When it comes to celebrating, a good bottle of wine is always invited to the party. With wine being such an integral part of our cultural celebratory customs, it only makes sense that we are now creating new ways to to show our appreciation and celebrate the industry. Luckily for vino aficionados, appreciators and novices alike, Australia knows how to give wine the appreciation it deserves, with dedicated festivals being held all over the country.
Every capital city has its own iconic events, but with more and more people jumping on board the wine wagon and the average drinker now having a much broader understanding and education of good wine, boutique festivals are popping up all over the place.
An excellent way to highlight the culture that makes Australian wine so unique, these festivals now incorporate some of the best of each region’s views, produce, entertainment and, of course, wine. So what festivals make the grade when it comes to the bucket list of wine celebrations in Australia?
The Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend | South Australia – Held annually in May
When it comes to iconic Australian wine festivals, no list would be complete without The Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend. As one of the first celebrations of it’s kind in Australia, the festival ignites the spirit of gourmet in this tiny South Australian town. Explore the area’s iconic Riesling trail by bicycle or foot, stopping along the way at well known cellar doors. Or join one of the many shuttle busses and organised tours to embrace the festivities stress free.
Margaret River Gourmet Escape | Western Australia – Held annually in November
Drawing celebrities, tourists and connoisseurs alike the world famous Margaret River Gourmet Escape centres around The Gourmet Escape Village as a vibrant hub of activity, with the stunning scenery of Margaret River as an unbeatable backdrop for celebrating the region’s premium wines. The five day Gourmet Escape is celebrated across the Margaret River region with wineries and restaurants offering special events, local parks filled with markets and activities and the Gourmet Escape Village playing centre stage to cooking demonstrations, food stalls, entertainment and more. This acclaimed festival attracts a host of national and international celebrity chefs giving regular demonstrations, Q&A’s and hosting rare events, with 2016’s festival featuring Nigella Lawson, Rick Stein, Tony Conigliaro and many more.
The Margaret River Gourmet Escape will be held from the 16th – 19th of November 2017. Keep an eye out for Howard Park Wines during this exciting event!
Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival | New South Wales – Held annually in May & June
While this festival is a little more inclusive with plenty of breweries, distilleries and restaurants in on the action, it’s an excellent opportunity to visit the Hunter and explore the region’s unique offerings. You can even add on a little Sydney side trip to make it a well rounded NSW experience.
Pinot Palooza | National Tour – See Pinot Palooza website for individual state dates
If there is one event we advise not to miss, it’s Pinot Palooza, held in 8 cities over two countries. Kicking off in Perth in July 2017, this national tour is a trailblazer for the new generation of Australian wine festivals. Featuring each region’s top pinot producers all in one delicious place. Howard Park are excited to be part of this incredible festival, so come down, meet the team and celebrate our mutual love of all things Pinot.
Perth Pinot Palooza will be held on July 29 2017. Tickets are available online at : https://www.pinotpalooza.com.au/portfolio/perth-2017
Yarra Valley Gumboot Season | Victoria – Held annually in July
Embracing the chilli Victorian winter weather, the Yarra Valley Gumboot Season festival runs for the month of July, and sees participating wineries stoking their fires, heating up their entertainment offerings and delivering a month of special tasting and food events. If ever there is a time to explore the offerings of the Yarra Valley, it’s Gumboot Season. Visit the Yarra Valley from 1 – 30 July 2017 to take part.
Orange Wine Festival | New South Wales – October 2017
Located in the Central West region of New South Wales, Orange is known for its high quality cool climate wines and there is no better way to experience an Orange drop than at the Orange Wine Festival. With a 10 day itinerary packed with over 90 signature events this festival is unique in it’s combination of activities, entertainment and wine that celebrate the thriving industry and the cool climate wines that are produced in the region. Buy tickets for the Vine Express or join the Wine Festival Vino Velo Ride. Orange Wine Festival runs from the 13th – 22nd of October 2017.