17th Nov 2017 by brandsa2018

New flavours of the Hills at Longview Vineyard

Adelaide Hills wine lovers might have heard whispers along the grapevine that Pound Road in Macclesfield is worth a stop for a tipple or two.

Except now the whispers aren’t so secret, as family-owned Longview Vineyard has set the bar for new winery experiences in the region.

If there was ever a time to venture to the cool climate, single vineyard that lies 2.5km past Macclesfield’s Crystal Lake it’s now.

Longview has revealed two new rustic tasting venues and a Sunday long lunch offering.

Since breaking ground in the summer of 2015, brothers Peter and Mark Saturno have overseen renovations to the cellar door, kitchen and office, with a new handcrafted tasting room and vista room.

The tasting room replaces the function of its existing “quaint and pokey” cellar door.

Visitors can undertake a wine tasting ($5, redeemable on any purchase) or indulge in the premium and Nebbiolo experiences ($15) to sample some of the top shelf drops.

A new menu of light, seasonal Italian fare will satisfy the nibblers with the family’s own panini and cured meats.

A new, more exclusive Della Casa Sunday feast has also been launched, allowing diners to relax and enjoy the fare while overlooking the vines.

For $55 diners are treated to a multi-course offering of traditional and modern Italian appetisers, mains, sweets and cheese.

The new vista room is a private wining and dining area, seating about 20 people and offering a sense of exclusivity.

The overhaul was driven by vineyard property manager Ian Leiblich who ensured the works were undertaken by local tradesmen.

The new tasting room features a rustic-chic design.

Recycled materials are featured throughout the space, as is the unique Macclesfield pink sandstone.

Co-owner Peter Saturno says the renovations help build upon the Hills’ sense of discovery as visitors can stumble across new flavours and wine varieties.

He runs the show at Longview alongside his actor brother Mark, who has spent time in New York and stars in the State Theatre Company’s production Vale until December 3.

While Mark’s passion lies between the vines and the stage, Peter says he has also long held an appreciation for art – something Longview features strongly throughout the property.

In January 2018, hundreds of people will flock to the vineyard for the annual Crush Festival and Piece Project, sipping wine while watching four street artists create a piece from scratch.

“We have both had a great appreciation for graffiti art from a very young age,” says Peter.

“2018 will be our eighth Crush festival … people love coming up here and we get a crowd number of about 1300-1400 each time.”

Mark, front, and Peter Saturno. PHOTO: Amanda Davenport.

At next year’s Crush, Longview will welcome highly respected DJ Norman Jay MBE to spin some tunes.

Longview also offers a range of accommodation, including a country homestead and a range of suites overlooking the vines.

Peter says the Adelaide Hills is punching above its weight in terms of unique food and wine offerings and experiences.

“I think we still have a long way to go but the offerings in the Hills are as good as they have ever been,” he says.

“There are lots of exciting things happening here and it’s certainly one of the most exciting wine regions in the country.

“Restaurateurs and wine buyers are loving hills wines because they are made well.”

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16th Nov 2017 by brandsa2018

Kane Williams at home on the ocean floor

Whether it’s diving 18m under the sea or running Port Lincoln’s abalone co-operative, Kane Williams has always been at home by the South Australian ocean.

For 10 years he was an abalone diver before swapping reef beds for dry land as general manager for Port Lincoln based processor Western Abalone.

“I was born here and I just love the area,” Kane says.

“Our seafood and our marine environment are as good as it gets.”

Kane Williams dived for wild abalone before taking on the role as general manager for Western Abalone.

Western Abalone, formed in 1982, processes abalone caught by hand from reefs along SA’s remote western coastline.

Divers collect the large sea snails – which are a delicacy in fine restaurants and in Asian countries – from rocks on the bottom of the ocean.

The life of an abalone diver is tough, as they spend up to seven hours in deep, cold waters often sighting sharks and stingrays.

Kane was introduced to the world of abalone by his wife Karine’s family who “needed somebody to help out”.

He had also studied marine science and aquaculture at university and had worked as a commercial diver and biologist in the tuna sector.

“I also worked in aquaculture for the (State) Government in Adelaide, assessing aquaculture farms,” Kane says.

Abalone are collected by hand from the bottom of the ocean.

In mid-2014 he landed the role as Western Abalone’s general manager.

