Pencil the last weekend of July into your calendar, because this Winter Reds Festival is about to get spicier. Beloved food critic, TV personality and all-round culinary treasure Matt Preston has been announced as the official ambassador for the 2025 Winter Reds festival, running from July 25-27.
It marks the first time in the event’s 15-year run that the Adelaide Hills Wine Region has brought in a personality to headline, and who better than the man who has unparalleled enthusiasm for red wine, great food, and flamboyant cravats?
Matt will be soaking up the best of the Hills’ cool-climate reds, fireside feasts, and local fare all weekend long, starting with a VIP launch on the Friday night and culminating in a special lunch at LOT.100, co-hosted with wine writer Tony Love.
“South Australia does festivals, and wine, like no other state,” Matt said.
“That’s why I am excited to be the Adelaide Hills Winter Reds ambassador for 2025. I love a red wine from cool-climate. They are special because they are more elegant, have great varietal expression, and last in the cellar longer; that is, if you can don’t drink them all first.”
Ask Matt what kind of Adelaide Hills wine he’d be and he’ll say “I’d like to think that I was an estate-grown single-vineyard Pinot Noir – elegant, understated, best in class, expensive,”
“But, I am probably more like a fun loving, but equally delicious, bottle of Adelaide Hills’ Shiraz. Why? Because I am round like the best cherries and plums, and have a little spicy, fruity finish.”
Adelaide Hills Wine Region President Alex Trescowthick said the pairing couldn’t be more perfect.
“We’re genuinely delighted to have Matt on board,” Alex said.
“Matt understands the nuances of high-quality wines as well as he does exquisite food. He also appreciates things which are locally grown and made. What we love most about Matt is that when he enjoys something, he expresses it heartily and with warmth — which is exactly what Winter Reds is all about.”
The festival offers the perfect excuse to gather your crew, pull on your Driza-Bone and Rossi boots (this year’s official apparel partners), and set off to explore a winter wonderland of red wine. From Pinot and Shiraz to Gamay, Tempranillo, and Nebbiolo, the Adelaide Hills will be pouring the good stuff all weekend long.
This year brings over 50 events across cellar doors, restaurants and open fires. For the full program, click here.
WHAT: Winter Reds Festival
WHEN: July 25 – 27
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