New to the program is a table styling masterclass in collaboration with the renowned Australian homewares brand In the Roundhouse, the Sunday Supper Club in Town Square, and a relaxed afternoon of lawn bowls with chef Justin James and other South Australian celebrities at the Sturt Bowling Club.
Justin James will also be hosting an exclusive, intimate dinner at a secret location, where just 16 lucky guests will enjoy the rare opportunity to engage directly with the chef as he presents a selection of his seasonal fine dining creations.
Aperitivo Hour is another fresh addition, offering a series of exciting collaborations between celebrated bars and chefs. For just $50, guests can enjoy expertly crafted snacks and drinks from some of the most iconic bars, including Embla, Bar Heather, Thelma, and Omotenashi Hobart. Perfect for pre-dinner drinks, Aperitivo Hour will take place at the newly redesigned Drinks Academy, presented by Adelaide University, in the festival hub at Town Square, Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga.
Town Square will also feature the Matchmaker Series, where guests can participate in a unique ‘speed dating’ experience with winemakers, as well as Top 3, a showcase of three favourite wines selected by former Port Adelaide Football Club captain Tom Jonas.
Sunday Supper Club will elevate Sunday night dinner with an Italian-inspired, family-style feast in Town Square. This special event will bring together an all-star hospitality team: Mug Chen and Chia Wu, Jimmy Toone and Jo Leal, alongside Calum Horn of Longplay Bistro in Adelaide, and Sydney-based chef Annita Potter. Tickets are priced at $79 and include a selection of snacks, a twist on spaghetti bolognese, salad, garlic bread, and dessert.
For those keen to get hands-on, there’s the MAKE series: learn table styling with In the Roundhouse, and enjoy a pasta-making class led by Barossa’s Casa Carboni. Also on offer is a relaxed Sunday afternoon of lawn bowls featuring delicious snacks by Justin James and Jess Spiby, drinks hosted by Sharon Romeo, and wine tastings from top South Australian winemakers including Riley Harrison, Crispian Fielke, and Shane Eldridge, with lawn games hosted by Sam Taylor from Edinburgh Cellars.
Fifteen food vendors will feature in Town Square, including eight exciting new options: Athena Greek Eats, Comida Hahndorf, Dolly Bar and Eatery, Francesca’s Pizza and Sandos, Le Cordon Vert, Motherlode Nuggeteria, Kha Nom, and Meet Me Coffee Co, alongside returning favourites like Africola Canteen, Braising Boy, GANG GANG, ONG NOI Vietnamese BBQ, Phat Head Dumplings, The Filipino Project, and Shibui.
A new addition to Town Square is The Ghan Experience, which will immerse guests in the sights, sounds, and scents of Australia’s iconic Outback train journey. Step aboard a replica train carriage and experience what life is like on The Ghan, learning about incredible off-train experiences such as sunrise in Marla, the unique charm of opal-mining town Coober Pedy, and the breathtaking Kanku Breakaways.
Tasting Australia, presented by Journey Beyond, will run from 2–11 May 2025, across Adelaide and regional South Australia. Tickets and more information are available at tastingaustralia.com.au.
