Back by popular demand for its third year running, Howard Vineyard’s Shiraz Social is set to heat up the Adelaide Hills as part of this year’s Winter Reds Festival. Pack in and get cosy for a weekend of wine, dancing, and feasting at Howard Vineyard. From fireside drinks to live music, DJs, and long lunches, The Shiraz Social has everything you need for the perfect wine-fuelled winter weekend.
As you wander through the lively marquee-filled greenery, you’ll soak up the charm of the Hills in all its crisp winter glory. But what really sets it apart is the festival atmosphere, buzzing through the vines and crackling from the firepits.
Running across the last weekend in July, this year’s event introduces a new VIP Ticketed section in the Main Marquee and live music pop-ups dotted across the venue. Plus, if the last two years have been anything to go by, all new expanded dance floors will fill in no time. The enclosed, heated terrace, right next to the main bar, will be your haven for kicking back, chatting and relaxing into the afternoon. And if the weather turns, head under the massive GA Laneway Marquee, situated next to the decked-out dance floor marquee with disco balls and soundtracked by DJs all weekend.
On this year’s new additions, marketing manager Dave Jolly says, “We’re really excited to bring back The Shiraz Social for its third year, and we’re always looking to ramp up the fun and the buzz of the crowd atmosphere. This year there are more activations, there’s more live music, and even more fun to be had.”
Food and drink options will be spread across the venue, with a delicious feed and a quality pour never far away. The main outdoor bar will be stocked with Howard Vineyard’s wines, along with beer, cider, and soft drinks. Pirate Life have a satellite bar nearest the Main Marquee serving all the festival wine favourites and a few choice Pirate Life Beers. Threefold Distilling Co will serve a tailored cocktail list across the weekend, and keep an eye out for the Shiraz Gin Fizz created for this years Shiraz Social.
Howard Vineyard’s kitchen has a signature Korean inspired flair, which will carry through both the long lunch and street-eats options. For general admission, food will be available from Howard Vineyard’s Korean outdoor kitchen, with options for all dietary requirements.
This year, The Shiraz Social is offering four unique experiences, and with all these options for the weekend, how do you decide which ticket is right for you? Here’s a breakdown to make it easy.
General Admission tickets give you flexible entry, and are priced at $15 for adults, with free entry for anyone under 17. These tickets include entry along with a complimentary Riedel wine glass to take home. Seating is unreserved, but there is plenty of space around firepits, in both the GA Laneway Marquee and a GA section of the Main Marquee, across the lawns and The Terrace. Food and drinks can be purchased on the day from around the venue.
Clover + Stone’s Long Lunch is your premium dining option inside the winery’s barn, with tickets ranging from $109 to $119 for adults. The ticket includes event entry, a welcome drink, a set menu lunch, and a cocktail token. Young adult tickets are available for $49 and include soft drink, a youth-friendly menu, and dessert, while children aged 12 and under can attend for $30, which includes a set kids menu and soft drink. While you’re feasting on your long lunch, the barn-style venue also offers views over the main event and provides an exclusive space for seated dining with live music and a fireplace. With this ticket type, you’re free to come and go throughout the day as you please, with access to outdoor bars and all the festivities.
Reserved Main Marquee tickets range from $65 to $80 per adult, and $45 for kids. These tickets include a reserved table under cover, event entry, a Riedel wine glass to bring home, one food token, a cheese plate token, and a cocktail token. Acoustic musicians will be playing here throughout both days, with clear views of the dance floor located just outside the marquee. Heating will be available throughout the space.
The VIP Main Marquee is priced from $139 to $165 per person and is for guests aged 18 and over. It includes event entry, a Riedel wine glass to keep, a reserved and heated marquee table, a bottle of Howard Vineyard wine, two food tokens, a cheese plate token, and a cocktail token. The VIP section of the Main Marquee will sit alongside the outdoor dance floor and offer direct access to the main bar and the Threefold Gin Cocktail Bar. If you’re looking for the ultimate, all-inclusive Winter Reds experience, this is the option for you.
Each space will host a separate stage of live music, with laidback acoustic tunes filling the terrace, restaurant, and main marquee all weekend. Louis Fuller will take to the main marquee stage on both days, while Sam Brittain, Joe Amputch, and Lorenzo will perform across the weekend. If you’re looking to kick it up a notch, LIV Golf alumni DJ Ash and DJ Kai Ward will be bringing the tunes on the dance floor.
Looking for a family friendly outing? Then on Sunday, the Shiraz Social brings a family vibe, offering a FREE Kids Zone with hosted activities from Calm Play 4 Kids and free Face Painting.
Thinking about transport? Uber is supporting the festival all weekend, and by pre-booking you can ensure your ride is sorted.
So if you’re keen for a vibrant weekend of top-tier Adelaide Hills wine, hearty food, and great company, all in the perfect picturesque venue, mark your calendars for the last weekend of July.
Winter Reds: The Shiraz Social at Howard Vineyard
Where: 53 Bald Hills Rd, Nairne SA
When: Saturday, 26 July, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 27 July, 10:30am – 5pm
For more information, click here.
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