Save the date.
Back To Paradise is bringing a world of experience to McLaren Vale in January
Three years ago De La Soul played at S.C. Pannell in McLaren Vale. It was a big show with Carl Cox and by all accounts it was a very good time.
“That label is based off the Three Feet High and Rising artwork,” says Steve Pannell, referencing the famous De La Soul album, as he passes us a bottle of his 2018 Montepulciano.
Back to Paradise
S.C. Pannell, 60 Olivers Road, McLaren Vale
Saturday 4 January,
6pm ’til 10pm
We top up our glass and ask whether the group were aware Steve had made a wine about them.
“Shit yeah! I asked them if I could use their album as inspiration when they were here,” says Steve. “I sent them a couple of cases when it was done.”
Adelaide has these sort of stories. Little connections to memorable moments that seem to draw a thread from the present into the past and our future. The hip hop group that played at S.C. Pannell in 2016 continue to play at the winery today, through Steve’s penchant for suggesting music to pair with each of his wines. Of course the 2018 Montepulciano tastes best when paired with De La Soul.
In January Steve is giving over his winery to two trusted friends, Surahn Sidhu, who has DJ’d and played guitar around the world with the likes of Hayden James, Empire of the Sun and Flight Facilities, and Nick Stock, Tasting Australia’s beverage director and author of the Good Wine Guide, to throw a wine party that would give even the Catalina Wine Mixer a run for its money.
“Summer is a special time of year in Adelaide,” says Surahn. “Adelaide has this amazing expat community that comes back for Christmas and it’s always been an informal thing, and people tend to get together each year, but I guess Back To Paradise is just realising that this annual return home is something that should actually be celebrated.”
“McLaren Vale is absolutely one of the world’s best wine regions,” says Nick. “I travel seven months of the year for wine events all around the world. Surahn and I have been doing this for years now, but this is the first time we’re putting on an event in our home state.”
The premise is simple: S.C. Pannell’s beautiful circular garden in McLaren Vale, sunset, wine, food and music from Adelaide DJs that stretches into the night.
Starting with a live set from upcoming Adelaide afro-beat and funk outfit Slow Mango and ending with expat DJ and festival favourite, Greg Sara, this show at S.C. Pannell on January 4th will be as much a chance to catch up with friends as it will be a suitable place for people over the age of 30 t0 dance like feckless youths.
Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks as we announce Back To Paradise’s menu and a special New Years Playlist for you to sample the sort of sounds you can expect come January 4th.
Get Back To Paradise tickets here.