Clare Valley unveils 10 days of wine and food fun

The 2023 Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week program has been released today and it boasts over 80 events across the 10-day festival in May.

Event organiser Belinda Heinrich of Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association said this year's 39th edition of one of Australia's first gourmet festivals is set to be bigger and better than ever. 

“There has never been a better time to make a stay of it - the midweek and final weekend programs have seen a marked increase in the number and variety of events,” she said. 

Held in the lovely Clare Valley - perhaps the country’s most quintessentially Australian wine region -  this event turns the spotlight on local wines and produce; showcases chefs from across Australia; and features a diverse entertainment line-up. 

The 10-day festival is split into three parts; Festival Weekend (May 19-21), Breathe It In (May 22-26) and Land of the Long Lunch (May 27-28).

The first weekend sees the region’s cellar doors and restaurants doing something a little different with Mitchell Wines welcoming chef Duncan Welgemoed's innovative South African-accented cooking style in Clare for the first time. 

Pikes, meanwhile, is throwing a Paella Party on the lawns, bringing back an oyster shucking

station from Pacific Estate Oysters.

The midweek Breathe It In sector sees Sevenhill Cellars offer a guided tour of a 100-year-old vineyard and underground cellar along with with yoga and art classes. 

Many cellar doors will also show off back vintage and hard-to-find wines throughout the week.

Land of the Long Lunch will feature events like Terroir Auburn presenting wine-writing duo Nick Ryan and Nick Stock with food from chef Dan Moss. 

Arkhé chef Jake Kellie, meanwhile, will be cooking over fire with Jim Barry Wines in their Armagh vineyard hut. 

Visit www.clarevalley.com.au/stay to book accommodation and see the full program at www.clarevalleygourmet.com.au. 

 

Images: Matt Turner