Tasting Australia 8-17 May 2026
Experience the best in food and drink that South Australia has to offer in Tasting Australia, from 8-17 May 2026. There are so many incredible events across Adelaide and in the state's famous wine regions, here is just a tiny, tempting morsel of what you can enjoy each day.
Tasting Australia By Train, Wednesday 6-Saturday 9 May 2026
This 4-day, 3-night luxury rail journey travels aboard The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide as part of Tasting Australia. You enjoy all-inclusive dining curated by leading chefs, premium wines, and immersive off-train experiences. The trip begins with a Bollinger Champagne masterclass led by brand ambassador Thibault Jaubert, followed by a Nitmiluk Gorge cruise in Katherine with dinner onboard crafted by Nieves Barragán Mohacho. In Alice Springs, the adventure continues with cultural explorations and an outdoor chef-led lunch, plus a starlit dinner at Alice Springs Telegraph Station (pictured).
A full day in Coober Pedy features desert landscapes, local history and a gourmet lunch at Big Winch Café prepared by Jo Barrett and Shannon Fleming, culminating in a black tie dinner onboard The Ghan prepared by Australian chef Mark Best. Watch the South Australian landscape evolve from red to green as the train wends back into Adelaide over brunch. From $7,395 per person.
Prose, Jazz and Gin: A Tribute to The Great Gatsby, 6.30-8pm, Friday 8 May 2026
Dive into the Roaring Twenties at Cove Civic Centre in Hallett Cove. Enjoy live jazz and dramatic readings from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel while savouring individual tasting boxes created by a local caterer, inspired by 1920s canapés and petit fours. Follow Fiction Distilling’s Great Gatsby Coastal Dry Gin's guided tastings, with an option to purchase and take home a bottle, and dress up in 1920s style for true Jazz Age spirit. $55 per person.
A Rhone Exploration with Yangarra X La Louisiane, 12-3pm, Saturday 9 May 2026
Explore the organic and biodynamic vineyard of Yangarra Estate (pictured) in Kangarilla, guided by French winemaker Guillaume Camougrand, who will explain the story and significance of the Rhone and Mediterranean varieties that thrive in this landscape. As you wander through the vines, savour three exquisitely crafted dishes by Alexis Besseau, executive chef of French restaurant La Louisiane, paired with Yangarra wines, highlighting the distinct flavour profiles between plate and glass. $275 per person.
Three Region Mothers Day Lunch, 12-4pm, Sunday 10 May 2026
Take your mum to Boston Bay Wines in Tiatukia, just 6km from Port Lincoln for a premium three-course Mothers Day lunch, made from produce from the Eyre Peninsula, Wrattonbully and Adelaide Hills. Start with fresh Coffin Bay oysters and crisp arancini balls, followed by a trio of regionally sourced proteins with seasonal accompaniments, and conclude with a house-made dessert. Enjoy a drink on arrival. $89 per person.
A Taste of the Flinders, 6-7pm, Monday 11 May 2026
Eat and drink the Flinders Ranges' finest local and native produce with a specially curated platter at the North Star Hotel in Melrose. There's local jams and honey, olives, quandong and cheese, and they'll come alive with a bottle of local wine, quandong gin and tonic or lemongrass vodka, available for purchase. $120 per person.
AU Iconic - Jeffery Grosset - Grosset Wines, 4.30-6pm, Tuesday 12 May 2026
Join legendary winemaker Jeffrey Grosset at Victoria Square for his 90-minute masterclass into Australia's most revered Rieslings and Clare Valley wines. You'll have a rare opportunity to taste a curated selection of Grosset wines, as he, wine critic and host Nick Stock, and Adelaide University viticulturist Jill Bauer share stories and insights into the evolving landscape of Australian wine. $79 per person.
A Night At the South Australian Hotel, 6.30-8pm, Wednesday 13 May 2026
The heritage-listed Mount Gambier hotel has been a community stalwart since 1860. Recently renovated using upcycled materials from the original venue, the South Australian Hotel blends historic charm with modern design. Meet a local winemaker born in the Limestone Coast region as you enjoy a four-course dinner paired with four wines. $99 per person.
Aperitivo Hour - Ottelia, 6-7pm, Thursday 14 May 2026
Spend an hour relaxing in this Drinks Academy event at Victoria Square, to begin your night out. Coonawarra's Ottelia comes to Adelaide, joined by front-of-house Matilda Innes and her chef partner Paul Stone, sharing wine and snacks from their family’s acclaimed label and restaurant. Enjoy two Ottelia wines matched with two hearty snacks. $65 per person.
Adelaide Hills Harvest Long Dinner, 6-10.30pm, Friday 15 May 2026
This exclusive seven-course dining experience at the Marion Hotel, created for Tasting Australia, celebrates the flavours, producers, and landscapes of the Adelaide Hills. Each course highlights local provenance, featuring renowned makers such as Woodside Cheese Wrights, Porter’s Biodynamic Mushrooms, and Melba’s Chocolates, paired with wines from Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard. Eat and drink your way through the region’s seasonal ingredients, from native flavours to premium meats and artisan cheeses. Live storytelling from winemakers and producers offers insight into the craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation behind each dish, creating an immersive and authentic taste of South Australian gastronomy. $175 per person.
Tasting Australian Airlines - Eyre Peninsula, 7am-6.30pm, Saturday 16 May 2026
Escape on a one-day, seafood-driven adventure to South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. Departing Adelaide by charter flight, you arrive in Port Lincoln for exclusive, immersive experiences. Step aboard the historic 1950s tuna poling boat MFV Tacoma for a tuna filleting demonstration and fresh sashimi tasting paired with Lincoln Estate wine, and explore the regenerative sanctuary of Yarnbala with snacks from indigenous produce.
The highlight is the beachside, four-course seafood lunch at Coffin Bay Yacht Club, showcasing top chefs and regional produce including the Gazander Oyster station. $1,245 per person.
Closing Night Party Featuring Punk Royale, 5-8pm, Sunday 17 May 2026
Wrap up the Tasting Australia series with a closing night party at Good Neighbour in Victoria Square by Scandinavian restauranteurs Punk Royale who have gleefully ripped up the rule books on fine dining. Expect plenty of fun, decadence, club vibes and gourmet irreverence as you explore six Michelin-grade food stations and six paired drinks. $165 per person.
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