The recent Cudlee Creek bushfires over the holiday season have impacted Adelaide Hills wineries significantly.
With the upcoming Crush Festival over the Australia Day long weekend, this is an opportunity to attend events with friends, enjoy food and beverages on offer in the region, and support the affected wine makers.
In total, 63 wine growers in South Australia have been damaged by the bushfires, so now more than ever is the time to buy local.
We’ve put together a complete guide to the 2020 Crush Festival, to celebrate what these wine makers have produced, despite what some have lost.
Anderson Hill Wines – Hills Affair | Sat & Sun 10am-8pm
The Anderson Hill Wines will be hosting a Hills Affair, a wining and dining experience over the weekend with live music.
The edges of their vineyards have been charred, and have lost some vines and infrastructure lost.
Have a read of how they fought the bushfires here.
Barristers Block Premium Vines – Fiano Friday & Block Party! | Fri 6pm-10 pm, Sat & Sun 11am-6pm
Barristers Block lost a significant amount of their vineyards, with burnt dripper lines that need to be replaced.
Head along to the Fiano Fridays, live music and the gorgeous property as a backdrop as you enjoy their new Fiano, oysters, tapas and stone-baked pizza.
The Block Party is your ideal summer family getaway with Barrister Block faves and kids play equipment and entertainment.
Get your tickets here.
Bird In Hand Winery – Dolce Vita & The Gallery | Sat & Sun 11am-5pm, Sat & Sun 12pm-5pm
A Mediterranean feast awaits on the estate lawns of the Bird in Hand winery, sip your fave wines and cuisine with live music.
The farm-to-table restaurant, The Gallery, will showcase the best of Adelaide Hills produce and a choice of dining experiences.
Bird in Hand recently announced that they will be donating 100% of all their takings from both days of the Crush Festival.
This donation will be split between the Adelaide Hills Wine Region Fire Appeal and the Country Fire Service, with hopes of donating $30,000, an incredible sum.
Updates on the events here.
Chain of Ponds – An Udderly Delightful Crush on Cheese & Wine| Fri 7:30pm-9pm
Udder Delights Cheese Factory has lost around 40,000 kg of stock, throwing out almost the entire factory’s stock due to the effect of the smoke and necessary power cuts to Lobethal.
The cheese is still available at the Udder Delights cellar door, and Crush Festival is set to host an intimate master class tasting.
Learn from the experts the intricacies of flavours and deepen your appreciation for their craft.
Keep in the loop here.
Charlotte Dalton Wines – Bringing the Beach to the Brewery| Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Charlotte Dalton is bringing her wines beach side with the live music and food trucks.
Enjoy Charlotte’s wines with the music of the Punk Muppets and the Gang Gang food truck on Saturday, and Nathan Hanson and El Diablo Wood Fired Pizzas on Sunday.
Await more info here.
Cobb’s Hill Estate – Wine & Chill and Sun, Sizzle and Sorbet | Fri 6pm-9pm, Sat & Sun 11am-8pm
Leave the kids at home for Cobb’s Hill Estate’s Wine & Chill, fit for date night with dancing, live music, hot food and of course, a range of premium wine and craft beers.
Or, bring the kids along for sorbet aplenty at the Sun, Sizzle and Sorbet in the botanical gardens. The Cobb’s Hill Estate wines will be paired with the sizzle of gourmet angus beef burgers.
Deviation Road – Shakespeare, Long Lunch and DJ’s Garden Party | Fri 6pm, Sat 11am-5pm, Sat & Sun 11am-5pm
The sell-out Shakespeare in the Vines will be host an edgy adaption of Macbeth as the sun sets and something wicked this way comes …
A wine-soaked Long Summer Lunch held on Saturday will feature a three-course gourmet meal courtesy of Comida Catering, with live acoustic music.
On both days of the weekend, a DJ’s Garden Party will be held, with sweet tunes to go with your bubbly and local produce platters.
Elysian Springs – Summer Fiesta | Sat & Sun 11am-5pm
This festival fare is an ideal way to wrap up the kids’ summer holiday with plenty of activities and entertainment as you enjoy a chilled glass and listen to live music.
Keep updated with the fiesta here.
Glen Ewin Estate – Summer Garden Party | Sun 11am-6pm
A summer garden party amongst the gorgeous Glen Twin Estate and vintage cars? Yes please.
With cars ranging from 1920s to 1960s, the Glen Ewin Estate has paired up with the Vintage Sports Car Club of SA to display these vehicles in their gorgeous surroundings.
Regional produce, as well as art and wine masterclasses will also be available on the day.
Show your interest, or register your vehicle here.
