For international wine lovers planning a trip “Down Under” (a friendly term referring to Australia’s location in the southern hemisphere), timing a visit to coincide with vintage or harvest season offers a memorable opportunity to experience vintage traditions, regional culture and exceptional wines at their source. Generally vintage takes place from late January through to April, depending on the wine region and wine variety.
With 18 distinct wine regions across South Australia and 200 cellar doors within an hour’s drive of the capital city Adelaide, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the festivities.
Some of the highlights include:
Barossa Vintage Festival – Wine, Food and Community in Full Swing
Held every two years (put April 2027 in your diary!), the Barossa Vintage Festival is one of Australia’s longest-running wine celebrations. The multi-day program features more than 90 events across the Barossa region, combining wine tastings and masterclasses with food experiences, markets, art exhibitions, live music and family-friendly activities. Highlights include the colourful Vintage Festival Parade through Tanunda and Nuriootpa, grape-stomping competitions, and the Wine Village, where visitors can taste everything from iconic Barossa Shiraz to emerging producers. It’s an immersive way to experience the region at its most vibrant.
McLaren Vale Bell Ringing – A Ceremonial Start to Harvest
In McLaren Vale, vintage begins with the Bell Ringing Ceremony at Wirra Wirra Wines. Winemakers, growers and locals gather as the historic Angelus Bell is rung to mark the official start of harvest. The ceremony is linked to the region’s Bushing Monarchs tradition, with the reigning monarch ringing the bell to welcome the new vintage. The event reflects the close-knit nature of the McLaren Vale community and offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the traditions that shape the region.
Coonawarra Vintage Launch – Welcoming the New Season
Further south, the Coonawarra Vintage Launch brings growers, winemakers and locals together at the historic Coonawarra Siding (next up in March 2026). The event marks the transition into harvest with speeches and a collective sense of anticipation. Known for its elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra celebrates vintage as a shared milestone that highlights pride, collaboration and regional identity.
Across these regions, vintage season showcases South Australia at its most engaging – making it an ideal time for travellers from far and wide to explore the people, places and wines that define the wine state of Australia.
Plan your trip at southaustralia.com Cheers!
Photo Coonawarra Vintage Launch 2025. Courtesy of Coonawarra Wine Region