McLaren Vale Sea and Vines 2015 delights thousands | PHOTOS
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The region’s wine and food were savoured by thousands at the McLaren Vale Sea and Vines Festival.
Organisers estimate 26,000 people rolled through more than 30 wineries that participated in the annual festival, which celebrated its 23rd anniversary this year.
The vast majority of events across the four-day festival - held from June 5 to 8 - sold out.
General manager of organising body McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association, Jennifer Lynch, said crowd numbers exceeded expectations.
“In the past, Sunday has certainly captured the party goers but, over recent years, guests have truly embraced the unique and exclusive ‘Relish’ events which run across the whole weekend and provide the opportunity to really explore the culture, history and culinary values of McLaren Vale,” she said.
Ms Lynch said a number of people flocked to the unticketed Monday events and made the most of great weather, food, wine and live music.
“Their children were delighted by petting zoos, bouncy castles and a Velcro sticky wall,” she said.
Detective Chief Inspector John Schrader, officer in charge, South Coast CIB, said the behaviour of most people at the festival was good and many enjoyed themselves responsibly and safely.
He said five people were arrested for failing to leave a licenced premises after behaving in a disorderly manner on Sunday, and two were issued with expiation notices for behaving in a disorderly manner in licensed premises on Monday.
Nearly 1600 drivers were tested for alcohol, four of which were detected for being over the limit.
There were also 152 drug screening tests conducted on drivers, 10 of which returned positive results for drugs.
Sixty-eight traffic expiations were issued and 26 vehicles were defected.
“Whilst these behavioural and driving offences were disappointing, it was clear that the vast majority of attendees did the right thing and looked after the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others and ensured that the festival was held in a safe and enjoyable environment,” Inspector Schrader said.
Marilyn Kyrylenko of Blewitt Springs went to one of the parties - a lunch prepared by former MasterChef contestant Andre Ursini and his staff at Angove winery - on Sunday, June 7.
“We enjoyed it very much, the food was delicious,” she said.
Mrs Kyrylenko said the festival helps promote the area to a local, national and international audience.
“It introduces people to what is an incredibly unique area,” she said.
Mrs Kyrylenko said fantastic cellar doors, award-winning wine and wonderful food were some of the area’s attributes the festival showed off to the public.