Australia's best beverages, unique venues and affordable weekday lunches prepared by world-class chefs are all on the menu for this year's Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel festival, as more exciting events are released when the final program drops tomorrow, Saturday 26 February.
Following the launch of Tasting Australia 2022 in December, new program highlights added to the line-up include Pie Life - a night celebrating the not-so-humble pie at one of Adelaide's favourite pubs, Dark and Delicious giving guests the chance to taste some of Seppeltsfield's rarest fortified wines alongside perfectly matched chocolates, not your average masterclass of natural wines at Beverino and the exciting chef line-up for the Town Square Kitchen Express Lunches will also be revealed.
This year's program showcases Tasting Australia's most diverse yet said Karena Armstrong, Co-Festival Director.
"The program truly offers something for everyone - from curated day trips to Coffin Bay, which has been so popular we've added a second date, to Pie Life at The Lion featuring five amazing chefs including Justin James from award-winning Restaurant Botanic and Ben Devlin from Sydney's Pipit, celebrating all the delicious possibilities of pie," said Ms Armstrong.
"The Town Square Kitchen Express Lunch series is very exciting - where else but Tasting Australia can you experience a dish from one of the world's best chefs like Dave Pynt (Burnt Ends, Singapore) or Rosheen Kaul (Etta, Victoria) for $40 with a glass of wine?"
The beverage program continues to grow and evolve with three new masterclasses added to the already extensive schedule.
Drinks Curator Nick Stock said the beverage program is a true standout and features some key highlights for wine enthusiasts.
"We've added some pretty special beverage events to the program - in particular events for wine lovers," said Mr Stock.
"Beverino is a showcase of natural wines - something South Australian producers do so well. This interactive wine tasting invites you to meet local producers and try some tasty international selections curated by leading importer and Paski wine bar owner, Giorgio de Maria who joins us from Sydney. We have also added another Tasting Table event - White Burgundy - where guests will sip on some of the most sought-after white wines in the world from the stellar vintage of 2014."
The festival hub, Town Square in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga returns in 2022 offering diverse bites from food vendors and beverages sure to impress. Town Square will be open every day of the 10-day festival, encouraging locals and visitors alike to get into the CBD and explore all there is to see, do and taste.
Tasting Australia features more than 200 events across 11 regions for 10 mouthwatering days from 29 April - 8 May 2022.
RAA general manager travel and distribution, Gina Norman recognises Tasting Australia as an important opportunity to explore the state.
"The event provides another great reason to get out and explore the amazing regions of South Australia - so now is the time to get organised, book an experience and book the accommodation to match and really get the most out of it all," said Ms Norman.
Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel new event highlights -
- Pie Life: Join top chefs at The Lion in North Adelaide to celebrate the delicious possibilities of pie. Headlining the event are Terry Intarakhamhaeng (Soi.38), Justin James (Restaurant Botanic), Lauren Eldridge (Berowra Waters Inn), Ben Devlin (Pipit) and The Lion's resident chef Brendan Boothroyd. $50 pp.
- Town Square Kitchen Express Lunches: Chef line-up: Dave Pynt (Burnt Ends, Singapore), Rosheen Kaul (Etta), Amy Hamilton (Liberté) Daniella Guevara (La Popular Taqueria), Ben Williamson (22 Agnes), Adam Wolfers (Gerald's Bistro). Tickets available 4 April. $40 pp.
- Eleven Mayura Station and Henschke Dinner: For one night only eleven is bringing together Mayura Station and Henschke Winery, two of Australia's most highly regarded food and beverage producers both at the peak of their industry. $350 pp.
- Beverino: An interactive tasting event of natural wines from some of South Australia's best winemakers, held in University of Adelaide Masterclass Pavilion, Town Square. $65 pp.
- The Tasting Table: White Burgundy: These are the most sought-after white wines on the planet. We're opening the likes of Coche-Dury, Comtes Lafon, Domaine Roulot, Etienne Sauzet and Jean-Claude Ramonet from the stellar 2014 vintage at the East End's Mother Vine. $2,000 pp.
- Dark and Delicious: Seppeltsfield's Centennial Collection of fortified wines are the rarest in the world and date back to 1878. Discover all the secrets behind this treasure trove of fortified wines while tasting some rare and special bottlings. $95 pp.
- Vegustation: Join the team from Francesco's Osteria for a plant-based feast to ignite the senses. $58 pp.
- Charcoal and Churrasco: Adelaide's Weber Grill Academy is celebrating the exuberant, colourful and delicious food of churrasco - Brazilian barbecue. $185 pp.
