By any measure, wine is a major industry in South Australia.
In 2021-2023, the state’s wine industry generated a whopping $2.4 billion in revenue, with Adelaide recognised internationally as one of the Great Wine Capitals, a list which features cities like Bordeaux, Cape Town and San Francisco-Napa Valley.
South Australia produces around 80 per cent of the nation’s premium wine and is home to around half the nation’s vineyards.
Of course, wine is about so much more than numbers. It’s about spending time with friends and family, and about capturing the essence of South Australia’s wonderful grape-growing regions and telling those stories in the glass.
And there’s no better time to explore those stories than summer, when SA’s wine regions come alive with events and festivals to celebrate their magic drops.
South Australian Wine Industry Association president Kirsty Balnaves said the importance of wine to South Australia as both a product and a driver of tourism could not be overstated.
"From grape growers and winemakers to tourism operators, hospitality businesses and wine retailers, the South Australian wine industry supports many people,” Ms Balnaves said.
“Our industry also drives regional economies and attracts visitors from around Australia and the world.
“The world-class wine events we host in this state provide people with the opportunity to meet the families and faces behind the labels on the bottles and are our chance to showcase the best of what we do. We can’t wait to welcome people to these events, and into our diverse, exciting and unique wine regions.”
McLaren Vale, south of Adelaide, is home to SummerVines from January 19 to 28. According to festival organisers it’s the perfect chance to “enjoy a glass in the sun and experience how our gorgeous natural landscape influences everything – from the bright contemporary wines we craft and our vibrant foodie culture, to our creative artisans and our laid-back coastal lifes
tyle”.
SummerVines events include the Sundown Win(e)d Down at Shingleback Wine and Breakfast Bubbles and Bagels (With Bocce) at Battle of Bosworth.
Wine lovers then get a few days of rest before Cellar Door Fest rolls out at the Adelaide Convention Centre from February 2 to 4.
Meet, taste and discover the best of South Australia as more than 100 wineries, distilleries and food producers from across the state come together under one roof.
Kicking off with Friday Night Knock Offs, the weekend will also feature Food, Glorious Food! – a celebration of all things food truck – and the Great Wine Capitals Discovery Stage hosted by South Australian wine identity Nick Ryan.
Then, as summer fades to autumn, thoughts turn to Tasting Australia and the dazzling number of wine events that beloved festival, to be held from May 3-12, offers.
Just a browse through the masterclasses on offer will reveal how seriously Tasting Australia takes its wine РCrazy For Sangiovese, Flash Grenache, From Shiraz to Syrah and Ros̩ Coloured Glasses are just some of sessions that will have you fully engaging your wine brain.
