Summer sessions, cocktail classes and wandering wineries

Food and drink happenings in South Australia, including Whistler Wines’ Summer Sessions, a special Nebbiolo event at Mt Lofty House, McLaren Vale mingling on Leigh Street, and a cocktail masterclass at La Boheme.

Nov 08, 2017, updated Nov 08, 2017

Whistler Wines Summer Session #1 – November 10

It’s never too early to start celebrating summer’s impending arrival, so Whistler Wines is kicking off its Summer Sessions this Friday from 5pm. The Barossa winery has invited CARŌclub and Forage Supply Co over to provide the eats that will complement the wines and the relaxed ambience of its Seppeltsfield Road property. Further sessions are planned for December 8, January 12, February 9 and March 9.

McLaren Vale meets Leigh Street – November 10

If ever a wine region needs a place to crash, it knows Leigh Street will welcome it with open arms, and this weekend McLaren Vale is coming over, with plenty of local produce to go around. The $20 ticket will get punters five tastings, a souvenir Plumm wine glass, and access to the region’s best wines – including trophy winners from the 2017 McLaren Vale Wine Show. For more information, see the event page.

Forage Supply Co First Birthday Bash – November 11

One day after pre-emptively welcoming summer at Whistler Wines, mobile kitchen Forage Supply Co will pop up at Barossa Distilling Company to celebrate its first birthday, promising an event where you can “eat, drink and dance the night away”. The birthday bash will run from midday to 9pm on Saturday (details here).

Cin Cin Nebbiolo – November 12

More than 100 versions of Nebbiolo wine will be available for tasting during this event at Mt Lofty House from 1pm-5pm on Sunday. Chris Sarandis, of host Mercato, says guests can expect a cross-section of wines from northern Italy, plus releases from at least 20 Australian producers. General admission, including tastings and antipasto food, is $95, with master-classes extra. Booking and details here.

The Maker and Me: L.A.S Vino – November 14

The Fruitful Pursuit will take over Alfred’s Bar on Peel Street, inviting in Nic Peterkin of L.A.S Vino to show off the label’s new drops, including the “infamous Albino Pinot”. Space is very limited so contact [email protected] to secure a seat.

Fabulous Fermentation! – November 15

Fermentation is not just for when Ferment the Festival is in town. It’s an age-old practice, and one that can easily be adapted into everyday life. To introduce people to some of the basics, Andrea Ball from The Green Gourmet is holding a fermentation workshop at WOTSO Work Space on Flinders Street. Attendees will be taken through how to make sauerkraut, mixed fermented vegetables, and a fermented salsa. Tickets are $90 per person and can be purchased here. For more information, see the event page.

Fleming and Freear: The French 75 Masterclass – November 15

Cocktail duo Callan Fleming and Olivia Freear are taking on the gin and champagne concoction French 75. Not only will they introduce the current-day recipe, they’ll also walk their masterclass attendees through the history and evolution of the drink. The event will be held at La Boheme, and tickets are $40 per person. For more information, see the event page.

Beer & Bubbles – November 18

Vardon Avenue will once again host Beer & Bubbles from midday until 5pm on November 18. More than 30 boutique breweries will show their wares alongside both Australian and international sparkling wines and “a splash of gin tastings”, with $39 getting you a wrist band and tasting glass. A number of East End restaurants will be presenting pop-up shops selling tasty morsels such as pulled-pork tacos, chicken satay and deep-fried chilli chicken wings. See the event page for more details.

French Market – November 24-25

French and French-themed gourmet goodies such as patisseries, cheeses, charcuterie and Beaujolais nouveau will be for sale alongside handicrafts, French language books, perfumes and more at the French Market in Unley’s Soldiers’ Memorial Garden. Among the new stallholders this year are Le Souk and Moorish Bites, selling French-Moroccan street food. The family event, which takes place from 5pm-10pm on the Friday and 10am-10pm on the Saturday, will also feature live music, wine tasting and kids’ events. Details here.

JB in the City – November 26

Jim Barry Wines is popping up in the city, taking over Carclew House in North Adelaide and offering free wine tastings and wine warehouse specials available to purchase by the bottle or by the glass. There will also be food available from Sookii La La, ice cream from Evercream and a sausage sizzle from the JB crew. Tickets are available for $10 per person. For more information, see the event page.