Year of South Australian Wine to paint the town red, white and rosé

South Australia’s 18 wine regions will come together in the CBD for a special weekend-long festival to mark the 2021 Year of South Australian Wine and further drive visitation and expenditure across the wine state.

Over two nights from 4-5 June, the Weekend Wine Revolution will see South Australian winemakers and local vendors take over Peel and Leigh Streets, with wine tastings, food, music and entertainment open to the public.

The South Australian Tourism Commission and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) today announced details of the festival which will help cement South Australia’s wine credentials and inject visitors and spending into the city and to cellar doors across the state.

SATC chief executive Rodney Harrex said South Australia is well-known as Australia’s wine state, thanks to its world-class wineries and wine regions.

“Current research shows that South Australia has taken the lead as the Australian state most associated with ‘good food and wine’ and remains the clear leader for its association with credible wineries and wine regions,” he said.

“Wine is a massive driver of visitors to and within our state, and a major economic asset for our regional communities.

“That’s why we’re bringing the state’s wine regions into the heart of the CBD, as we continue to play to SA’s strengths with our 2021 Year of South Australian Wine campaign and drive visitors and expenditure into tourism businesses across the state.

“I encourage all CBD workers and residents, and anyone travelling in Adelaide next weekend, to get behind our state’s incredible winemakers and come along to the Weekend Wine Revolution.”

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the State Government was proud to champion the wine industry, with the event a celebration of the resilience shown by the South Australian industry.

“This industry is central to the culture of our state, and brings us national and international attention with Adelaide, South Australia a proud member of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network,” he said.

“I would encourage the Adelaide community to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to see and taste some of the best from these 18 wine regions, right on their doorstep over this June weekend.”

As part of the Weekend Wine Revolution, consumers will be incentivised to get out across SA’s 18 wine regions post-event, with ‘exclusive wine deals’ including discounts on wine tasting experiences and on bottles when buying at the cellar door.

Operators along Peel and Leigh Streets will activate their venues with exclusive SA wines on pour and other offers in celebration of the 2021 Year of South Australian Wine, helping drive activity and spend within their business.

The SATC has been working with the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) as part of the Year of SA Wine campaign and this event.  

SAWIA chief executive Brian Smedley welcomed the new event and its importance in showcasing South Australia’s wine regions.

“This event is a fantastic way to encourage more visitors to explore our wine regions, every one of which offers a unique set of wine experiences,” he said.

Participating wineries, representing SA’s wine regions, include: Unico Zelo, Paulett Wines, Patritti Wines, Delinquente Wine Co, Yalumba, Henschke, Hither & Yon, Mosquito Hill Wines, One Paddock Wines, Bremerton Wines, Murdoch Hill, False Cape Wines, Padthaway Estate, Terre e Terre Wines, Cape Jaffa Wines, Wangolina Wines, Good Intentions Wines, and Blok Coonawarra.

A bottling station by Delinquente Wine Co will see guests getting to cork and seal their own wine to take home.

The 2021 Year of SA Wine ambassador Merrick Watts will be mingling with guests at the event. A wine show projection will highlight SA's wine regions. 

Entertainment by Gravity and Other Myths, Bait Fridge Art Collective, Slow Mango, Groundfloor Radio DJs, and Dragon Mill.

The Weekend Wine Revolution runs Friday 4 June from 5pm until late, and Saturday 5 June from 6pm until late. It is open to the public and free to attend.

The festival is supported by the Drink Easy Awards.

See the full calendar of wine events supported by the Year of SA Wine campaign at southaustralia.com/wine.