Australia’s most established regional food and wine celebrations

The Clare Valley Gourmet Festival has unveiled its 2026 program, with more than 45 events now live on the Festival website, offering a glimpse into one of Australia’s most established regional food and wine celebrations and inviting travellers to start planning their immersive autumn escape, beyond the city.

From Friday 15th – Monday 18th May 2026, the four-day Festival unfolds across cellar doors, wineries and regional venues throughout the picturesque Clare Valley. The program brings together long lunches, intimate, expert winemaker dinners, and food, wine and music experiences that reflect the region at its most vibrant.

The majority of events are now available to explore at http://www.clarevalleygourmet.com.au, with additional experiences set to be announced progressively throughout February. A printed program will be released from 1 March 2026.

Now entering its fourth decade, the Clare Valley Gourmet Festival is Australia’s longest running wine and food Festival and a cornerstone of South Australia’s autumn events calendar.

Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said the 2026 program highlights why the Clare Valley continues to attract national and international attention as a premium food and wine destination.

“As Australia’s longest running wine and food Festival, the Gourmet Festival plays a vital role in telling the region’s story while highlighting the diverse experiences on offer across the Clare Valley,” Minister Bettison said.

Cherry Stowman, Executive Officer of the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association, said the release of the program marks an important moment for the region.

“The Gourmet Festival is an invitation to experience the Clare Valley at its most engaging,” Ms Stowman said. “With more than 45 events across four days, the program encourages visitors to linger longer, exploring the region, connecting with producers, venues and communities that define the Clare Valley.”

Gourmet Bus Trails: a curated way to experience the Festival

Among the standout experiences for 2026 are the Gourmet Bus Trails, returning as one of the most accessible and curated ways to experience the Festival across the weekend. Operating on Saturday and Sunday, three curated routes provide a full day of food, wine and music, with transport included.

Each hosted trail visits three Festival venues, allowing time at each to stop, soak up the Festival atmosphere and engage with producers. Tickets include comfortable transport, a Clare Valley Gourmet Festival wine tumbler and tote bag, exclusive wine offers and priority access at participating venues.

The three trails – Sip & Savour, Devour & Delight, and Feast & Fun – each offer a distinct way to experience the region, blending historic wineries, contemporary cellar doors, and boutique producers while giving guests the freedom to relax, enjoy the day and move easily between venues – without the need to drive.

Designed for extended stays and flexible travel

Spanning the weekend, the Clare Valley Gourmet Festival lends itself to an extended stay or weekend escape, giving visitors time to enjoy the Festival while exploring the broader Clare Valley, its distinctive landscapes and the communities that shape its character.

In the lead-up to the Festival, there’s also the chance to win a mid-week Clare Valley getaway in September, valued at $1500, which encourages wine lovers to come back in Spring and experience the region once more.

Visit www.clarevalleygourmet.com.au for full prize details and competition terms & conditions.

With autumn one of the Clare Valley’s most popular travel periods, accommodation across the region is expected to book quickly. Visitors who are unable to secure accommodation or who prefer a day trip, can still experience the Festival with ease.

An Adelaide transfer bus ticket offers a convenient return journey from the city to the Clare Valley, while hop on/off shuttle buses operating on Saturday allow Festivalgoers to move safely and effortlessly between participating venues throughout the day. Together, these transport options make it possible to experience events at multiple venues without the need to drive or stay overnight.

A Festival shaped by place and season

Rather than being centred in a single location, the Clare Valley Gourmet Festival is designed as a region-wide experience. Highlights across the four days include welcome-night events and exclusive dinners on Friday, high-energy winery events and live music on Saturday, relaxed recovery-style and family-friendly experiences on Sunday, and long lunches and farewell celebrations on Monday.

The Festival also aligns with the concluding weekend of Tasting Australia, offering a natural extension for food and wine travellers seeking a deeper regional experience beyond the city.

With the Clare Valley’s autumn landscape providing a striking backdrop, visitors – particularly those travelling from interstate – are encouraged to plan early, with accommodation and popular events expected to book out.

For full program details and updates, visit www.clarevalleygourmet.com.au and subscribe for free to Q Magazine Media HERE! Q Magazine: supporting our community since 2004.