Seasonal Events to Experience on Your Winery Bus Tour in Adelaide

If you plan on booking a winery bus tour in Adelaide, there are many things to do and see besides the vineyards and cellar doors. Make a list of the seasonal events available in Adelaide so you can immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the region's heritage.

This guide explores the best seasonal events not to be missed when visiting Adelaide and its wine regions.

Best Seasonal Events on Your Bus Tours in Adelaide

Whether you love wine or culture, Adelaide has much to offer when visiting. Discover the history of the wine regions, sample its best wines, and learn why it’s a top tourist destination in Australia.

Adelaide Wine Festival

The Adelaide Wine Festival is held every summer. The 2024 festival will be held at the Morphettville Racecourse, where attendees can celebrate the region’s incredible wine culture. The 2024 Summer Show aims to showcase the best local wineries and encourage wine enthusiasts to try new varieties.

This annual event is where winemakers and producers come together to give the audience a sample of their premium wine selection. It is also an excellent opportunity to order your favourite wines before the holiday season. This year’s lineup of featured wineries includes some well-known wineries in Adelaide and a few new ones willing to showcase their innovative blends and produce.

Aside from a wine showcase, the Adelaide Wine Festival also features food tasting and live music. Entertainment options for all ages, including kid-friendly entertainment, are available. This event allows guests to soak up the summer vibes and enjoy the natural beauty and bounty of the region.

Adelaide Wine Festival is a one-day event held on November 24 from 11 AM to 5 PM this year.

Winter Reds

Winter Reds is another seasonal event in Adelaide that you should check out when booking an Adelaide Hills wine tour. It is known as one of the biggest winter wine events in the region and includes up to 35 wine producers from the Adelaide Hills wine region.

While the Adelaide Wine Festival is a summer event, this seasonal event celebrates cool-climate red wines. This event is ideal for anyone who wants to sample the diversity of the wines in the Adelaide Hills region. Visitors can visit a few wineries, listen to live music, enjoy casual food, and do some wine tastings.

The Winter Reds event will have a general admission ticket that provides access to the activities mentioned above. However, premium tickets will be available for more exclusive events.

The classes are among the most anticipated events during the Winter Reds annual event. Wine explorers will learn more in-depth about the distinctive tastes and features of the local wines in the Adelaide Hills region and compare the Pinot Noirs and Syrahs from this region to others worldwide.

Foodies will enjoy world-class dining experiences during this event. Local chefs and restaurateurs will prepare a hearty feast that pairs local dishes with the region’s exceptional red wines.

This event takes place during winter, which is around late July.

Cellar Door Fest

The Cellar Door Fest is another highly anticipated seasonal event for wine lovers who visit the Adelaide wine regions on a winery bus tour. This annual event takes place from January to February and is not to be missed.

This three-day event is Adelaide’s favourite food and drink festival and celebrates Adelaide’s gourmet heritage. Attendees can indulge in the best South Australian wines, which are concocted by the best wineries and distilleries in Adelaide. It is the opportunity to try all renowned wine brands from the region under one roof in the Adelaide Convention Centre. This event offers the chance for wine enthusiasts to find new favourites as they showcase buzzing wine producers or chat with the winemakers themselves and gain insight into their processes.

Meanwhile, exclusive masterclasses are scheduled for the Cellar Door Fest, so anyone wishing to deepen their wine knowledge should consider signing up!

Summer Vines

Summer Vines is a highly anticipated annual festival in McLaren Vale. It is held in January and lasts approximately two weeks. This festival showcases the best of the region: beautiful natural landscapes and the best-tasting wines.

Expect to taste contemporary wines from McLaren Vale produced by the best wineries. Attendees can also indulge in the region’s vibrant food culture or enjoy the best wine pairings. This festival is laid-back and a platform to showcase local artisans, especially in the wine industry.

Tasting Australia

Add Tasting Australia to a long list of the must-see events in South Australia, especially Adelaide, as part of your winery bus tours. This autumn festival dazzles with the most comprehensive wine selections that are any wine lover’s dream.

Aside from the exquisite wine selection, Tasting Australia offers masterclasses for those who are interested in learning about the region’s wine production. This event takes place in early May, so make sure to add it to your calendar if you are exploring Adelaide on a bus tour for hire around the autumn season.

Grenache and Gourmet

Grenache and Gourmet is another can’t-miss festival in the McLaren Vale region. It happens from September to October, so take note of these dates when you visit Adelaide around this time of year.

Grenache and Gourmet celebrates South Australia’s (especially McLaren Vale) exceptional wine varieties. Among the activities lined up for this festival are gourmet food pairings, wine exhibitions, and vineyard tours. As you might have guessed, the festival focuses on the versatility of Grenache, allowing participating wineries to present their versions of this popular variety.

This festival is a feast for the senses, highlighting the different tastes of food and wines produced by the region.

Final Tips

If you’re booking an Adelaide bus tour across different wine regions in South Australia, you should grab the chance to partake in these festivals. With a diverse range of cultural and culinary experiences that await, you might discover new favourites and gain a new appreciation for how your favourite wines are made.