Leading minds in festivals and food are joining forces for the next edition of Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond as the 2026 dates are set.
Festival favourites Kane Pollard, Banjo Harris Plane and Meira Harel will return as Festival Curators, bringing their knowledge and passion for world-class food and beverage experiences. Joining the creative team lineup is renowned music festival creator and promoter Jessica Ducrou and acclaimed Adelaide chef Duncan Welgemoed.
Secret Sounds co-founder Jessica Ducrou has been appointed as Festival Advisor, bringing with her decades of extensive festival experience having co-founded Harvest Rock, Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival.
Duncan Welgemoed is known for bringing the bold flavours of his South African homeland to Adelaide through his restaurant, Africola. The award-winning chef has been involved with the festival since 2016 and will join as Festival Curator for the upcoming edition. Most recently, he featured alongside the Parwana team for Tasting Australia by Train.
The refreshed structure will see the four Festival Curators collaborate and innovate the 2026 program while leading in their distinct areas of expertise. The Festival Advisor will work alongside the Festival Curators to shape a range of immersive eating and drinking events while keeping the festival experience at the forefront.
More than 150 events throughout South Australia featured during Tasting Australia this year, with highlights including Tasting Australia Airlines journeys to the northern Flinders Ranges and Murray River and the new Aperitivo Hour series featuring chefs from renowned national restaurants. Town Square in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga welcomed more than 65,000 people and the festival supported a total of 280 local businesses.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said the 19th edition of Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond will run from 8 to 17 May 2026 and continue celebrating the people, produce and places that make South Australia unique.
"Food and wine experiences bring more interstate visitors to our State than anything else, and Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond is where the strength and diversity of our offering shines," Minister Bettison said.
"It's a chance to try something new, to forge connections and to celebrate the simple pleasures so easy to find here."
Festival Advisor Jessica Ducrou said she looked forward to bringing a fresh lens to one of the nation's most revered eating and drinking festivals.
"I've long admired Tasting Australia's ethos and the way it so beautifully shares the best of South Australia with an audience from near and far," Ms Ducrou said.
"I'm delighted to contribute to its next incarnation, working alongside the creative and event team to deliver a program infused with the best in show offerings and fab South Australian hospitality."
Festival Curator Duncan Welgemoed said Tasting Australia was known for its ability to unite emerging and established talent.
"The magic of this festival is the way it brings people together - often in new or unexpected ways - to share stories through the plate and through the glass," Mr Welgemoed said.
"Tasting Australia is both launchpad and stage: a place where industry newcomers feature alongside stars already changing the game. I'm so proud to be part of it."
The 2026 Tasting Australia program will be rolled out in the coming months. Visit tastingaustralia.com.au
