This weekend, celebrate VietFest and the Santos Festival of Cycling or you can head out of the CBD and enjoy dumplings and rosé at Howard Vineyard or pick sunflowers at Atkins Farm.

Words by Elisabeth Marie

Perfect pair

Head to Howard Vineyard on Saturday, January 29,and Sunday, January 30, for the Rosé and Dumpling Festival. Howard Vineyard’s head chef Chang Koog Lee will be making his original hand-rolled dumplings to be accompanied by the Howard Vineyard rosé wines including the Cabernet Franc and 400 Range versions. Live music will also be part of the day while the kids can enjoy the winery grounds and complimentary ice blocks on arrival. 

Spectacular sunflowers

Because they can’t keep them all, Atkins Farm in Meadows is opening its grounds for a limited number of ‘pick your own sunflower’ sessions. The last picking sessions of the season are on Friday, January 28, and Saturday, January 29, so take a day trip to the beautiful Adelaide Hills and pick yourself a pocket full of sunshine.

Experience Vietnam

VietFest will be held on Saturday, January 29, at the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace Campus from 10am to 6pm. Guests can explore a range of activities, including exhibitions of Vietnamese artisan goods and historical costumes, craft workshops, folk games, traditional and contemporary music and dance performances, an Ao Dai fashion show and authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Wheelie good time

The final day of the Santos Festival of Cycling kicks off on Saturday, January 29 with the Men’s Stage 3 McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill. Make the most of the day with Detours presented by Seppeltsfield Road Distillers. Hop onto the bus provided by Seppeltsfield Road Distillers and arrive at the starting line in McLaren Vale for prime viewing of the race alongside a morning of food, wine and bocce. You’ll then be taken to Our Place @ Willunga Hill where you’ll enjoy an Italian style long lunch served up by chef Andy Clappis and his team while watching the race on the big screen. You’ll be able to head outside to watch the race finish in person before heading back to the Adelaide CBD.

Birthday Bunyip

A birthday party to honour the 50th anniversary of the Murray Bridge Bunyip will be celebrated at Sturt Reserve on Saturday, January 29. There will be music, food, kids’ activities, storytelling and speeches from 5pm as the town comes together in celebration of the iconic statue. Visit the Bunyip and say happy birthday before pushing the button to hear it roar as it rises from the murky depths.

For more of what’s on around South Australia this month, pick up the January Issue of SALIFE, which is on sale now.