“I always delivered my abalone there (Western Abalone) as a fisherman and so had a good understanding of the fishery and the back-end of the business,” Kane says.

“It was a bit of a change to start with but I’ve been really happy with the move.

“Being able to jump into sales and marketing was a lucky occurrence for me because a big part of what I do is working with overseas clients.

“They know I’m not like a typical salesman, if they want to ask me anything about the ins and outs of the industry, they can.”

Western Abalone processes 500 tonnes of abalone every year.

Western Abalone is at the centre of the lucrative industry in SA, processing about 500 tonnes of both wild-catch and farmed abalone annually.

It processes three species of wild-caught abalone including greenlip, blacklip and roei.

The majority – more than 90% – is exported to Asian markets while the rest is sent to top restaurants in Australian capital cities.

As for the most important question – what do abalone taste like?

“They have a unique, subtle flavour – sweet and clean and a little bit like oysters and lobster,” Kane says.

The Golden Line product name derives from the gold-coloured lifeline abalone divers rely on for their air supply while underwater.

Western Abalone has set itself strict sustainability standards including annual catch quotas and size limits.

Kane says sustainable fishing practices are more important now than ever.

“We voluntarily implement measures to protect our industry … we are very responsible and proactive,” he says.

“Globally wild catch abalone has been declining for decades and we are very aware of that over this way (the West Coast), where we try to protect the resource as much as possible.

“It’s a highly regulated industry and we are one of the only fisheries that is looking daily at what is happening on the bottom of the ocean.”

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16th Nov 2017 by brandsa2018

Adelaide parklands host thousands for premier equestrian event

More than 25,000 spectators are expected to gather in Adelaide’s eastern parklands this week for the only equestrian event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

The prestigious 2017 Australian International Three Day Event (3DE) will attract the best competitors from around the world to compete at Victoria Park with the action kicking off today (Thursday, November 16).

The event, which is celebrating its 20th year in 2017, is the only four-star (Olympic standard) competition in the Southern Hemisphere.

Among the 80 competitors across three classes is Queenslander Hazel Shannon, who is returning to defend her 2016 championship with Willunga Park Clifford.

Hazel Shannon and Thoroughbred Clifford in 2016.

This year the International 3DE is a qualifying competition for the Australian team for the 2018 World Equestrian Games to be held in the US.

Gates open to the general public today (Thursday) for a free day of dressage before the three phases of events roll out from Friday, November 17 until Sunday, November 19.

3DE chair Dr Felicity-ann Lewis says competition is strong.

“We have a very strong field of 21 entries in the Mitsubishi Motors CCI4* Olympic standard competition, with Australia’s best horses vying for top honours, along with a strong contingent of six horses from New Zealand,” she says.

Dr Lewis says the 3DE is growing from strength to strength under the stewardship of event director and Olympic equestrian gold medallist Gillian Rolton and her team.

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell says the event has put Adelaide on the equestrian map.

“For 20 years the organisers have done an awesome job bringing this international event to the heart of the city,” he says.

“This event has not only put Adelaide on the equestrian map but also makes a significant contribution to our record $6.3 billion visitor economy.”

Tickets are available for purchase from the main gate on Fullarton Road.

Visit the website for more information.

Header image: Andrew Cooper, Australia, riding Evergem Perfection. PHOTO: Julie Wilson/FEI.

15th Nov 2017 by brandsa2018

New entrepreneurship hub to boost innovation on the Limestone Coast

Entrepreneurs and businesses in South Australia’s second largest city – Mount Gambier – will be given a leg up when a $1.5m innovation incubator opens in 2018.

The hub called eNVIsion Limestone Coast will be delivered through the eNVIsion accelerator program led by Flinders University’s New Venture Institute (NVI) at Tonsley.

To be located in Mount Gambier’s town centre, the regional incubator will give emerging entrepreneurs and business people “the tools to get started”, while creating jobs and increasing exports.

eNVIsion Limestone Coast is expected to open in Mount Gambier’s town centre in early 2018.

The hub will feature co-working spaces, workshops, and access to acceleration programs, large file sharing, video conferencing, and content streaming technologies.

It will also be connected to the high-speed broadband GigCity network, helping to “break down regional barriers to create a thriving business ecosystem”.

While supported by Flinders University, eNVIsion Limestone Coast also received funding from the three tiers of government.

Overall investment in the project, expected to launch in early 2018, is about $1.5m.

