This weekend, make your way to McLaren Vale for the Coriole Music Festival, head to the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival, or have an authentic Igloo Raclette experience.

Words Charlie Gilchrist

Music, wine and food

The Coriole Music Festival returns this weekend with two days of chamber music, food and wine. Set in the picturesque backdrop of the Coriole Vineyard in McLaren Vale, this celebration of music is curated by Adelaide Symphony Orchestra cellist Simon Cobcroft, who is its artist director. The 2024 program includes music from Australian operatic baritone Samuel Dundas, pianist and writer Anna Goldsworthy, Russian pianist Konstantin Shamray, ASO double bassist Jaan Pallandi, violinist Doretta Balkizas, the Lyrebird Piano Trio and the Orava Quartet. The Coriole Music Festival is on May 18 and 19.

Creative minds

The beautiful historic South Australian towns of Penola and Coonawarra will come to life this weekend as the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival celebrates the region’s rich literary, art and cultural heritage. Providing a platform for local, national and international creatives, both emerging and established, the festival will host exhibitions, workshops and performances that you can watch while savouring some local produce or enjoying a local chardonnay – or two. There will also be numerous prizes awarded at this year’s festival, including the John Neilson Acquisitive Art Prize, the Catherine Martin Literary Award and an open mic competition on the Sunday. This festival runs until May 19.

A history of classical music

As part of the Country Arts SA’s 2024 season, the Australian Chamber Orchestra will present An Evening with the ACO Collective Quartet. The program takes the audience on a journey through the history of classical music, with works from Johann Sebastian Bach, Joseph Haydn, Edward Elgar and Ludwig van Beethoven, covering the baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary periods. Also included in the program is Libertango by Argentinian tango composer Astor Piazzolla and Resting with Angels by contemporary Australian composer Ella Macens – her first work for a string quartet. The concert takes to Renmark’s Chaffey Theatre stage on Tuesday, May 21 and Mount Gambier’s Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre on May 24.

Say cheese

Head to the Festival Plaza this weekend for an authentic Raclette Igloo Experience. This indulgent cheesy treat is a staple of French families during the cold months of winter. The perfect flavour combination of a traditional raclette is created by pouring melted cheese over a selection of charcuterie and boiled potatoes – délicieux! As you enjoy this hearty meal in your own private igloo, sip on a mulled wine or decadent French Champagne. The Raclette Igloo experience will take place until June 9.

A special night out

Have a special night out next Tuesday, May 21, with the return of the Meet the Wine Maker dinner at East End Cellars Norwood. This refined evening, hosted by Gareth from Gentle Folk Wines, will include a three-course meal prepared by head chef Tess of smoked garlic vongole and roasted spatchcock. A curated selection of wine, including chardonnay and pinot noir, will also be paired with your meal.