Golding Wines – Hawkers in the Hills | Sat & Sun 10am-6pm
One of the Golding Wines vineyards was badly damaged in the bushfire, as was some secluded bushland on the property.
Thankfully the barn, terrace areas and gardens have been only slightly scorched. This is more reason than any to attend Hawker in the Hills at the winery.
With Asian street food, a DJ on Saturday and a jumping castle and live tunes on Sunday, support Golding Wines through this tough time.
Honey Moon Vineyard – A Walk Down Memory Lane | Sun 2pm-5pm
A retrospective tasting in which the best Honey Moon Vineyard in Nairne has to offer, as well as international wines that have inspired their own creation.
Bookings are essential, visit the website for more details.
Howard Vineyard – Peach on the Beach | Sat & Sun 10am-5pm
Peach-coloured rosé is an ideal summer accompaniment.
For $10 you can book to attend the day complete with a mouth-watering combination of rosé fountain, cocktails, and Korean street food.
Express your interest here.
Basking/Longing/Loving/Journeying – Karrawatta Wines | Sat & Sun 11am-5pm, Sat 12pm-3pm, Sat 6pm-10pm, Sun 11am or 2pm
These four dining experiences offer the best of the best of Adelaide Hills produce.
The winery is offering a selection of food and wine in an outdoor setting with live music.
Visit the Karrawatta Wines event page to see which each unique meal suits you. Bookings are essential for the excluding dining experience.
Salumi & Cheese Fest – Landhaus Estate Wines | Sat & Sun 12am-8pm
Landhaus Wines are hosting a weekend filled with salumi and cheese platters from the best of Australia’s producers.
These will be be served alongside with New York style baguettes, cured meats, and winning wines
The Salumi & Cheese Fest will also have rock’n’roll after 5pm.
Longview Vineyard – BEATS + EATS vol. 2 | Sun 12pm-6pm
What could be better than a combination of tasty tunes and delicious food, featuring beverages thanks to Big Shed Brewing Company and Longview Vineyard.
Feast on paella and porchetta and listen to the best dance DJ’s in Adelaide. Hang out in the chill zones or hit the disco dance floor.
Show your interest here.
Mt Bera Vineyards – Gumeracha Garden Goss | Sat & Sun 11am-4pm
This single vineyard estate suffered losses during the bushfires, with the back half of their property singed.
Thankfully, the vineyard has been spared as well as the beloved animals.
The cellar door is business as usual, and will be hosting a garden party in the magical gardens of the Torrens Valley.
The Gumeracha Garden Goss will have seasonal foods, live music and family friendly lawn areas.
Murdoch Hill – Friday Knock Offs & Syrian Mobile Disco | Fri 3pm-9pm, Sat & Sun 11am-6pm
Murdoch Hill will be throwing a double-parter celebration this Crush Festival, starting with Friday Knock Offs.
The event will be BYO picnic rug and a family friendly event, with drinks on offer including Murdoch Hill’s selection of craft wines and Mismatch Brewing Co. beers.
With the farm surroundings, Murdoch will provide Syrian style modern street food over Saturday and Sunday, with tunes from Syrian Mobile Disco featuring Skin Contact.
Show your interest and keep updated here.
Nepenthe – Pinnacle Wines at Altitude | Sat 10am-5pm
Nepenthe Wines is one of the bushfire affected wineries, with many vines charred from the blaze.
From 10am – 5pm on the Saturday of Crush weekend, guests can enjoy music from Easy Friday and cuisine from Signor Arrosticini and Clark Street Catering.
Check out the range here.
Ngeringa – Hidden Treasures Dinner | Sat 5:30pm-late
This twilight dinner at Ngeringa Estate is thanks to Shannon Fleming.
As the name suggests, this five-course meal will celebrate the hidden treasures of the Ngeringa culinary landscape, with handgrown and forged ingredients, paired with Ngeringa wines.
Bookings are essential, get your tickets here.
O’Leary Walker Wines – Sun Rays + Sparkling For Days | Sat & Sun 11am-6pm
The Sun Rays + Sparkling For Days at O’Leary Walker Wines will feature spritzes as well as plenty of choice eats and entertainment.
The OWW celebration includes Mexican-inspired cuisine with vegan and gluten-free options.
The event will also be paired with tunes from Sofie Bozzetti, Nic Hutton and May Rocket across the weekend.
Both family and fur-family friendly, express your interest here.
Paracombe Wines – Chilled Summer Days | Sat & Sun 9:30am-5pm
It’s wine and food time at Paracombe for Crush Festival.
