My Top 6 Picks for McLaren Vale Sea and Vines 2015 – May 2015

Program in my hot little hand, and a dash of local knowledge up my sleeve, here are my top five event picks for the 2015 McLaren Vale Sea & Vines Festival.

This year is undoubtedly the biggest year yet, with more events being added every day.

Here is my pick of the bunch, what I think are the cream of the crop.

1. Label Launch @ Stump Hill Gallery with De Lisio Wines (Friday)

This is the very first event, kicking off Sea & Vines 2015!

Not only that, but it is the launch for De Lisio’s next wine label. Each of their labels is designed by an artist and has a story.

To cap that off, there is a three course menu, matched beer and wine, and you get to take home a six pack of the new release De Lisio wine.

$150 pp / 7 pm

De Lisio Wines events for Sea and Vines 2015

2. Vine to Sea with Moana SLSC (Saturday)

Start your Sea and Vines Saturday the virtuous way – with a run. Choose from the 7.5 km course from McLaren Vale Visitors Centre to Moana Beach, or a shorter 1 km or 2 km option along the beach. Walking is also acceptable (lucky for that or I wouldn’t stand a chance!) and everyone including kiddies are welcome. Put the sea in your sea and vines experience!

$35 pp for the 7.5 km option / 7 am

$15 pp for the short runs / 8am

Put the Sea into your Sea and Vines experience

3. Market Kitchen Table with Pip Forrester (Saturday)

Pip Forester is a foodie icon of South Australia and McLaren Vale, having run the Salopian Inn, been Chair of the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Authority, Director of the Adelaide Central Market, Deputy Chair of the Willunga Farmers Market and many more foodie notches on her belt.

Join Pip for a tour of the Willunga Farmers Market, play winemaker, and cook a meal from the tasty produce, before enjoying it together at a shared table in the Willunga Hills.

$165 pp / 10 am

Join Pip Forrester for market fun

4. A Winter’s Feast at Kay Brothers (Saturday)

After all of that fresh sea air, a feast is in order, plus one of the fine reds from Kay Brothers wines, celebrating their 125th year. Make mine a Block 6!

3 Italian courses from Chef Glenn Car (of Auge and The Lane Vineyard fame) with music, dancing and matched wines.

$99 pp / 6.30 pm

A Winter’s Feast at Kay Brothers

5. Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar @ Angove (Sunday)

If I had to pick a favourite Italian restaurant in Radelaide, it would be Andre’s Cucina. I love the whole experience; the convivial setting, slick service, BYO, and the beautiful, rustic shared Trust The Chef menu. What better then to have Andre Ursini in the Vale producing the same amazing Italian food in the stunning surrounds of McLaren Vale?

$75 pp / 12 pm – 4 pm