Crush Festival 2020

Overview

You don't need an excuse to visit the Adelaide Hills and spend the weekend sampling local wines and regional food — but this free three-day festival makes a convincing case for planning a trip over the January long weekend.

Crush is a family-friendly event that features long lunches in the sun, wine-matched degustation dinners, live music from local bands and DJs, plus kids' entertainment, art and theatre. It all takes place in Adelaide Hills — and the festival runs shuttle services from Adelaide CBD from $32–43 per person if you don't want to be designated driver.

The 2020 festival program features lots of cool climate wines to taste at more than 30 wineries, a 'Friday Knockoffs' event that's all about lounging on the grass with live music and lawn games. On Saturday and Sunday (11am–6pm), food truck Syrian Mobile Disco will be serving up Syrian-inspired street snacks as you sample local wines and beers. The Lane Vineyard is hosting 'Hamptons in the Hills' (Sat, Sun 10am–5pm), which is a chance to enjoy frosés on the terrace with food by the hatted restaurant on site. Plus, the biggie — Alfresco Tomato Crushing — is when you get to squelch your way to fresh pasta sauce in advance of a long lunch on Saturday or Sunday.

General entry is free, but you'll want to pick up a Spiegelau or Riedel wine glass for $10 to make the most of the ample wine pours. Some events are ticketed, so check the festival's website for the full program closer to January.

Images: Nick Lawrence.