NVI director Matt Salier says the innovation incubator will help entrepreneurs, business leaders, researchers and industry professionals to compete in national and global economies.

The regional innovation hub will be a place for business owners and emerging entrepreneurs to connect with industry leaders and launch their ideas.

The regional incubator will be a place for business owners and emerging entrepreneurs to launch their ideas.

He says innovation incubators generally have links to angel investors and global ‘launching pads’, like those NVI has in Austin, Shanghai and Singapore.

“We have been talking to the local council about the needs of the community and all of the wonderful opportunities down there and where they see growth,” Matt says.

“The agriculture and seafood industry – these industries are already there and very much having a global focus.

“We are confident our incubator can assist more from these and other industries to succeed in the same way.”

Matt says interest from potential eNVIsion tenants is already strong.

“We have networks all over the world whether it’s in Asia, the US or Europe, we are bringing that capability to local businesses and working with great people already, like (local design studio) Hello Friday,” he says.

“These are the types of businesses that are able to compete from wherever they are.”

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13th Nov 2017 by brandsa2018

Fishing for freshness in Australia’s seafood capital

Port Lincoln’s Lana Harvey knows a fresh fish when she sees one.

It’s all in the eyes, she says.

“You can tell by the look of their eyes, that’s a pretty easy tell-tale sign,” says the Fresh Fish Place’s wholesale logistics manager.

But quality is a given where Lana works – Port Lincoln, the country’s seafood capital and home to the largest fishing fleet in the Southern Hemisphere.

When a diner in a high-end Sydney restaurant is sliding their fork through a King George whiting, it’s possible that same fish was selected by Lana just 24 hours earlier.

The Fresh Fish Place's Lana Harvey is responsible for selecting high-quality premium seafood for distribution across Australia.

The Fresh Fish Place’s Lana Harvey with a Spencer Gulf hiramasa kingfish.

Lana is The Fresh Fish Place’s go-to woman for finding high-grade, wild caught and farmed seafood and selling it onto five star restaurants and even celebrity chefs.

When a professional fisherman arrives at the Port Lincoln factory, Lana is ready to survey the quality of the catch.

“When I see something good come through the doors, that is exciting,” she says.

“When a car pulls up I’m straight outside and when it’s quality I’m straight on the phone and I can’t wait to get it to destinations all over Australia.

“The quality speaks for itself and sells itself.”

The family-owned Fresh Fish Place is the Eyre Peninsula’s largest seafood supplier, with a throughput of about 200 tonnes of seafood annually.

Species include deep-sea flathead, southern garfish, King George whiting, Spencer Gulf hiramasa kingfish, queen snapper, gummy shark and bluefin tuna.

The Fresh Fish Place includes a factory direct seafood outlet and fish café.

Other marine species include Coffin Bay, Franklin Harbour and Smokey Bay oysters, Bass Strait scallops, Port Lincoln black mussels, Coffin Bay sand crabs, and southern calamari.

The seafood is supplied to hotels, restaurants, fish shops and supermarkets.

Port Lincoln born Lana says The Fresh Fish Place struggles to keep up with demand for supply, as South Australian seafood continues to be recognised as world class.

Every fish that comes through the doors must meet strict sustainability criteria, including size limits.

“When we are receiving fish we are required to check sizes and if it’s undersized we are required to report it,” Lana says.

“For the commercial fishery, quotas also help with maintaining our sustainable fishing industry.”

Lana says seafood quality is maintained from the moment the fish is hooked by the fisherman.

The Fresh Fish Place is home to 27 employees and has a throughput of about 200 tonnes of seafood every year.

“The moment the fish is caught to the moment it’s cooked and ready to put on your plate, it must be kept at temperature, generally 5C or under is ideal.”

“We absolutely have some of the best seafood in the world and the way that it’s managed is brilliant.”

The Fresh Fish Place is also a factory direct seafood outlet and fish café, attracting 40,000 customers every year.

With 50% of the customers being visitors, the fish café is a popular spot to enjoy a pan fried or battered fish shortly after its been filleted straight off the production table.

Along with public tours of the factory, The Fresh Fish Place also incorporates the Port Lincoln Seafood Cooking School which brings together the culinary profession and seafood marketers.

One of 27 Fresh Fish Place employees, Lana says she’s proud to be a part of the SA seafood industry, a sector responsible for 2300 direct jobs.

