By Miss Barossa
Did some say ‘festival of eating and drinking’?
Barossa Gourmet Weekend kicks off this weekend and with over 44 events to choose from there’s definitely something for everyone … the hardest part is trying to work out which events to attend.
This year there’s a big focus on celebrating the region’s authentic regional food … which goes hand in hand with the Barossa’s quality world class wines.
I’ve handpicked a few of my favourite Gourmet events… for those of you that can’t make up your minds and are after a little bit of local insight …
Freakishly Matched Pts 1 &2 (Friday lunch)
I’m a big Riesling fan (and if I’m being brutally honest, it’s not too often that there isn’t a bottle of Rieselingfreak in my fridge). This event has it all – first up enjoy a riesling masterclass with award winning winemaker, John Hughes where you will learn all about the noble Riesling. Then enjoy a Freakishly Matched lunch where Vintners head chef, Peter Clarke will use fresh, local and seasonal produce to tantalise your tastebuds. The fusion between Rieslingfreak and Vintners will be a memorable experience and one that is high on my Gourmet must do list – a must for all lovers of a good Riesling.
After a long indulgent lunch, keep the good time vibes flowing at the official opening party of Gourmet Weekend – The Young & The Restless. If the name doesn’t make you intrigued about this event then the event imagery will (especially if you’re a soapie tragic)! In all honesty, this event is the highlight of my Gourmet Weekend. Some of the Barossa’s freshest producers have been lured straight out of their back sheds into the limelight for one night only. Think bold, dangerously drinkable wines, varieties that you haven’t seen before, wine making techniques you haven’t heard of before. This is your chance to get an unexpected taste of the new breed of Barossa producers.
Entry is only $30 and includes a glass and tasting tickets so you can taste your way through the 10+ producers – and it’s not just wine … there’s beer and gin too! I’ll take a glass of Yetti & The Kokonut to start thanks.
Because we all need a good breakfast before we spend the day wine tasting…. And nothing beats something off the grill at Lyndoch Hill (best enjoyed with an espresso martini – who says a morning coffee needs to come in a mug).
Gin anyone? If you’re all wined out after a full day sampling some of the regions finest blends, then this might be a welcome change of pace. This is an unique opportunity to experience spirits and food pairing when Barossa Distilling Gin is carefully paired with five innovative dishes where Barossa produce is the hero. The icing on the cake will be a mini mixology masterclass at the end where you can create the cocktail of the evening! Cheers!
My love for this place is well documented and this Gourmet event is my idea of the perfect Barossa dining experience. With a menu reflective of the new season and sourced from Barossa gardens and farms, this dining experience is a share style event in the tradition of the local community.
It’s a given that there will be an abundance of delicious food, great company and you won’t walk away hungry. As for the wines, new vintage release wines from Artisans of Barossa producers will be available for purchase.
Prior to the long table communal style dinner, make sure you grab a spot on the deck from 5pm and enjoy pre-dinner drinks while watching the sun go down. Just perfect!
Sundays are for just chillin’ out and Kellermesiter offers the perfect atmosphere to do just that. Take Dad along for Father’s Day and treat him to a day out. Kick back on the lawn, soak up the spectacular views around warm fires, and enjoy the delicious food offerings while sampling wine, cider or a refreshing ale. Seriously what more could Dad want on Father’s Day? (better yet, there’s plenty of room for the kids to run around making this the ultimate family day out)!
Other honourable mentions includes St Hugo Courtyard Grill, Flames and Fiesta, Valley Floor Shiraz Experience and Spirit of Barossa. Oh, who am I kidding…. Every event sounds amazing – I just wish I had time to get to everything.
Whether you’re in desperate need of a girls day out or you’re looking for a way to treat dad (or your husband) this Father’s Day, Barossa Gourmet Weekend really has it all.
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Spring than soaking up the sunshine in the Barossa while enjoying fine wine and delicious Barossa produce.
So what will you be doing this weekend? Start planning your Gourmet Weekend adventure now. Visit barossagourmet.com. and keep up to date on Facebook and Instagram.
Miss Barossa xx
:: All images via Barossa Gourmet Weekend ::
