Remember that weird, blurry week between Christmas and New Year’s when you can’t remember what day it is or what you’re meant to be doing? At Richard Hamilton, they’ve turned it into a tradition.
Now in its 17th year, the annual Syn at Sunset event has become a fixture of the festive season in McLaren Vale, bringing together live music, local wine, food and immaculate vineyard views in an easygoing, picnic-style format. It forms part of the winery’s broader Summer of Fun program, which is jam-packed with events designed for exactly this time of year, when work wraps up, festivities roll in, and the idea of sitting on a lawn with a glass of wine sounds just right. Plus, Glam Adelaide readers are treated to an exclusive offer.
“‘Syn at Sunset’ as part of the Richard Hamilton ‘Summer of Fun’ program will be a wonderful afternoon of live music, delectable food and fine wine, all set against the stunning backdrop of our McLaren Vale vineyards and rose gardens,” says James Carman, Sales and Marketing Manager at Leconfield and Richard Hamilton Wines. “It’s a great scene to recover from Christmas and Boxing Days and prepare for the new year.”
The event kicks off in the late afternoon, with guests encouraged to bring picnic rugs or low chairs and spread out across the cellar door lawns. With Richard Hamilton’s vineyards and rose gardens as the backdrop, it’s an informal and relaxed setup that lends itself to groups of friends with ease – and it’s also a family-friendly affair, with Children under the age of 16 admitted free.
Live music comes from Adelaide band Velvet, led by Kate Bussenschutt, who will perform covers spanning the best of the ’80s through to current hits. The setlist is designed to ease people in early and lift the energy as the sun goes down, with plenty of crowd-favourite tracks that’ll have people out of their seats as the afternoon rolls on, we’re almost certain of it.
Syn at Sunset has firmly etched itself into the South Australian calendar. Located just a 45-minute drive from the CBD, the Richard Hamilton Wines cellar door in McLaren Vale is not only known for its stunning vineyard and highly awarded portfolio of wines, but also as the home of the sixth-generation family of winemakers. Syn Sparkling Wines are named after the word ‘Syn’, which comes from ‘synergy’, with parcels of fruit selected from Richard Hamilton’s vineyards in both McLaren Vale and Coonawarra.
James says the event taps into the broader appeal of the region during the festive period. “Summer in McLaren Vale, particularly over the Christmas and New Year’s periods, really comes alive as people head to the coast and seek out their new favourite wine,” he says.
Tickets are just $30, making it an ideal stocking filler or last-minute Secret Santa gift, even for that coworker you barely know. Plus, Glam Adelaide subscribers can make the most of a special Christmas offer – book before Christmas Day and score a second ticket half-price by using the code SYNTHISXMAS at checkout.
Whether you’re catching up with friends you haven’t seen all year, looking for something family-friendly that doesn’t require a late night, or simply want an excuse to spend an afternoon in McLaren Vale, Syn at Sunset offers a straightforward, atmospheric, and well-timed reason to get out of the house. It’s the perfect relax and recoup before New Year’s demands our energy – and how can you go wrong with ’80s dance hits and vineyard views?
Syn at Sunset
Where: Richard Hamilton Wines, 439 Main Road McLaren Vale
When: Saturday, 27 December, 5-9pm
Tickets: $30 per person
Glam Adelaide offer: second ticket half price with code SYNTHISXMAS (book before Christmas Day)
For more info, click here.
To book your ticket, click here.
