Indulgence On The Peninsula

Sun Herald

Sunday September 9, 2007

Jane E. Fraser The writer was a guest of Grand Mercure Links Lady Bay and Jetstar.

Get into the Fiesta! spirit at Fleurieu, Jane E. Fraser writes.

THE INFECTIOUS enthusiasm of the Fleurieu Peninsula's food and wine producers culminates each October with a month-long gastronomic festival, Fleurieu Fiesta! While only a few years old, it's no half-baked affair.

The renowned Adelaide chef Cheong Liew acts as ambassador and the program is packed with well-organised events aimed at engaging visitors directly with producers.

With its wild coastal scenery, far-reaching beaches, undulating green hills and abundance of wildlife, quality accommodation and a thriving food and wine scene nurtured by deeply passionate locals, Fleurieu is an enticing destination, only an hour south of Adelaide.

Here are some highlights:

Punters' pick

Willunga's bustling Saturday morning market lays claim to being Australia's first farmers' market and is a fun place to taste the flavours of the region.

Most stalls offer free tastings of their produce. You can buy everything from fruit, vegetables and herbs to fine cheeses and delicate tarts.

During Fiesta! the market will be the setting for Punters' Pick tastings in the annual olive awards.

Last year the members of the public who voted at the markets picked the same olive oil as the panel of judges, so go along and see if you can pick a winner.

The Punters' Pick is a free event and will be held on October 13, 20 and 27 at 9.30am.

Daily rituals

When Sam Harrison and Rose Kentish bought the old mill at Middleton a few months back, they set out to create a new social hub for the quiet seaside town.

The restored mill is now a cellar door, restaurant, art studio, cooking school and venue for local events.

The expansive grounds are dotted with appealing little artists' studios and these will provide the setting for Daily Rituals cooking master classes on October 13, focusing on using salt, oil and herbs in daily cooking.

The classes, including lunch with wine, will cost $90 per person.

If you don't want to take part in a class, at least drop in to the mill for a meal or coffee - it would be a shame to miss it.

Degustation at d'Arry's

The d'Arenberg winery has an ambience and dining reputation that is the envy of many a winery owner.

With extensive views over a grassy valley, d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant is a delightful place to linger over a meal and a bottle of wine on a weekend afternoon, after tasting some of the interesting blends on offer at the cellar door.

On October 6, family winemaker Chester Osborn will host a degustation dinner at d'Arry's, featuring museum-release wines with matched dishes.

At $150 per person it is the most expensive event of the festival, but those who go will surely be rewarded with a memorable experience.

Lunch at the Inn

Mention dining on the Fleurieu Peninsula and many a foodie will think of Salopian Inn, the acclaimed McLaren Vale restaurant.

High-profile former owner Pip Forrester has moved on to run the Chapel Hill Winery, but the Salopian has maintained its reputation under the ownership of her brother.

On October 20 the Salopian will be the venue for a four-course lunch hosted by Gemtree winemaker Mike Brown and Dowie Doole winery co-owner Leigh Gilligan. The lunch with matching wines costs $85 per person.

Gastronomy on Granite

Victor Harbour's horse-drawn tram to Granite Island is a tourism institution in South Australia and when you get to the picturesque island it is easy to see why: the island is home to a large colony of penguins and beautiful views.

During Fiesta! it will also be a showcase for local produce, with Fleurieu wines matched with dishes.

At $45 per person it is a reasonably priced way to get a true Fiesta! experience - including a ride on the horse-drawn tram.

TRIP NOTES

* Getting there: Jetstar has daily flights between Sydney and Adelaide. Phone 131 538 or see www.jetstar.com.

From Adelaide, it is a one-hour drive to the peninsula.

* Where to stay: The Grand Mercure Links Lady Bay. Phone (08) 8558 2220 or see www.grandmercure.com.au.

* The festival: The Fleurieu Fiesta will be held throughout October. For information, phone 1300 655 276 or see www.fleurieufood.com.au.

© 2007 Sun Herald

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