Step beyond a standard food festival as Australia's official wine capital, Adelaide, comes to life with Tasting Australia Presented by RAA Travel. Reward your curiosity and discover hole-in-the-wall bars, unbuckle your belt for a full-day degustation or board a plane for a unique regional dining experience like no other. Between April 29 and May 8, witness the magic when local legends are joined by some of Australia's best talents, as South Australia transforms into a foodie haven. Hungry yet? With over 150 events across all 12 regions, prepare your palate and start planning with our top picks of the best events at Tasting Australia 2023.
1. Chef's Table, Town Square
Get up close and personal to local legends and top chefs from around the nation with the brand-new series, Chef's Table. In a Tasting Australia exclusive, join the likes of Justin James (Restaurant Botanic), Simon Bryant (Festival Patron), Paul Carmichael (Momofuku Seiobo) and Chae Jung Eun (Chae) and witness brilliance before your own eyes. In an intimate 20-person space, revel in collaborations, ask questions and share stories in this once in a lifetime dining experience. Secure your seat at the table for this next-level culinary immersion and get your tickets before it's too late!
2. Tasting Australia Airlines, Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island
A gourmet festival with its own airline? Welcome aboard. Back again for the 2023 program, Tasting Australia is jetting guests to some of South Australia's most curious destinations for the ultimate tasting odyssey. Buckle up alongside Africola chef Duncan Welgemoed as you jet to the Flinders Ranges to discover the ochre red sands and diverse flavours of the outback. Together with Welgemoed, guests will get an all-access luxury tour with visits to Flinders Food Co, Rawnsley Park Station, Brachina Gorge and Prairie Hotel. Tasting Australia airlines is also touching down along the pristine shores of Kangaroo Island for a culinary adventure with Mark Labrooy (Three Blue Ducks), Melissa Painkas (Young George Bar), Shannon Fleming (Lot 100), Dylan Pitallo (The Odd Plate) and Jan Ordway (Millie Mae Pantry).
3. McLaren Vale Made, Fleurieu Peninsula
Surrounded by picturesque vineyards that date back to 1893, Maxwell Wines is an idyllic location for an unforgettable food and wine experience in the heart of McLaren Vale. Hosting a McLaren Vale Made lunch prepared by a trio of chefs - Gill Meller, Danielle Alvarez and in-house chef Fabian Lehmann, this progressive six-course lunch doubles as a wine education. Embark on a tour of the winery and vineyards, and a visit to a unique subterranean setting - a 100-year-old limestone cave dug 50 meters into a hill, tucked away behind their winery. Join this magical moment and unearth some of the best food and wine in the McLaren Vale region, just 40 minutes from Adelaide.
4. Flinders Island and the Two Terroirs, Eyre Peninsula
Go off-grid for a dream culinary adventure to the shores of the Eyre Peninsula's Flinders Island, with McLaren Vale winery Doowie Doole and Eyrewoolf Abalone. Join Dowie Doole chief winemaker Chris Homas, Eyrewoolf Abalone diver and owner Tobin Woolford and legendary Barossa chef Peter Clarke, and guests fly from Adelaide to this private island for an itinerary guided by remarkable local produce. Board vessels and see first-hand how prized abalone is harvested before relishing the fresh-caught delicacy sumptuously paired with Dowie Doole wines. Returning to the island, enjoy the magic of a long lunch prepared by Clarke before finally flying back to Adelaide returning with belly's full and taste buds satisfied. Secure your tickets to this exclusive and premium food and wine experience, only in South Australia.
5. Wine! Wine! Party! Party! , Town Square Kitchen
Wrap up the working week in true Tasting Australia style - with an opening night wine party in Town Square. Dance the night away at Wine! Wine! Party! Party! whilst enjoying wine tastings selected by the festival's drinks curators, as well as Pirate Life brews and cocktails by Australia's best bartender - Nick Tesar from Bar Liberty in Melbourne. Catch up with friends, drink excellent beverages and expect big first night energy to kickstart this years festival.
6. Oysters in the Hills, Adelaide Hills
Gin, oysters and live music - does a better combination exist? Join Ambleside Distillers and Coffin Bay's Gazander Oysters in Hahndorf for a day of stellar drinks, fresh seafood and great company. Both dedicated to growing and creating high-quality South Australia products, this special collaboration between Ambleside Distillers and Gazander Oysters is one not to miss. Choose your own gin and tonic combination at Ambleside's 'Make your own G&T bar', before learning the coveted skill of shucking fresh oysters with the Gazander team.
7. Express Lunches, Town Square Kitchen
Looking for a way to join in on the festivities, but short on time? Then an express lunch is the ticket for you. With talented chefs bringing a suite of culinary bases to the table, indulge in a delicious main course and a glass of wine, catch up with friends and then get back to your workday. Choose from multiple sessions, different chefs and menus that utilize regional produce at the height of its season, for a delicious lunch date with the work wives.
8. First Flavours, Living Kaurna Cultural Centre Adelaide
Join South Australian award-winning authors Damien Coulthard and Rebecca Sullivan as they delve into their groundbreaking new cookbook, First Nations Food Companion. Learn and be inspired by Coulthard and Sullivan in this special cooking demonstration and tasting at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, as they impart their wisdom on how to buy, cook and grow Indigenous Australian ingredients. Guests will get the chance to sample local drinks and appetisers, with an opportunity for book sales and signings to follow.
9. Storytellers Series, Town Square
Go beyond the kitchen with Mandy Hall as she is joined by hospitality superstars swapping stories. The Storytellers Series will unfolds Town Square - Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga in the Dining Room - featuring foodies Justin James, Jung Eun Chae, James Lowe, Karen Marini, Rose Adam, Ayubi family (Parwana), Heidi Bjerkan, Rebecca Sullivan and Paul Carmichael and Kylie Javier. This free ticketed event gives you an all-access pass to local legends, and some of the nation's best talents in conversation. Get inspired as they share captivating tales from the kitchen and beyond, while exploring their paths to success and the wisdom they found along the way.
10. What's on the Menu? Exhibition Floor Talk, State Library of South Australia
Ever wandered what was on the dinner menu at Government House in 1867? Join State Library exhibitions curator - Mark Gilbert as he takes you inside the wonderful gastronomic world of South Australian restaurant and dinner menus - to find out. Restaurants come and go, but who would have thought the menu you so casually pick up would become a part of history?
The feast continues in Adelaide...
Continue your gastronomic adventure at one of Adelaide's best restaurants. From boundary-pushing Japanese to Napoli-style pizzerias, South African-inspired diners and Australia's official best restaurant, check out our guide to the best places to eat and best places to drink in Adelaide.
