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Dating back to 1947,th biennial Barossa Vintage Festival includes about 150 events spread over a full week of festivities.

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Crush Food and Wine Festival,Adelaide Hills

This popular annual event involves more than 40 wineries and producers at various locations throughout the historic region. Attractions include vineyard breakfasts and lunches,live music performances and food and wine masterclasses. The star of next year's festival is Adam Liaw,the South Australian winner of MasterChef 2010,who will conduct cooking workshops."I grew up in the Adelaide Hills,so it's a region that I am very passionate about,"Liaw says."The whole region really comes alive for the Crush festival."

January 30,(08) 8114 6167 or seeadelaidehillswine.com.au.

Coonawarra After Dark Weekend

A weekend of merriment at"Australia's Other Red Centre"- including special winery dinners,concerts and plenty of wine-tasting. Some of Coonawarra's best-known wineries,including Rymill,Hollick and Zema Estate,open their doors to visitors for the weekend,offering a rare chance to chat with the winemakers,visit a working vineyard and watch the grape harvesters in action. Food ranges from home-made pizzas,split roast lamb,tapas,mezze plates to"handcrafted"pies.

April 8-9,(08) 8737 2392 or seecoonawarra.org.

Barossa Vintage Festival

Dating back to 1947,this biennial festival includes about 150 events spread over a full week of festivities. Meet winemakers,enjoy traditional Barossa food or attend a wine auction at Australia's longest-running (and largest) wine festival. Each of Barossa's towns puts on a wealth of special events during the festival. The Rare and Distinguished Wine Auction is considered one of the standout attractions,while Legends Behind the Barrel is a chance to meet the region's top winemakers. Other events include twilight concerts,literary events,street fairs and a festival ball.

April 23-May 1,(08) 8563 0663,seebarossavintagefestival.com.au.

Port Lincoln Tunarama Festival

Best known for the World Championship Tuna Toss,this fish-oriented festival has been pleasing crowds for the past 50 years. A decidedly family affair,the Tunarama festival features a range of free events and competitions - plus a chance to sample some of Australia's best seafood. The five-day festival offers activities for the whole family,including camel rides,street musicians and special seafood dinners.

January 21-26,free,(08) 8682 1300,seetunarama.net.

Schützenfest,Adelaide

This mediaeval-style German festival (schützenfest means"shooting festival") has been celebrated in South Australia since 1964 and reflects the state's strong German heritage. Today,it is one of Australia's largest folk events,with oompah music,Bavarian dancing and plenty of German fare - there are more than 40 food and drinks stalls. Other highlights include cultural heritage displays,shooting events,the Strong Arm Beer Stein Lifting competition and plenty of entertainment for children.

Next year's event takes place in Ellis Park on West Terrace,Adelaide,January 14-15. Tickets $16 at the gate,children under 14 free,(08) 8225 8888 or seeschutzenfest.com.au.

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