Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend returns in May

The highly anticipated Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend is set to return to the picturesque Clare Valley on Friday 19 to Monday 22 May 2017. As the longest running event of its kind in Australia, the weekend is a major drawcard on the South Australian calendar, celebrating the Clare Valley’s best food, wine and regional atmosphere.

Thousands will flock to the 2017 Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, which will showcase a weekend of special events, a gourmet market, degustation dinners, a Monday morning wine sale and new and vintage wine releases at select venues. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with 34 wineries, two breweries, and approximately 30 restaurants and caterers participating in the event.

The 2017 program will include a variety of new additions, such as an exclusive ‘Pop Up’ event at the iconic Sevenhill Hotel, plus four new participating wineries. The notable favourites such as the Gourmet Hub, located at the Clare Valley Wine, Food & Tourism Centre, long table lunches, barrel hall dinners, and ticketed tastings with winemakers, will all be included in the program, which will be launched at the Cellar Door Fest in Adelaide on Friday 24 February 2017.

In 2017, participating cellar doors will be partnering with Adelaide hotels to provide buses to and from the city, as part of the Gourmet Bus initiative, making a day trip to the event even easier. Transport options will also be available once in the region through local taxi services and buses.

Chair of the Clare Valley Winemakers Incorporated Andrew Pike said the anticipation is building for the 2017 Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend.

“The Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend is a much loved event for locals and visitors alike,” Andrew said. “Each year, the event continues to evolve, and this year is no exception, with a host of new and exciting additions to the 2017 program.”

“Autumn is the perfect time to discover the Clare Valley. The festival allows visitors to take the time to enjoy the region and all it has to offer at one of the prettiest times of the year,” he said.

Clare Valley Winemakers Incorporated Executive Officer Tania Matz said the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend is unique to the region.

“The Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend is the ultimate festival for food and wine lovers,” she said. “There are no other events like the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend that offer a smorgasbord of special events, wine and entertainment, all in the one region over one weekend. With all general Gourmet Weekend events free of charge, the event attracts locals, tourists, visitors and families.”

“Plan the day with a group of friends, jump on a bus from Adelaide, or indulge in the festivities and stay for the weekend in a cosy Bed and Breakfast. Whatever the choice, make sure you don’t miss out on the 2017 Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend.”

The 2017 Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend will be held from Friday 19- Monday 22 May 2017. For buses and transport information, programs, and additional information, please visit www.clarevalley.com.au.

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The 2017 Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend facts:
• The first Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend was held in May 1984, making the event the oldest of its kind in Australia.
• Thirty-four wineries, two breweries and 30 restaurant & cafes will be involved in the 2017 Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend.
• For the first time, the 2017 Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend will include an exclusive Pop Up event at the iconic Sevenhill Hotel, plus four new participating wineries.
• A Gourmet Hub will be located at the Clare Valley Wine, Food & Tourism Centre throughout the weekend, for media and public to try and taste wines which do not have their own venue.
• Cellar Doors will be partnering with Adelaide hotels for the Clare Valley Gourmet Bus, to encourage visitors to travel from Adelaide for the day.
• Day trip and weekend itineraries have been planned for event goers.