“Port Lincoln is the seafood capital of Australia and it shows in the quality of the seafood that comes out of the region,” she says.

“We have beautiful clean waters and a huge, naturally deep harbour – it’s a beautiful fishing environment.”

Lana Harvey is an I Choose SA for Seafood ambassador. Listen to her story below.

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13th Nov 2017 by brandsa2018

You know you’re from the Adelaide Hills when …

Lifestyle, Lists
Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf, Lists, Tourism

You can bet there’s a koala in your generously sized backyard, you know a thing or two about wine and you eat cherries by the bucket load in summer.

You’re from the Adelaide Hills, South Australia’s picturesque region renowned for its rolling paddocks, sweeping vineyards and scrubby horizons.

But what really makes a fair dinkum Hills dweller?

1. Spotting a koala, echidna, deer or kangaroo crossing the road is no big deal.

2. You know how to pronounce ‘Gumeracha’ and ‘Nairne’.

3. You tow the wheelie bin behind the car on rubbish night because your driveway is too long.

4. You live next door to, or up the road from, a winery, distillery or cheesemaker.

5. You went nuts when KFC came to Mount Barker. And then there was Aldi.

6. You have Beerenberg, Buzz Honey and Prancing Pony products at home at ALL TIMES.

You’ve been a supporter of Prancing Pony since day one.

7. You can short-cut your way around town with the accuracy of a rally co-driver.

8. You can gracefully climb a fence.

9. Your bushfire survival plan is stuck to the fridge in summer.

10. City folk always ask ‘where’s that?’ when you tell them where you live.

11. You’ve caught the 3.45am bus home from the city up the freeway after a night out.

12. You’re a member of the Facebook group Adelaide Hills Community Chat.

13. You always think of home when you’re in the city and spot the three Mount Lofty towers on the horizon.

The three Mount Lofty TV towers.

14. Forget watermelon seed spitting contests. Your childhood was all about the cherry stones.

15. You’ve heard of (or live in) a lesser-known town like Flaxley, Lenswood, Gemmells or Dawesley.

16. You’ve cursed driving a manual car when stuck in traffic on the slopes at the Lobethal Lights.

17. You reference going to the city as ‘heading down the hill’.

18. Red Cacao chocolate is not a fancy treat in your house, it’s a pantry staple.

19. You’ve nearly lost a side mirror when driving along Hahndorf’s main street. (But love the popular tourist strip all the same).

Hahndorf is the jewel in the crown of the Hills’ tourism industry, attracting one million visitors per year.

20. You know what Gruner Veltliner is and you know that the Hills is pretty good at making it. Hahndorf Hill anyone?

21. You buy your fruit and veggies from roadside stalls. Or grow them yourself!

22. You’re an expert in South Eastern Freeway etiquette.

23. Your mum bought 10 copies of The Courier when your netball/footy team photo was in the sports pages.

24. You silently disagree when someone from Rostrevor or Blackwood says they’re from the Hills.

25. You’ve only walked the Waterfall Gully route to the Mount Lofty Summit once or twice because you know the Crafers trail is less busy.

The Uraidla Hotel was reborn in 2016 after being closed for a long period of time. PHOTO: The Uraidla Hotel Facebook

26. The revival of the Uraidla Hotel brought back memories of the good old days.

27. You know how cold it really gets in winter. (Bridgewater people know what we’re talking about.)

28. You’re a regular Oakbank racegoer, Crush festival attendee or Winter Reds aficionado.

29. You play rock, paper, scissors to determine who will get out and open the front gate when you get home.

If you’re more of a city slicker, here are 22 signs you’re from South Australia.

9th Nov 2017 by brandsa2018

Top 10 fishing spots in SA with Bart Butson

I Choose SA, Lists
fishing, i choose sa for seafood, ichoosesa, Lists, Seafood

Third-generation fisherman Bart Butson knows all too well that thrilling tug on the end of a line.

The Port Wakefield local has spent almost as much time on water as he has on land, and says there is no better place to wet a line in than South Australian seas.

“We have the best fishing in the world,” he says.

Brand SA News caught up with the experienced haul net fisherman to gain an insight into what it’s like to fish for a living.

And, of course, we included some of his favourite spots to throw a line.

“When I’m out there and my phone’s not ringing, it feels like I’m on the only person on earth,” he says.

