Why Clare Valley Gourmet Festival 2026 should be on every wine lover’s calendar

From May 15–18, 2026, the rolling hills of the Clare Valley will once again come alive for the Clare Valley Gourmet Festival, Australia’s longest-running wine and food festival. Now entering its fourth decade, the event has grown from humble beginnings around the kitchen table (the idea came when Clare Valley winemakers Andrew and Jane Mitchell broke their number one family rule of ‘no talk about work at home’) into a cornerstone of the state’s autumn calendar.

Presented by the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association, the Festival was conceived as a way to showcase the Valley’s wines, producers and community spirit. Rather than centring on a single site, it unfolds across cellar doors, wineries and regional venues, inviting visitors to explore the landscape and meet the makers in situ.

“Clare Valley Gourmet Festival is intimate, authentic and proudly regional. A celebration of world-class wine delivered with genuine country hospitality,” says Kylie Pengelly Linke, marketing specialist for the association.

“Unlike larger wine events, it offers rare access to the people behind the labels, with winemakers pouring their own wines, curated Gourmet Bus Trails with set itineraries, connecting venues, and all set among autumn vineyards. It’s premium yet relaxed, sophisticated but welcoming.”

From May 15–18, the Festival unfolds across cellar doors, wineries and regional venues.

In 2026, more than 45 events are planned across four autumn days. Expect long lunches, exclusive winemaker dinners, live music on Saturday, relaxed and family-friendly experiences on Sunday, and farewell celebrations on Monday. Many events are one-off concepts created specifically for the Festival. As Kylie notes, it’s actually challenging to find a ‘normal’ cellar door experience during Gourmet.

Among the standout offerings are the Gourmet Bus Trails, running Saturday and Sunday. These curated routes – Sip & Savour, Devour & Delight, and Feast & Fun – each feature visits to three different venues, with transport, a festival wine tumbler and tote included.

“The curated Bus Trails are the ultimate insider experience. Thoughtfully designed itineraries that take guests to three venues per trail, with a dedicated bus remaining with the group throughout the day for a seamless and fully hosted experience,” Kylie says. “With the addition of a VIP upgrade they will have access to guided premium tastings and other unique behind the scenes experiences, all without worrying about driving.”

Clare Valley Gourmet has more than 45 events planned across four autumn days. 

For those seeking flexibility, the Hop On/Hop Off Shuttle and Adelaide return transfers also make it easy to explore responsibly or visit as a day trip. And if you haven’t been before, Kylie says autumn is the perfect time to visit the Clare Valley. “The vineyards turn brilliant shades of gold and crimson, the days are mild and sunlit, and the pace of vintage has just eased,” she says. “Simply put, May showcases the Valley at its most beautiful, welcoming and flavour-filled."

With accommodation expected to book quickly, early planning is essential. To secure your place – particularly on the Bus Trails and shuttle services, which consistently sell out – visit clarevalleygourmet.com.au and start mapping out your autumn escape.