Pictured: Taylors Wines
The Clare Valley Gourmet Festival is back with a bang in 2026, giving South Australians a great reason to head down to one of the state best wine regions.
The 2026 program leans into what the region does best. It’s all about world-class wine, generous hospitality, seasonal produce and unforgettable settings. The perfect day trip awaits, with only a short 90-minute drive from Adelaide or grab one of the Gourmet Bus Trail tickets, but don’t forget about the convenient shuttle bus service.
In no particular order here ten experiences that could be right up your alley.
1. Kick*ss Cowgirls and Taco Box
Greg Cooley Wines is kicking off Gourmet Weekend with cowboy boots, tacos and a dancefloor-ready live set from the KickAss Cowgirls. Expect country-pop favourites covering everyone from Dolly Parton and Shania Twain to Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift, with high-energy Adelaide performers Zkye Compson-Harris, Gabby Hunter and Damien Steele Scott bringing the party.
Included in the ticket is a serve of tacos by Taco Box, with Greg Cooley Wines, local Sawmill Gin, beers, cocktails, RTDs, seltzers and non-alcoholic options also available.
Where: Greg Cooley Wines, 12 Main North Road, Clare
When: May 15th, 6.30pm to 10pm
Cost: $40
For more information, see the official event listing.
2. Fire & Wine Festival
Kilikanoon is bringing one of the biggest all-rounder events of the weekend, with open-flame cooking, premium wine, live entertainment, local market stalls and family-friendly activities all rolled into a two-day festival.
Guests can watch chefs cook over open flames, explore gourmet dishes designed to match Kilikanoon wines, browse regional produce and artisan goods, and settle in for live music among the vines. There will also be children’s entertainment, including face painting, making this a strong pick for groups and families.
Where: Kilikanoon Wines Cellar Door, 30 Penna Lane, Penwortham
When: May 16th and 17th, 10am to 5pm
Cost: Free entry
For more information, click here.
3. Gourmet Garden Party
Pikes Wines is turning its lawns into a relaxed Gourmet Garden Party, pairing exceptional Pikes wines with Pikes Beer Co. craft beers and a seafood menu from SLATE Restaurant, including freshly shucked oysters and other gourmet dishes.
Live music from The New Black will keep the garden-party atmosphere going across the day, making this one of the more polished and crowd-friendly picks for anyone chasing classic Clare Valley wine, food and lawn-side entertainment.
Where: Pikes Wines, 233 Polish Hill Road, Polish Hill River
When: May 16th and 17th, 11am to 5pm
Cost: Free entry
For more information, see the official event listing.
4. Pauletts Clare Valley Gourmet Festival
Paulett Wines is going big with a full festival-style day of gourmet food, live music, games and its famous Hit the Barrel Golf competition.
Food is a major drawcard here, with native-inspired street food, all-day dining, breakfast, Canapé and Wine Flights, and Bush deVine Picnic Platters featuring cheese, charcuterie and house-made condiments. Midnight Train will perform on Saturday, Squirrel Grip on Sunday, and kids can enjoy show bags and a treasure hunt.
Where: Paulett Wines & Bush deVine Winery Restaurant, 752 Jolly Way, Polish Hill River
When: May 16th and 17th, 9am to 4pm
For more information, see the official event listing.
5. Vino Vibe Fest
Knappstein’s Vino Vibe Fest is one of the strongest party picks of the program, promising big beats, bold food, flowing wines and plenty of energy.
Sax Man Troy Stephens will set the soundtrack with party tunes, while Chef Stuart Oldfield serves crowd-pleasing dishes designed to pair with Knappstein wines. This one is pitched as a dance, eat-with-your-hands, glass-in-hand celebration rather than a quiet tasting.
Where: Knappstein Wines, 2 Pioneer Avenue, Clare
When: May 15th, 5pm to 9pm
For more information, see the official event listing.
6. Deja Vu, Dumplings and Daiquiris
Greg Cooley Wines backs up its Friday night party with another high-energy Saturday night event, this time with four-piece band Deja Vu bringing favourites from Whitney Houston, Roxette, the B-52s and ABBA.
Tickets include a serve of dumplings by Vivu Vietnamese Kitchen, with more food available to purchase. Wines, Sawmill Gin, beers, RTDs, seltzers and non-alcoholic options will also be on offer.
Where: Greg Cooley Wines, 12 Main North Road, Clare
When: May 16th, 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Cost: $45
For more information, see the official event listing.
7. Jeanneret Road Saturday
This one stands out because it brings several local makers together in one spot, with Jeanneret Wines, Three Little Birds Distillery, Clare Valley Brewing and The Saucy Pizza joining forces for a full-day festival experience.
Guests can enjoy wines, gin cocktails, craft brews, gourmet hand-stretched pizzas, burgers and paella, with live music from ROCKZEE adding to the atmosphere. Winemaker Ben, Distiller Leigh and beer maker Trev will also be around to chat about the process behind the drinks.
Where: 22 Jeanneret Road, Sevenhill
When: May 16th, 10am to 5pm
For more information, see the official event listing.
8. Feast Over Fire
Mitchell Wines and The Filipino Project are bringing live-fire cooking, wine and relaxed festival vibes to Penwortham for the weekend.
The winery gates and wine bar open from 10am, with Mitchell favourites poured alongside extra options for non-wine drinkers. Guests can settle in for food, wine and acoustic soul tunes from Joe Amputch.
Where: Mitchell Wines, 246 Hughes Park Road, Penwortham
When: May 16th and 17th, from 10:00am
For more information, see the official event listing.
9. Taylors Wines Gourmet Festival
Taylors Wines is shaping up as one of the bigger crowd-pleasers, with award-winning wines, creative cocktails, live music and plenty of festival food.
Adelaide party band Motel Music will bring the soundtrack, while food options from the Watervale Hotel, Caro Club and Sweet Nostalgia give this event a broad food-and-entertainment appeal.
Where: Taylors Wines, 89A Winery Road, Auburn
When: May 16th and 17th, 10am to 5pm
Cost: Free entry
For more information, see the official event listing.
10. French Pique Nique in the Barrel Store
Claymore Wines is bringing a French-themed picnic party to its Boot Room Barrel Store, complete with long tables, hay bales by the fire pit, live music and plenty of playful French flair.
The menu includes duck cassoulet, French baguettes and terrine, with guests encouraged to dress in red, white and blue or don a beret for a chance to win the “so Frenchy so chic” best-dressed title and a magnum of Shiraz.
Where: Claymore Wines’ Barrel Store, 7145 Horrocks Highway, Leasingham
When: May 16th and 17th, 11am to 5pm
For more information, see the official event listing.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source glamadelaide.com.au ’