This menu includes slow-roasted Greek lamb, panko encrusted seasonal fish with Asian slaw, and summer roasted vegetable salad.
Also on the agenda is live music and art by Kath O’Callaghan, making it a chilled escape.
Bookings are essential, so book here to secure your spot.
Pike & Joyce – Chill on Top of the Hill | Sat & Sun 11am-6pm
Pike & Joyce has the perfect picnic opportunity for the long weekend, with snacks for you to graze on as you enjoy the view from the hills.
Expect cool climate wines, Pike’s boutique beer and Joyson apple cider, with the tunes of DJ Alex Aungles on Saturday and Brad Lee Band on Sunday.
Don’t forget to put in your entry for their competition for the Ultimate Crush Festival Weekend valued at $1500. Winners are drawn this Friday, so head over to their Facebook page to enter the competition and buy tickets for your chill on a hill.
Riposte Wines – Riposte@Jimmies@Crafers | Fri 5:30pm-late
Start the weekend off with Riposte Wine’s pizza night at Jimmie’s Restaurant in Crafers.
The gorgeous venue will appease pizza lovers and entertain the whole family in an ideal indoor-outdoor dining area.
Show your interest here.
Saint & Scholar Wines – Heavenly @ Maximillian’s and Saint & Scholar | Sat & Sun 11am-6pm
Saint & Scholar Wines will be bringing heaven-on-earth to Maximilian’s Restaurant.
Also on offer is an awesome golf competition valued at $2,500.
With a dress code of pure white, the event will be equipped with a full bar, music, and a kids zone.
Check out the competition deets and make your long weekend reservations here.
Shaw + Smith – Long Table Dinner with ORSO | Fri 6:30pm
Shaw + Smith will be hosting a long table dinner with ORSO, set to feature a a shared-plate menu.
The long table dinner will be paired with current and old release wines from Shaw + Smith.
Check out the food and wine available
Sidewood Estate – CRUSH Festival at Sidewood Estate | Fri 6:30pm
Kick start your weekend with a trip to Sidewood Estate’s brand-new venue, which is opening just in time for Crush Festival.
The new space will host live entertainment including DJ Shep who will share the stage with Paul Bartlett of Hilltop Hoods fame, a summer menu by Ali Seedsman (of Penfolds Magill Estate and Walk The Talk) as well as, of course, wines and ciders.
Kids can get their hands dirty with nature play, craft workshops and play areas.
Keep up to date on the exciting preparation for the grand opening here.
Somerled Cellar Bar – Al Fresco Tomato Crushing Festival! | Sat & Sun 11am-3pm
The Somerled Cellar Bar, located in leafy Hahndorf, is hosting a terrific al fresco tomato crushing opportunity under a marquee with the best organic toms from Dom & Dom from Gepetto’s at Hahndorf.
The ticket price also includes a long luncheon afterwards to celebrate your hard work, with wine available for purchase by the glass at the cellar’s al fresco bar.
This a perfect opportunity to support the grape growers in Charleston who have had their crop affected by the bushfire.
Grab a ticket here.
The Lane Vineyard – Hamptons In The Hills | Sat & Sun 10am-5pm
The Lane Vineyard will be hosting a mini-escape with idyllic surrounds, their famous frosé bar and their hatted kitchen.
$5 from every ticket sold for the Crush event will go towards the Adelaide Hills Wine Region Bushfire Appeal.
Head to the Facebook page for more info.
Vinteloper – Picnic Sessions at Lot 100| Sat & Sun 11am-6pm
Vinteloper has been severely impacted by the bushfires, and Crush Festival is a great chance to support the winery.
The cellar door at Lot 100 will be hosting a family friendly picnic session at the 950+ person venue with plenty of wood-fired pizzas and picnic hampers on offer.
Support Vinteloper, as well as Adelaide Hills Distillery, Ashton Valley Fresh, Hills Cider Company and Mismatch Brewing Co..
Vinteloper say it best themselves, ‘From these ashes we will rise’.
You can purchase wines from the cellar door at Lot 100, and show your interest in the event here.
Wolf Blass Gallery & Museum – Wine Garden| Sat 11am-5pm
Get a healthy dose of history and fine wine amongst the Wolf Blass Gallery & Museum with its impressive 60 years of history.
The wine and produce on offer will celebrate the small-batch makers of Hahndorf and surrounding Hills regions including Vella Vines, Main & Cherry, Golden Child Wine Co., XO Wine Co and Five Acre Wines.
Platters, tapas and pizzas are also on offer, a perfect accompaniment to lounging in their wine garden.
See the Crush Festival Program for a map of the region, contact details, and further information.
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