The Riverland Food and Wine Festival has added a winter chapter to the region’s event calendar, with Sarez Pty Ltd set to launch Winter Wine Down on the Renmark Riverfront in June 2026.
Designed to drive off-season visitation and celebrate the Riverland’s premium red wines on the banks of the Murray River, Winter Wine Down brings together regional wineries, live music and a purpose-built riverside setting that responds to the season rather than retreating from it.
“Through this event we want to encourage extended stays across the festival weekend and support primary producers through tourism activity,” Sarez Pty Ltd member and Winter Wine Down event director Andrew Sarakinis said.
“As a Riverland local and wine grape grower, the goal for this event is to prioritise local suppliers, wineries and performers, and to reinforce the Riverland’s reputation as a destination for authentic food, wine and festival experiences.”
The heart of the event is anchored by a large transparent marquee overlooking the river, housing a central performance stage, seating and dance floor. Designed to create warmth and energy while retaining a strong connection to place, the marquee allows uninterrupted river views throughout the day and into the evening. Surrounding the marquee, fire pits, relaxed outdoor seating, food trucks and winery activations will extend the festival footprint across the riverfront.
The entertainment program will be led by In Pour Taste, a 90-minute wine tasting comedy show paired with wines from Ricca Terra Farms.
“The beauty of Winter Wine Down is the combination of entertainment elements, wine, storytelling, humour. It’s the perfect entry point to Riverland wines for new and returning audiences,” Destination Riverland general manager Lauren Ward said.
Live music will be provided by Mr Buzzy, a five-piece band supported by a curated lineup of local acoustic artists and DJs throughout the event.
The festival is supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Drought Relief Fund and includes a primary-producer-only raffle, with winners receiving a tailored marketing support package from marketing company, Creative Little Soul. The initiative is designed to provide practical, longer-term support for Riverland growers impacted by ongoing drought conditions.
“Our Riverland is abundant in great wine, fresh produce, and welcoming hospitality, which will all be celebrated at this exciting new event on the banks of our stunning Murray River,” Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said.
“I am proud to support the new Winter Wine Down Festival through our Drought Relief Regional Event Fund, as the event will not just provide a boost to visitation, but will bring the community together and create a lasting legacy.”
“Winter Wine Down is exactly the kind of event we love to see – one that supports our local wine industry and brings energy to the riverfront at a quieter time of year,” Renmark Paringa Council chief executive officer Tony Siviour said. “Council is supporting this event through its Event Sponsorship Program, with non-cash support endorsed for the 2025/26 program, and we look forward to working with organisers on this exciting event.”
Winter Wine Down is expected to attract visitors from across South Australia and interstate, contributing to accommodation bookings, hospitality trade and broader economic activity across the Renmark and wider Riverland region.
Event details
- Date: Saturday 6 June 2026
- Location: Renmark Riverfront, South Australia
- Time: 12pm to 8pm
- Highlights: Riverland wineries, live band, DJs fire pits, winter food offerings and riverside atmosphere, In Pour Taste wine tasting comedy show (paired with Ricca Terra wines)
