There is nothing wrong with doing something a little different. And these guys are bringing different to their Tasting Australia events in some very interesting ways! Check out our top seven picks for the most unusual events on this year’s Tasting Australia program…
FYI walking shoes will be required! Not many events on the Tasting Australia calendar ask for a sturdy pair of walking shoes and mention that fitness is required. Except for this one… This will be a truly unique experience in which you get to trek the beautiful landscape, through the vineyards of Mt Edelstone and Hill of Grace, plus the pastures of Hutton Vale Farm. Your tourguides will be none other than the generational custodians from the winemaking Henschke and farming Angas families who have lived and worked in the area since the 1800s.
Share in their knowledge, but even better, taste the wines and then enjoy a lunch in the Bootmakers Cottage. Talk about doing it Barossa style!
When: Sunday 1 May
Where: Meet at Town Square, Adelaide
Time: 8.30am
Cost: $195 per person (inc. transfers)
When an iconic South Aussie is involved you know you are in for something a little more special… The Floating Feast will see guests explore single site wines as well as enjoying a perfectly curated menu of regional (and delicious) fare all aboard Popeye!
In what will be a celebration of all things South Australia, from our wine and food to our history, the event has been organised by food event geniuses from Out in the Paddock, along with food photographer, food event planner and food consultant Dougal Mcfuzzlebutt of Mcfuzzlebutt’s Manchen. It will be out of this world!
When: Saturday 7 May
Where: The Popeye, Riverbank Precinct
Time: 5pm
Cost: $200 per person
The relatively new kid on the East End block, NOLA, have advised that you wear loose pants for their event. With seven courses of New Orleans inspired soul food matched with 2 beers per course, we can understand why!
Along with enjoying the brews you will also meet the guys behind the seven local SA craft breweries. Chat beer, breweing processes and matching!
When: Wednesday 4 May
Where: NOLA, 293/295 Rundle Street
Time: 6pm
Cost: $125 per person
Discover hidden secrets on this underground experience! Head down below the 150 year old Saltram Estate as they invite you to first taste their premium wines in the Barrel Hall before finishing up with a glass of very special Twany (accompanied by some chocolate) in the Underground Cellar.
If that wasn’t already special enough you then get to indulge in some amazing views while you make your way through a five course meal of regional food. Yes please!
When: Varied
Where: Saltram Wine Estate, Murray Street, Angaston
Time: Varied
Cost: $80 per person
Don’t let the name put you off, this will be one interesting degustation. Hosted by Prairie on O’Connell you will dabble in what can only de described as interesting fae. Taste their signature Feral Antipasti which includes smoked kangaroo and pastrami, emu liver pate and camel mettwurst, then move on to the Feral Mixed Grill (listed in the top 100 gourmet experiences in Australia by Australian Traveller magazine) including kangaroo fillet, emu mignon, and camel sausage, plus you can wrap your mouth around the Flinders Range Quandong Pie. Like we said, this will be a feast like no other and that isn’t us being dramatic!
When: Varied
Where: Prairie on O’Connell, 199 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide
Time: Varied
Cost: $55 per person
Well at least the title of this event lays it out for us! The guys at the Delicatessen Kitchen & Bar will be serving up five courses of Frenchy goodness. With an emphasis on the humble fat pig (the venue logo) and preserved fruits this will be a down to earth dining experience.
When: Wednesday 4 May
Where: Delicatessen Kitchen & Bar, 12 Waymouth Street
Time: 6.30pm
Cost: $80
Maxwell Wines have a secret… Amongst the vines on their estate is a rare and hidden treasure and they want to share it with you! The Lime Cave, a handcarved limestone cave that was dug out a century ago for the sole purpose of growing mushrooms, will be your dining room!
Chef Tom Boden will be at the helm as he serves up a food experience to remember that will, of course, be paired with stunning wines. An ode to the cave’s original purpose will see the seven courses featuring mushrooms throughout!
When: Varied
Where: Maxwell Wines, 19 Olivers Road, McLaren Vale
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Cost: $180 per person
Happy tasting!