The Clare Valley Gourmet Festival is officially back with a bang in 2026, giving South Australians one of the most flavourful reasons to plan an autumn escape off the beaten path. Running from Friday, May 15th to Monday, May 18th, the festival will take place across the Clare Valley with more than 45 events perfectly suited to food and wine lovers looking for the region’s very best.
Now entering its fourth decade, the Clare Valley Gourmet Festival has the title of Australia’s longest-running wine and food festival, and remains a staple on South Australia’s autumn events calendar. The 2026 program leans into what the region does best. It’s all about world-class wine, generous hospitality, seasonal produce and unforgettable settings. The festival will see long lunches, intimate dinners, cellar door collaborations and live music experiences spread across wineries and venues throughout the valley.
Among the highlights returning in 2026 are the ever-popular Gourmet Bus Trails, designed to take the stress out of navigating the region. Operating on Saturday and Sunday, the curated trails offer a full day of food, wine and music, with three different routes to choose from. Each trail visits three festival venues, allowing plenty of time to enjoy all the atmosphere, connect with producers and experience the diversity of the region.
The Sip & Savour, Devour & Delight and Feast & Fun trails each bring a slightly different style of the festival. With transport included and priority access at participating venues, they’re one of the easiest and most social ways to experience the festival across the weekend.
Designed as a region-wide celebration rather than a single-site event, the Clare Valley Gourmet Festival rewards those who linger. The four-day format encourages a longer stay, with Friday setting the tone with welcome-night events and exclusive dinners. Then Saturday brings the fun with winery parties and live music, Sunday slows things down with relaxed and family-friendly offerings, and Monday wraps things up with long lunches and farewell celebrations.
The festival also lines up with the final weekend of Tasting Australia, making it a natural next stop for interstate food and wine travellers keen to explore further into South Australia’s regions. With accommodation expected to book quickly, travellers are encouraged to lock things in early, though day-trippers are well catered for with transfer buses from Adelaide and hop-on, hop-off shuttles operating on Saturday.
The 2026 Clare Valley Gourmet Festival promises four days of flavour, connection and unmistakable regional charm, with more still to be revealed. Check it all out from Friday, May 15th, to Monday, May 18th!
Clare Valley Gourmet Festival
When: Friday, May 15th, to Monday, May 18th
Where: Multiple Venues
For more information, click here.
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