Wineries are already on the waiting list for South Australia’s second only state wine festival next year after the enormous success of Adelaide Convention Centre’s inaugural Cellar Door Wine Festival- Adelaide proudly driven by BEA Motors and SMART, last weekend.
Officially opened by Premier Mike Rann in a VIP Preview on Friday 25th February, the three-day event attracted over 5,000 visitors who sampled the wares of over one hundred wineries and enjoyed the fresh produce of the state’s various regions.
“The Cellar Door Wine Festival brings together the very best of South Australia’s diverse and renowned wine regions and styles under a single roof. By doing so, it offers visitors and locals the opportunity to gain an appreciation of these areas’ individual characteristics, as well as their characters,” Premier Mike Rann said.
The unique setup of the festival guided visitors through the themed wine trails with a mock passport to help guests remember their favourites from the regions including: the Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, Eden Valley, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale and the Riverland.
“Through the unique setup of the Cellar Door Wine Festival we have ensured equal representation for internationally renowned wineries and boutique labels without a cellar door. Gathered here in the city, South Australia’s finest from beautiful regions such as Coonawarra, The Riverland and the Adelaide Hills are just a short walk from each other,” Adelaide Convention Centre Chief Executive, Alec Gilbert, said.
Ben Tolstoshev from The Lane Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills was pleased with the outcome of the festival. “It was a terrific event; a great opportunity to present some vintage releases and discover new producers. The festival was particularly well-organized – it gave the public a unique chance to benchmark and understand the diversity of South Australian regions. We look forward to sharing in the unique experience again next year.”
Sold out master classes for a total of 720 guests revealed the secrets of the trade in sessions including: Understanding Wine, Wine and Cheese Tasting, SA Regional Classics, and even SA Micro Brewery Glass Tasting, as well as Wine Australia’s first ever consumer A+ Australian Wine Master Classes.
Visitors also experienced a taste of regional produce, enjoying nearly 3,000 SA Regional food items, nearly 400 regional platters and 340 Smelly Cheese Shop platters at the festival’s Regional Farmers’ Market.
The festival also showcased 41 wines of various varietals from across the state in A+ Australian Wine SA Varietal View where visitors could sample and compare their varietal of choice from various regions.
As an eco-conscious event with fully compostable plates and cutlery, the Cellar Door Wine Festival teamed with BEA Motors and SMART to provide 2011 visitors with the chance to win Beryl, the Smart Car Berry. A white Smart Car underneath, Beryl has been popping up about town decorated for the festival in a purple berry-like wrap complete with a giant green glossy leaf. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 9th of March.
The 2012 Cellar Door Wine Festival will be held from Friday 24th February to 26th February 2012 at the Adelaide Convention Centre on North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia.
For further information please visit: www.cellardoorfestival.com.au
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