A Mexican fiesta, a McLaren Vale fire feast and Tasting Australia Airlines are all on the menu when Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel returns to Adelaide and regional South Australia next year.

The country’s favourite celebration of eating and drinking returns in 2021 from 30 April – 9 May, offering an innovative and curious program showcasing the best that South Australia has to offer across more than 140 events and 11 regions.

Premier of South Australia Steven Marshall recognised the importance of Tasting Australia to the state.

“Tasting Australia is the perfect opportunity to truly showcase what South Australia does best – our produce and our talented chefs, winemakers and distillers all coming together to put on 10 days of amazing programming,” says Mr Marshall.

“The program this year looks fantastic, offering lots of opportunity to get out to regional South Australia as well as a range of new and exciting events to bring people into the CBD and surrounds.”

Tasting Australia Festival Director Simon Bryant today announced that tickets to the 2021 event will be on sale from 7am Wednesday 9 December.

The 2021 event is set to be more special than ever, paying homage to the hospitality industry that has done it tough in 2020.

“We want everyone to know that Tasting Australia is back and better than ever in 2021!” says Mr Bryant.

“With a focus on brilliant homegrown talent from Australia curated by our Food Curator Darren Robertson, we have created a program that truly celebrates everything we do so well in South Australia. I think that more than ever before, the 2021 program has an event for everyone – from free events to family programming to events for craft beer enthusiasts – we have it all.

“We’ve also brought back Tasting Australia Airlines to two of South Australia’s most celebrated regions, Coffin Bay and Kangaroo Island, in fact we’ve got two planes going to Kangaroo Island this year! The TAA’s feature some of our festival icons including Maggie Beer, Emma McCaskill and Duncan Welgemoed.”

Some festival highlights for 2021 include a celebration of seasonal produce at Coriole Vineyards with the Autumn Harvest Feast, a long lunch at the Farm Gate Lunch at Yalumba, Flame Trees Feast where guests will learn about bio charring on S.C Pannell’s invite-only Koomilya vineyard and a Mexican inspired feast for the senses at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Pirate Life Brewing in Port Adelaide.

Drinks Curator, Nick Stock has made sure the beverage program is as strong as ever, with wine, beer and spirits highlighted across a suite of events and masterclasses.

“This year we are excited to take our beverage events to the next level,” says Mr Stock.

“We have teamed up with iconic venues across the CBD for the brand-new Tasting Table series. Whether you want to taste traditional sake in Leigh Street’s Shobosho, sip Krug at the Exeter front bar or taste the very best of New Zealand’s Pinot Noir at Mother Vine, you’ll find it at The Tasting Table.”

The Tasting Australia festival hub, Town Square will be back with and exciting new look for 2021. Town Square programming and vendors will be announced in January 2021.

Gina Norman, General Manager Travel and Distribution from Tasting Australia’s presenting partner, RAA Travel, is looking forward to the 2021 event and is proud to be partnering with Australia’s premier eating and drinking festival.

“Tasting Australia is one of the country’s most celebrated food and beverage festivals and RAA Travel is thrilled to be part of it,” says Ms Norman.

“Regional travel in South Australia has boomed this year and we are excited to be supporting the festival and encourage people to explore the regions and extend their stays to really discover more of what this great state has to offer. RAA Travel can assist with regional itineraries and accommodation to get the most out of the Tasting Australia experiences in 2021.”

Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel starts on Friday 30 April until Sunday 9 May 2021 and runs for 10 days across Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Tickets will be on sale via the Tasting Australia website from Wednesday 9 December from 7am.