine in the world.”

“We are urging people to stay tuned to our socials and website as more events and venues are added over the coming weeks”

General entry to Winter Reds non-ticketed events is free. Simply purchase an official souvenir Reidel or Spiegelau wine glass for $10. 

Visit adelaidehillswine.com.au and follow on @adelaidehillswine

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