The first few days of Tasting Australia have been a whirlwind of reuniting with old friends (other TA stalwarts from all around the world), making the acquaintance of many other food and wine writers, touring, eating, sampling and wine tasting.
This is my fourth or fifth time at this amazing festival that celebrates South Australia's food and wine every two years and each time I come I am amazed at what this state has on offer.
The first two days were spent on the Fleurieu Peninsula and in McLaren Vale, two regions just to the south of Adelaide.
What we did: Day 1
Visited a biodynamic cheese producer at Paris Creek, ate a delicious lunch of locally produced foods and some fine wines at the No 58 Cellar Door at Waverley Estate,
cruised the coast on a beautiful yacht, the Lady Eugenie, with Kangaroo Island Sailing while enjoying some excellent small bites, including these huge succulent prosciutto wrapped prawns, and a terrific KI semillon viognier
and watched the most beautiful sunset from the terrace of the renowned Star of Greece restaurant at Aldinga before dining on local squid and King George whiting - all washed down with myriad wines from the Vale Cru collective.
Back on the bus at eight the next morning: Day 2
The lovely Willunga Farmer's Market is 10 years old this year and just keeps getting better. On this sunny autumn morning it was a pleasure to wander the stalls, sampling all sorts of locally produced food such as fresh almonds, Kangarilla Creamery's goats curd, unsulphured dried apricots and sweet grapes.
At Coriole Vineyards we tasted olive oils and olives before heading to Producers for a lesson in ricotta and mozzarella making and a relaxed lunch at the adjoining restaurant The Elbow Room.
The slow cooked Thai goat 'curry' was so good as was the Producers own Riesling and Grenache wines.
Last stop was Goodieson's Brewery, a small micro-brewery producing a selection of excellent beers. Judging by how busy their 'cellar' door was it's a popular brew.
