Skip the bottle shop – Cellar Door Fest Winter Edit is bringing SA's hottest producers together under one roof.

If the sheer number of products and brands flowing from our wine and spirits industries makes your bottle-shop-run more like an exam than a celebration, it’s time to change tack.

The good people behind Cellar Door Fest Winter Edit have done all the hard work, bringing together in person some of South Australia’s best producers for their next outing.

Cellar Door Fest events are known for their celebratory feel and the Winter Edit brings it aplenty with cool notes and warm vibes in the heart of the city. Think of it as an opportunity to expand your drinks repertoire and knowledge, while enjoying a social day out with your friends.

Festival director Jasmine Pohl says smaller, more intimate food and drink festivals provide an ideal platform for producers and consumers to meet. “They are particularly important for those producers who may not have their own cellar doors, providing them with great exposure to an engaged audience,” Jasmine says.

“We’ve found that consumers are often inspired to plan a future visit to the wine regions following Winter Edit – it’s a win-win for producers and consumers alike.”

This year’s Winter Edit is shining a spotlight on the state’s new producers and emerging talent, many of which can’t be found in the bigger bottle shops. “The opportunity to discover something new is always exciting,” Jasmine says. “Then there’s the added bonus of being able to meet the makers themselves, learn more about their products, take advantage of the show specials, or have your arm twisted to try something new!”

This bunch of first-time exhibitors will join a host of established brands at Winter Edit; the festival is curated to offer a neat balance between the two, providing welcome familiarity and discovery.

“The event’s timing certainly makes it more popular amongst the red wine producers, with a particularly strong representation from the Barossa Valley this year – a region known for its full-bodied reds,” Jasmine says.

“We handpick producers, ensuring that we have something for everyone with representation from across South Australia’s world-famous wine regions. It’s also about ensuring a good ratio of producers and attendees to maximise the experience of both.”

South Australia is home to 18 wine regions, so attending Winter Edit is a bit like undertaking a mammoth winery tour, but in a much more convenient and enjoyable format.

Among the newcomers joining Winter Edit this month are Barossa Valley’s Elk Wines, Esilio Wines and Union Street Wines, and McLaren Vale’s ND Wines and Orbis Wines. These will be joined by well-known labels including Eyre Peninsula’s Peter Teakle Wines, Adelaide Hills’ Riposte, Barossa Valley’s St Hugo and McLaren Vale’s Alpha Box & Dice.

The state’s lively distillery scene is also well represented, with Fleurieu Gin, Fiction Distilling, Truth Spirits, Laneway Beverage Co and Naturi Vermouth among those bringing the party spirits.

And what is a festival without music? Winter Edit’s focus on South Australia includes a line-up of local musos to soundtrack the tasting journey, including Ollie English, Trav Collins, DJ Ruby Chew, My Chérie, Adam Blesing, Laura Hill and LENI. The Eatery, home to some of Adelaide’s hottest food trucks, also returns with Cheesy Street, Taco Cartel, Paella Bar and Fiesta Tajine.

Jasmine has been a part of the Cellar Door Fest events for the past 10 years and has led the charge as festival director since 2023. She’s noticed a difference in the way the generations approach wine events and tastings.

“The great thing about our Cellar Door Fest events is that they appeal to broad audience,” she says. “While we find those in their mid-20s are certainly keen to grow their wine knowledge and try new varieties, they are largely drawn to the festival for its atmosphere and social element, usually attending as part of a group.”

Friday night is always a sell-out, attracting plenty of patrons keen to unwind after work in the city. Consequently, Jasmine recommends purchasing tickets as soon as possible. Entry includes a complimentary Riedel wine glass for tastings. There’s also a special Friday Wine Lovers Ticket, which includes entry for two plus a bottle of Dandelion Vineyards Wine to enjoy on the spot or take home.

Saturday offers a daytime and an evening session, with tickets also selling fast.

Jasmine says each session is always a fun time – and it could help you find your next favourite drop.

“Without doubt the biggest advantage of attending Winter Edit over heading to a bottle shop is the opportunity to meet and discover a diverse range of boutique producers under one roof,” she says, adding, “And, of course, you can sample their products!”

For the full list of producers and program, see the website.