Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates for the Clare Valley Gourmet Week

The flagship food and wine event for the state's Mid-North will be taking place from Friday 16 – Sunday 25 May 2025. The first weekend is the traditional festival weekend where various venues will come alive with music, food and wine. If you're here during the week, there'll be a focus on appreciation and education of the regions food and wine, with masterclasses, cooking schools, workshops and more on offer. The final weekend will see Clare Valley turn into 'Land of the Long Lunch' where you can choose from various long lunch events at unique locations throughout the region.

Will there be buses running for the festival?

Yes, although there will be a change from previous years. For the first time in 2025, the buses will run as part of specific Gourmet Trails only. More information will come closer to the official program launch in Feb 2025.

Do I need a Gourmet Glass?

If you attend ‘festival’ events (marked on the program), then yes. Your Gourmet Glass is your ‘ticket’ to all general admission events . Everyone will need to have their own Gourmet Glass which can be purchased at participating venues around the region. Wine will be poured into your own glass which you can keep as a souvenir for the weekend. These glasses are only required for 'Festival' (General Admission) events, not for masterclasses or long lunches, etc. which are marked on the program.

Do we have to book into events?

Please check the events you want to attend on the program, as it is marked if they are ticketed or not. We suggest doing this early to avoid missing out on any events, some are already sold out!

I can’t find accommodation, what should I do?

Accommodation is tight for Gourmet Week in the Clare Valley wine region, in particular on the first weekend. If you can’t find anything suitable, why not:

1. Look into towns nearby, such as the gorgeous historic township of Burra, just 30 minutes from Clare,
   
2. Utilise the Adelaide return shuttle bus options - more information to come.

When will the program be released?

The program will be released in February 2025 with great functionality added to the website to make it easier than ever to plan. Filter by date, search for your favourite venue and add events to your itinerary with the wish list function.

When should I book my accommodation?

We recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible. If you’d like some knowledgeable help, call or email the team at the Clare Valley Wine, Food and Tourism Centre.

Email: ask@clarevalley.com.au

Call: 0888422131

Live Chat: https://m.me/theclarevalley

We've also got an article to help with inspiration on where you might like to stay, you can read it here.

If you can't find accommodation, why not consider the Adelaide return bus option? Read more here.

We can only attend on the second weekend, can we still enjoy Gourmet without booking into a long lunch?

Yes! Cellar Doors will be open as usual on the second weekend, some hosting another round of fabulous events. Check the program for specific details of what events will be happening.

Do we have to book into events?

Please check the events you want to attend on the program, as it is marked if they are ticketed or not. We suggest doing this early to avoid missing out on any events.

We want to enjoy the festivities but avoid the crowds, is this possible?

Most definitely! The traditional festival weekend is between May 17-18, after this date Gourmet events are focused on appreciating and learning about our region’s food and wine, masterclasses, dinners, lunches, tastings, paddock to plate and more. Check the program for further information and bookings.

I have dietary requirements; can they be catered for?

Events have been asked to provide details of their dietary catering. If you’re booking in for a long lunch or masterclass for example, please advise of your dietary requirement when booking.

I don’t drink, will there be an opportunity for me to be involved?

Yes – On the festival weekend, all venues will have non-alcoholic drink options so you can still enjoy the food and the music on offer.

Family Friendly Wheelchair Friendly. etc - how do I find out which venues support this?

The program includes a 'key' indicating which events will cater for these needs.