A stellar chef lineup has today been announced to launch the 2023 Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week (Gourmet Week), and wine lovers and foodies alike are encouraged to register their interest to secure a spot in these exclusive and limited events on this May.
Set in the stunning Clare Valley, one of the country's most quintessentially Australian wine regions, this event turns the spotlight on: spectacular and award-winning local wines and produce; profiles celebrated chefs from across Australia; and features a diverse entertainment line-up not to be missed.
Callum Hann, Duncan Welgemoed and Jake Kellie are just some of the names pairing up with Clare Valley wineries and venues to create bespoke food theatre experiences, with unique events on offer like Arke legend, Jake Kellie cooking over fire with Jim Barry Wines in their spectacular vineyard 'Armagh Hut'. Kellie went on to say that Gourmet Week is a highlight on his annual calendar.
"This will be my third year cooking at The Armagh Hut and I can't wait. It's one of my favourite events of the year," he said.
Whether you want a one day experience or can make a weekend or week of it, the 10 day festival can be enjoyed in three parts; Festival Weekend (19-21 May), Breathe It In (22-26 May) and Land of the Long Lunch 27-28 May.
Some early standouts over the Festival Weekend, which follows the traditional gourmet format, include the Gourmet Long Lunch @ Taylors by Sprout on Saturday and Sunday, 20 & 21 May, where Callum Hann will cook a delicious long lunch served with superb Taylors award-winning wines. Tickets also include a cooking demonstration, access to winemakers and a fabulous gift bag for every guest. Don't miss the new event, Classic Clare Valley Gourmet Feast in the Fields of Firebrands on Saturday 20 May. Celebrity chef Duncan Welgemoed from AFRICOLA will cook in collaboration with Seed Clare Valley in their roving hellfire kitchen. Enjoy wines by Matriarch & Rogue and Wines by KT with live music. Watervale Hotel bring back their Cellars without Doors Dinner on Friday, 19 May whereby winemakers who do not have cellar doors are matched with a six-course degustation dinner by SA Chef of the Year, Nicola Palmer. These events and many more see the region's favourite cellar doors open in collaboration with pop-up restaurants, food vans and live music at a range of events that will be released over the coming weeks, with shuttle buses operating on constant loops, linking the valley over the weekend.
Cellar doors are opening back vintage, hard-to-find, and special wines over the Breathe It In mid-week series of events. The week will also feature immersive experiences like Wine under the Stars at Eldredge Vineyards on Tuesday, 23 May. Spread out on picnic rugs and cushions, and be captivated by the dazzling night sky in the Eldredge Vineyards. Tickets include a digital photograph of you and the stars, picnic setup, food hamper and a bottle of wine. Or try your hand at creating your own masterpiece with local artist Alexia Prokopec at Art Classes with Alexia at Sevenhill Cellars. The relaxed afternoon on Tuesday 23 May includes all materials, wine and a cheese platter.
The week finishes with the Land of the long Lunch, and one of the most exciting new events to the program is the Wendouree Degustation dinner at the Watervale Hotel which will give the lucky 20 guests unrivalled access to these coveted wines. Starting with Champagne and canapes, the six-course degustation dinner by Nicola Palmer will be matched to six different highly acclaimed Wendouree wines, finishing with a 1997 Muscat of Alexandria with dessert. Get in quick to secure your spot on Friday 26 May. Finish off the weekend with the Burning of the Barrels at Eldredge Wines –with live music and good vibes, keep yourself warm by the fire pit as you watch the sunset over the vineyards. The Land of the Long Lunch takes place in unique locations and well-loved venues. Long lunches will be presented in collaboration with restaurants and local and interstate food personalities, showcasing the very best regional produce and wine.
The Hon Martin Ferguson AM Chairman of Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association said that Gourmet Week celebrates its 39th anniversary and will feature more diversity than ever before.
"This is the country's longest-running food & wine festival and revellers and connoisseurs alike can expect brand new events to join last year's favourites, providing more ways to enjoy this spectacular region for a day, weekend or the whole week," he said.
Ferguson went to say that this event will contribute to supporting the thriving and resilient local tourism community.
"An estimated 8500 people attended last year, generating more than $2.3 million in economic value for our local industry. This event heroes the local operators and wine brands, who throw open their doors to welcome visitors to indulge in all things Clare Valley," he said.
Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week is presented by the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association who started the event in 1985. This event would not be possible without the generous support: of principal partner, Southern Cross Austereo (SCA); major event partner, the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC); supporting event partner, Clare Valley Gilbert Valleys Council; with support from our corporate friends, Link SA, Honeycomb Design, Blis Web Agency and littlelion PR.
Gourmet Week starts on Friday, 19 May and will run for ten days, finishing on Sunday 28 May and features ticketed and free events. The full event line up will be released mid-March on www.clarevalleygourmet.com.au with rolling early releases of key events happening from today.
For more information and to make sure you don't miss out, lovers of food and wine are encouraged to sign up at clarevalleygourmet.com.au so you are the first to hear when events are released to avoid disappointment.
Organisers also encourage revellers to secure their accommodation early, as we're sure to fill up fast! Clare Valley accommodation options are diverse, with something for every level of comfort and budget. To book your accommodation visit www.clarevalley.com.au/stay
No comments:
Post a Comment