“I’ve always been around fish. I used to complain to my mother when I was three years of age that I wanted to go fishing and she’d give in and let me go.”

Experienced haul net fisherman Bart Butson says his hometown of Port Wakefield is an underrated fishing hotspot. PHOTO: Wildcatch Fisheries SA Inc.

The 45-year-old has fished under a professional fishing license since the 1990s and follows in his grandfather Ronald and father Robert’s fishing footsteps.

His brother is also a professional fisherman on the Eyre Peninsula.

Bart sends his fish to two Port Wakefield businesses, as well as SAFCOL and selected Foodland supermarkets in Adelaide.

His respect for the ocean and the state’s seafood industry is obvious through his sustainable practices and his dedication to Wildcatch Fisheries SA’s Fair Fish initiative.

It involves Bart’s freshly caught seafood being plated up in high-end Adelaide restaurants within hours.

“Twelve hours after I catch it, people are eating it,” he says.

Bart has been fishing since the age of 3. PHOTO: Wildcatch Fisheries SA Inc.

While Bart is a true professional, fishing for fun is an important part of SA’s tourism industry.

Read on for the best places to explore this beautiful, 3800km-long coast of ours.

1. Port Wakefield, Yorke Peninsula.

You probably know Port Wakefield for its roaring hot meat pies or perhaps your last chance for a loo stop before hitting the highway again.

Bart says the often underrated Port Wakefield is a “beautiful, historic and quaint little town” offering good fishing and crabbing spots.

Fishing on Kangaroo Island won’t disappoint.

2. Kangaroo Island.

It’s one of the best places to jump on a fishing charter and learn from the experts.

For less serious fishers, Kingscote’s long jetty won’t disappoint with regular yields of tommies, squid, garfish, leatherjackets and snook.

3. Backstairs passage.

These waters between the mainland off Cape Jarvis and Kangaroo Island are renowned for whopping snapper, nannygai, tuna and sharks.

But it’s not for the faint hearted, inexperienced fishermen or small boat owners.

The waters are around 50-60m deep, with fast moving currents and steep waves when tides go against the winds.

4. Port Hughes old lighthouse, Yorke Peninsula.

About 15km offshore, west from the Port Hughes boat ramp, is the old light house.

Be wary of shallow waters close to the structure, but the area is excellent for good sized garfish and snapper (which must only be fished in season).

Port Vincent's stunningly clear waters make for excellent crabbing.

Port Vincent’s clear waters make for excellent crabbing.

5. Port Vincent, Yorke Peninsula.

About two-and-a-half hours from Adelaide, Port Vincent is good blue swimmer crab territory and promising for whiting and squid.

Far offshore is well known for whiting, while anglers with tinnies can simply drift with a squid jig close to the shore.

6. Whyalla, Eyre Peninsula.

This is the place for “big reds”, a.k.a snapper.

Point Lowly is a good spot for these prized fish, but you must wait until the SA snapper season opens on December 15, with some selected areas closed until January 31. Be sure to also check size, bag and boat limits.

7. Port Neill, Eyre Peninsula.

A beautiful Eyre Peninsula town with white, sandy beaches and clear waters.

For land-based anglers the jetty is perfect for tommies and squid, while many of the beaches are good for yellowfin whiting and even bronze whalers!

Boaties in the area have been known to catch good feeds of King George whiting.

8. Farm Beach, Coffin Bay, Eyre Peninsula.

About half-hour from Coffin Bay on the west coast is Farm Beach, a superb whiting ground.

If fishing by boat, you’ll need to access the area by launching from the beach with a tractor or make the 15km trip from the Coffin Bay boat ramp.

Mt Camel Beach is not far from Venus Bay.

9. Mt Camel Beach, Eyre peninsula.

Mt Camel Beach is a land-angler’s paradise. Nestled in the sand dunes, it’s an excellent spot for surf fishing for salmon.

10. Port MacDonnell, Limestone Coast.

This Limestone Coast gem is ideal for bluefin tuna.

These fish are powerful fighters, and lots of fun to reel in (if you’re lucky enough!)

When fishing in SA, you must follow the rules to ensure we can continue to enjoy a world-class and sustainable seafood supply.

Size, bag and boat limits apply, as do seasonal closures, aquatic reserves and restrictions on protected species.

Visit the PIRSA website or call the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522 for more information.

