Images by Charlie Conybeare
Tasting Australia is preparing for a huge return to Adelaide in 2026, and to make it even better, they’ve revealed a powerhouse creative team packed with some of the nation’s most influential culinary stars.
In 2026, festival regulars Kane Pollard, Banjo Harris Plane, and Meira Harel will once again lend their expertise as Festival Curators. They each bring a ton of experience and a deep passion for food and beverage, making sure the festival’s high standards continue. Joining them this year are Jessica Ducrou and Duncan Welgemoed, who are sure to add fresh perspectives and innovations to the festival lineup.
Jessica Ducrou is the co-founder of Secret Sounds and a significant figure in the music festival scene. She has a distinguished career that includes the creation of Harvest Rock, Splendour in the Grass, and Falls Festival, and is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Tasting Australia.
“I’ve long admired Tasting Australia’s ethos and the way it so beautifully shares the best of South Australia, with an audience from near and far,” she said. “I’m delighted to contribute to its next incarnation, working alongside the creative and event team to deliver a program infused with the best in show offerings and fab South Australian hospitality.”
Duncan Welgemoed is best known for his Adelaide-based restaurant Africola, which shares the flavours of his South African heritage. Having participated in the festival since 2016, Duncan understands the platform’s unique capacity to blend emerging and established culinary talent.
“The magic of this festival is the way it brings people together – often in new or unexpected ways – to share stories through the plate and through the glass,” he shared. “Tasting Australia is both launchpad and stage: a place where industry newcomers feature alongside stars already changing the game. I’m so proud to be part of it.”
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison added, “Food and wine experiences bring more interstate visitors to our state than anything else, and Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond is where the strength and diversity of our offering shines. It’s a chance to try something new, to forge connections and to celebrate the simple pleasures so easy to find here.”
Tasting Australia has consistently been a key event in Australia’s culinary calendar, with the previous edition featuring over 150 events across the state. In 2025, so many fantastic events were included, like the Tasting Australia Airlines journeys to the northern Flinders Ranges and Murray River and the newly introduced Aperitivo Hour series. The festival’s Town Square in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga drew crowds exceeding 65,000, and supported a total of 280 local businesses.
The full program for the 2026 Tasting Australia will be revealed in the coming months.
Tasting Australia
When: May 8th to May 17th 2026
Where: Multiple venues
For more information, click here.
