More than 180 producers will be under one roof for Cellar Door Fest at the Adelaide Convention Centre, for you sample the best of their wares from Friday 26^th to Sunday 28^th February, 2016. Everything from wine, beer, cheese, chocolate and so much more!

We received a sneak peak into six of these producers, making a mark on the food and wine scene.

We began at Tidswell wines, at their city cellar door located at 14 Sydnham Road, Norwood.

Ben and Andrea Tidswell hosted us and took us through their story. A family owned winery since 1994, but the family dates back five generations working in pubs, taverns and wineries.

With the vineyard and farm, ‘Heathfield’, located on the Limestone coast, just outside the Coonawarra region, vineyards, sheep and cattle take advantage of the rich red soils.

The ‘Jennifer’ is a Cabernet Sauvignon named after Ben’s sister who passed away several years ago.

The new range is ‘The Publican’s’, celebrating their rich history and that of hotel culture. These varieties include a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Shiraz.

The ‘Heathfield’ range includes a Vermentino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

While there we sampled an amazing platter from Bottega Rotolo, who will also showcase their wares at Cellar Door Fest. Their produce includes beautiful cheeses, smallgoods, olives, pastes and relishes. You can also find some of their products in the Festival Flavours Goodie Bag for just $35. Collect a map and visit producers to pick up your goodies!

A short stroll down the road is Signature Wines, 31 King Street, Norwood. We walked into the shed and were amazed at the beautiful setting in front of us.

Dan and Bec, the owners of Signature Wines, hosted us at a beautifully decorated table with a tasting sheet for four different wines.

With vines based in the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale regions, they provide wine for the domestic and international markets.

We sampled the Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir, the Sauvignon Blanc, 2009 Barossa Shiraz and 2013 McLaren Vale Shiraz.

And to accompany our tasting, Jackie, from Ruby Spice, made us burgers. Not just any burgers though. The beef had a special Ruby Spice rub, the Memphis Magic BBQ rub, and this was accompanied by date, lime and ginger chutney, coleslaw and chipotle chili mayo inside a soft bun. A succulent combination.

We then made out way to Tomich Wines, 87 King William Road, Unley, where a red carpet led us inside.

Randal greeted us with a glass of Blanc de Blanc and gave us some history of Tomich wines, which he runs with his father, John. With vineyards located in the Adelaide Hills, they have a wide range of reds and whites to sample.

And to finish off the night, Red Cacao provided chocolate and coffee. Marcus ran us through the chocolate making process, from cacao bean to chocolate.

We sampled a raspberry truffle and rum and raisin truffle, both with an intense flavour.

What an amazing experience, sampling six out of more than 180 producers who will be at the Cellar Door Fest, with wineries from 15 regions.

There’s so much to see and do with masterclasses, a beer garden, meet the maker, a cheese experience and more…

My tip is to check the website for more details, purchase your tickets online and get there early for a wonderful day of eating, drinking and talking!

Opening times:

Friday, February 26:  5.00pm – 9.00pm

Saturday, February 27:  11.00am – 6.00pm

Sunday, February 28:  11.00am – 6.00pm

 

** I was an invited guest.