8th Nov 2017 by brandsa2018

Whyalla’s Breeze Millard on the road to stardom

Singing into a hairbrush might be as far as most teens get with a professional singing career, but for Whyalla’s Breeze Millard a big break might only be a ballad away.

The 17-year-old has not only released a debut single while completing Year 12, but her film clip has led to a Whyalla production company becoming a finalist in the SA Music Awards.

The young singer-songwriter is local music company Stormfront Productions’ inaugural recipient of the Whyalla Recording Scholarship.

Over the past year Breeze has undertaken a music mentorship at Stormfront’s studio to write, record and release pop song, I Have My Own Life.

Breeze Millard, 17, is Stormfront Production’s inaugural Whyalla Recording Scholarship recipient.

“Being in the studio was definitely a new experience for me and different to being in front of a live audience,” Breeze says.

“I Have My Own Life is about being within ourselves and not listening to others and knowing how we want to live our life.

“I want the song to be open to interpretation and relate to different people and their lives.”

The debut single led to Stormfront Productions becoming a finalist for Best Studio in the 2017 SA Music Awards.

I Have My Own Life featured guidance from Stormfront Productions’ singer-songwriters Mark Tempany and Alison Hams, as well as top musical talents from the US.

Multi Grammy-award winner Tom Coyne, who has worked on recordings with Adele, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, mastered the song before he passed away from illness in April, 2017.

“Working with Tom was absolutely amazing,” says Breeze.

“We recorded my vocals here and sent it out to artists who would then send music back.

“We had many great people from all around the world providing us with music.”

Breeze performs at the Channel 9 Young Achiever Awards in Adelaide earlier in 2017.

The song reached number eight on the Australian Radio Airplay Project chart – a listing of popular tracks ordered for airplay on community radio, while it also reached number five on the Indie Radio Alliance Chart in the UK.

Earlier this year Breeze performed to hundreds of people at the Channel 9 Young Achiever Awards.

Her next gig is scheduled for December 10 at the Whyalla Carols in the Park.

The Edward John Eyre High School student intends to pursue a career in journalism.

“I’m definitely going to pursue music along with my university course,” she says.

Stormfront Productions’ Alison Hams says the Whyalla Recording Scholarship allows performers to gain a professional insight and guidance into the world of showbiz.

“This gives Breeze the best possible chance to go out into the world with her music,” she added.

View the I Have My Own Life film clip here.

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6th Nov 2017 by brandsa2018

Local indie folk outfit set to charm at Handpicked Festival

For six-piece indie folk group The Winter Gypsy, hitting the same stage as some of Australia’s hottest musos at this weekend’s Handpicked Festival will be quite the coup.

The homegrown outfit will perform before thousands of people at Langhorne Creek’s Lake Breeze Wines on November 11 after taking out the event’s local acts competition.

The Winter Gypsy beat hundreds of applicants to snag a spot in the lineup.

“We’ve managed to support a large quantity of interstate acts in the last two years thanks to local bookers,” the band says in a statement.

“We were all on tour when we won, so we couldn’t believe the news.

“We’re all so chuffed.”

Forming from four separate bands in August, 2015, The Winter Gypsy’s tracks range from soft folk melodies and haunting vocal harmonies to soaring, upbeat instrumentals.

Often compared to The Middle East, Bon Iver and Bombay Bicycle Club, the band’s sound is complemented by a complex range of instruments.

Handpicked Festival organiser Kate Cooper says the local acts competition receives about 200 applicants every year.

“I listen to a lot of music all night long and select three key artists and then we put it to a poll on social media,” she says.

Last year's Handpicked Festival attracted thousands to Lake Breeze Wines, an idyllic backdrop for enjoying good music, food and wine.

The 2016 Handpicked Festival attracted thousands to Lake Breeze Wines, an idyllic backdrop for enjoying good music, food and wine.

“We’re so proud to see a number of our past local acts get their big break with Paige Renee Court now doing amazing things, Timberwolf doing exceptionally well and Ash Gale kicking goals.”

Kate says the competition came down to the wire and therefore talented SA muso Alana Jagt will also hit the stage to mesmerise crowds with her pop/folk tunes.

Other performers include premier party band Jimmy and the Mirrors, vintage pop sensations Leo, alternative pop group San Cisco and indie outfit The Jezabels.

