The 2023 Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week (Gourmet Week) program has been released today boasting more than 80 events across the 10-day festival in May.
Event organiser, Belinda Heinrich of Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association, said this year is set to be bigger and better than ever, with even more on offer to immerse yourself in this incredible region.
“With tickets going on sale today, there has never been a better time to make a stay of it–the mid-week and final weekend programs have brought a marked increase in the number and variety of events,” Belinda said.
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.
Whether you’re after 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).
From 19-21 May, the Festival Weekend holds true to the roots of the festival as the region’s favourite cellar doors and restaurants open up with something for everyone. Mitchell Wines is particularly proud to welcome chef Duncan Welgemoed as he unearths his innovative, sophisticated, South African heritage-inspired cooking style in Clare for the first time ever. Over the (Seven)hill, Pikes is throwing a Paella Party on the lawns, bringing back the popular oyster shucking station from Pacific Estate Oysters.
Next up, Breathe It In runs 22-26 May as the festival’s prime opportunity to be fully immersed in the unique beauty of the region. The middle of the week offers beautiful experiences that focus on slowing down to appreciate and learn more about the food, wine and landscape. Sevenhill Cellars’ jam-packed mid-week schedule features a guided tour of their 100year-old vineyard and underground cellar as well as opportunities to soak up the surrounds with yoga and art classes. As a very special Gourmet bonus, many cellar doors are uniting to open up back vintage and hard-to-find wines throughout the week.
To close out the festival over 27-28 May, Land of the Long Lunch is your sign to clear your diary and settle in for an unrivalled afternoon of fabulous food, world-class wine and cracking conversation. Tables upon tables will be set across the Valley as chefs and their teams prepare feasts for the masses. For the second time, Terroir Auburn presents the ultimate wine-loving duo, Nick Ryan and Nick Stock, for Nick Off Take Two. Chef Dan Moss accompanies The Nicks to provide an insatiable lunch, lots of laughter and an unforgettable Gourmet experience.
Callum Hann 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 Arkhé 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.
Belinda said, “The calibre of talent preparing food this year is unprecedented. Paired with some of the very best wine in the world, the week is set to be a genuine delight for the senses.”
The Hon Martin Ferguson AM Chairman of Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association said: “Now in its 39thyear, this event heroes the local operators and wine brands, who throw open their doors to welcome visitors to indulge in all things Clare Valley. In 2022, an estimated 8500 people attended, generating more than $2.3 million in economic value for our local industry, and unequivocally contributing to supporting the thriving and resilient local tourism community”.
Everyone’s safety is of paramount importance, so to support the growing program and expected increase in attendees, more buses will be transporting festival-goers from the metro area (just an hour and 40 minutes to Clare) and shuttling around the region.
In addition, updated website functionality now allows users to select all the events of their choice and produce an itinerary to ensure you get the most out of your Clare culinary adventure. Organisers recommend planning ahead, checking shuttle bus destinations and booking tables early to avoid disappointment.
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.
For a truly immersive experience, accommodation in Clare Valley is plentiful and caters to all budgets and accessibility requirements. Visitwww.clarevalley.com.au/stay to book.
Tickets are on sale now. Gourmet Week starts on Friday 19 May and will run for ten days, finishing on Sunday 28 May. Featuring ticketed and free events, wine lovers and foodies alike are encouraged to book their experience via clarevalleygourmet.com.au.