Tasting Australia was launched in 1997 and was the first food and wine festival at a national level. Due to its continued success, the government has injected more money into Tasting Australia, making the event annual. Showcasing South Australia’s premium produce across eight days from April 30 to May 7, the event has expanded regionally to the Coorong and Murraylands, while focussing on Victoria Square and McLaren Vale, making the event accessible to everyone. Tonight, Adelaide Food Central, and other invited guests were invited to the official launch of the Tasting Australia program.

Last year, the festival attracted more than 40,000 people to its hub, Town Square, in Victoria Square and generated $16.15M in public relations value.

This year, Simon Bryant and Jock Zonfrillo (Restaurant Orana) will lead Tasting Australia and SA icon Maggie Beer will make her final appearance as patron.

Among the famed chefs attending Tasting Australia this year are:

• Paul Carmichael (Momofuku Seibo, Sydney)
• Clayton Wells (Automata, Sydney)
• Mitch Orr (ACME, Sydney)
• Victor Liong (Lee Ho Fook, Melbourne)
• Lennox Hastie (Firedoor, Sydney)

South Australia is the proud home of the country’s best produce, coming from our clean, green environment. We also have an award winning beverage industry which includes new cellar doors, artisan distillers and craft brewers, many of which are involved with Tasting Australia.

As one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals, Adelaide leads the way for the wine-related activities, and the events held during Tasting Australia will highlight how fantastic South Australia is when it comes to great food, wine and tourism experiences.

Now is a perfect time to immerse yourself in the real food and beverages experience that define our state. The first events of Tasting Australia 2017 have been released tonight and the full program will be unveiled in late March. Visit the Tasting Australia website for more details.