Flower crowns are a must-have Handpicked accessory.

Headlining the Handpicked bill are ARIA award-winning singer-songwriter Matt Corby and Aussie rockers Jet, who are performing their first gig in SA in six years.

Handpicked Festival will not only be a feast for the ears, but a feast for food and wine lovers too.

The event will feature some of SA’s finest food trucks, offering Mexican, Greek, Italian and French cuisines, as well as eats to satisfy vegos, vegans and gluten free-goers.

Caterers include SA favourites Let Them Eat, Gourmet Grillerz, La Cantina Co, Squid Inc., Orexi, Melt and Bean Machine, PōPSICOOL, and La Creperie.

The Barrel Bar is for quenching thirsts.

Drinks will be served at The Barrel Bar, created out of a five-metre high wall of vintage wine barrels.

In a Handpicked first is the Cocktail Forest, a boutique bar offering a menu using Lake Breeze’s moscato, rosé and vermentino.

The Lane will be a space for local artisans to showcase their wares, while flower crown, face painting, body art and henna stalls will ensure festival goers look the part.

Handpicked Festival is on Saturday, November 11.

For tickets, accommodation advice and bus transfers visit the website.

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6th Nov 2017 by brandsa2018

Barossa business group steers Seppeltsfield Road to success

The winery studded and palm tree lined strip of Seppeltsfield Road has become a visitor destination in its own right.

But behind the cellar door owners and luxury accommodation providers is a dedicated band of community members, helping to drive business and improve tourism experiences.

If it weren’t for the Seppeltsfield Road Business Alliance (SRBA) cycling and walking trails, a visitor information bay, and major fundraising events would cease to exist.

For the past 15 years the association has combined the forces of locals along the popular tourist strip to create better business opportunities and improve public facilities.

SRBA members form a team for the annual Clean up Australia Day along Seppeltsfield Road.

SRBA members join in the annual Clean up Australia Day along Seppeltsfield Road.

SRBA member and Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage owner Sharyn Rogers says the group, comprising 30 business owners and 10 community members, fosters collaboration and community spirit.

“Seppeltsfield Road is visually stunning to drive along, and we have found ourselves home to some of the Barossa’s finest food, wine and culture destinations,” she says.

“It’s become an iconic destination in itself within the Barossa.”

Recent SRBA projects include advocating for a 2km walking and cycling trail from Rolf Binder Wines to Tscharke Wines and The Louise.

The trail is the first stage of a 14km trail project from Tanunda to Greenock, winding through vineyards and scrub, giving cyclists an environmental experience.

While the 2km trail was completed as a joint project between Light Regional Council and Primary Industries and Regions SA, the SRBA is currently seeking funding to support the construction of the remaining 12km.

“We have a lot of people who come to see Seppeltsfield Road because it’s an ideal destination,” Sharyn says.

“But it’s quite a narrow, hilly road so we recognised that being a beautiful area a shared (bicycle and walking) path would be ideal.”

The SRBA advocated for an information centre at the entrance to Seppeltsfield Road. PHOTO: Dragan Radocaj

The SRBA also initiated the development and construction of a visitor information bay on the eastern end of Seppeltsfield Road.

The group is currently advocating for one to be established at the western end, with the project up for voting in the State Government’s Fund My Neighborhood campaign.

“Visitors entering from the Sturt Highway have no defined welcome point to the Barossa,” Sharyn says.

“It will also serve as a resting and viewing spot for walkers and cyclists travelling along the bike trail and will help enhance the area.”

The SRBA organises various community events throughout the year, including the annual Shakespeare in the Vines at Seppeltsfield Winery each January.

Gnadenfrei St Michael’s Lutheran Church is one of the feature buildings on Seppeltsfield Road.

It attracts about 400 people and is the alliance’s biggest annual fundraiser.

The SRBA is made up of paying members including local businesses such as Barossa Coffee Roasters and Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop.

Gnadenfrei St Michael’s Lutheran Church, Barossa Valley Ballooning and Marananga Brass Band are also members, adding diversity to the wining and dining mix.

“Being a part of SRBA allows businesses to collaborate and leverage marketing opportunities,” Sharyn says.

“It’s a very Barossa thing that if we work together it’s better for business and the community.”

Header image: SRBA members celebrate the opening of a $2m roundabout the group lobbied for over a number of years to improve a black spot intersection along the road.

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