The stylish alternative

With a number of exclusive features in 2013 – including up-to-date blogging from The Wine Punter Michael Ellis and live fashion exhibitions by Paolo Sebastian’s Paul Vasileff) – this year will also see the festivities extend over the January long weekend. Owned and operated by Garry Sweeney and Sharon Pearson, Mt Lofty Range Vineyards will transform into a fusion of Cajun and Caribbean grooves, the cellar door hosting a reggae band and offering a Cajun barbecue to complement their wines. According to Sweeney, Mt Lofty Range Vineyard will officially launch four brand new wines on the day. “This will include our new Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and our new bubbles. For us, it’s also about giving something back to the people who have supported us over the last 12 months. An event like this is about the people who buy our wine and who get behind us, as well as what the cellar door can offer to them. We’re keen to put on a day for people to come up and enjoy the Hills, it’s cost effective and you can have a bit of fun. Rather than just having 20,000 people drinking at a park, the clientele that comes up here is very loyal, they’re wine-enthusiasts and the entire day is very relaxed.” Sweeney – who prides himself on being “spot-on in predicting the weather” at Crush each year – says he expects around 300 wine-lovers to make their way to his cellar door at any one point. “I’m looking forward to having a wine and a bit of fun with such a loyal following that we have. I hope people enjoy the new wines we’re got as well. Last year we joined up with another cellar door for the Beach Party theme so we had about 600 people around at any one point. This year we’re expecting about 300 for our own Caribbean theme. I’m also predicting it will be 29 degrees on the day, and considering that I got it exactly right last year, we’ll see if I can do it again.” Adelaide Hills Wine Region President, John Harvey, claims that Crush is a very unique South Australian event which not only focuses on wine but also entertainment and fashion. In 2013, the festival organisers have more in store than ever before. “The pairing of art, music and fashion with wine and food drew record crowds in 2012 and allowed visitors to explore the unique and edgy side of the wine region,” he says. “It’s something that proudly sets Crush apart from other wine festivals. The Adelaide Hills come alive during the Crush Festival and this year more than ever, the region is excited to be working with Paolo Sebastian designer Paul Vasileff, Simon Bryant and Michael Ellis to help showcase the great wine, food and creative inspirations on offer throughout the region.” crushfestival.com.au