TWO local businesses passionate about wine and food have teamed up to create something special this weekend, as part of an annual festival.
Glossop’s 919 Wines and Waikerie’s Illalangi Gourmet Foods have collaborated to bring some of the finest wine and produce that the Riverland has to offer as part of this year’s Riverland Wine and Food Festival – from October 16 to 18.
The festival – which showcases the region’s food, wine and produce – has altered its format this year due to COVID and 919 Wines winemaker and proprietor Eric Semmler said he looks forward to the change.
“In previous years we’ve had a stall at the festival and it was a success,” he said.
“This year with the different format, we’ve been attracted to the fact that locals and visitors can circulate around various wineries and venues and get more of a holistic experience.
“We believe it’s a better way to enjoy wine and food because people are set in a great environment.”
Mr Semmler said collaborating with Illalangi has been “fantastic”.
“Illalangi’s Keryn Gorman is great at what she does and very passionate about locally produced food,” he said.
“She has a wide range of food and people can choose exactly what they want when they go online to purchase their ticket.
“All food will be pre-prepared by Keryn and will be done up ready for our guests.”
Mr Semmler said on arrival, guests will be given a festival glass and a complimentary glass of wine.
“We have a lot of well-known wines to try on the day but our signature wine is durif 2016 – it’s big, bold and rich but generous,” he said.
“We’re known for our fortified styles also.
“If the weather turns out to be nice and sunny, we might even have a sparkling red.”
Mr Semmler said bookings were filling well.
“Guests can either join us on Saturday or Sunday and for three different sittings,” he said.
“There’s brunch, which is $27.50, a lunchtime picnic, $38.50, and grazing plate in the afternoon, $27.50, all per person.
“It’s a ticketed event so people must book first, as we can only have 45 people per setting due to COVID.
“People must sign in and COVID protocols will be in place.
“We look forward to meeting lots of people and hope everyone enjoys the day out in the open air.”
For more information or to book, visit https://bit.ly/2I0WR2A.