Seven incredible artists, seven unique experiences, six stunning venues!

Come and learn from an artist in a beautiful setting at one of McLaren Vale’s wineries, or at the historic Waverley Park Homestead in Willunga. We are bringing together some of the beautiful cellar doors and restaurants in McLaren Vale and well-known artists to offer unique opportunities to learn more from these talented people. Discover hidden corners of the beautiful McLaren Vale region, enjoy local the food and wine - and immerse yourself in creativity in June.  Numbers are limited.  Book early

Sarah McDonald paints at Angove Cellar Door

Join well known South Australian artist Sarah McDonald for an exclusive event at the elegant Angove Cellar Door in McLaren Vale. Gain a rare insight into the life of a professional artist as Sarah shares the journey behind her successful career, and how creativity, persistence and entrepreneurship intertwine. Then experience her art process up close as she paints live, drawing inspiration from the vineyards and surrounding landscape of McLaren Vale at Angove. Enjoy a welcome glass of wine while listening to Sarah’s story, then a delicious two course shared lunch followed by cheese accompanied by Angove McLaren Vale wines while you watch Sarah paint the stunning view through the expansive picture windows.

Angove cellar door is located in the heart of McLaren Vale overlooking vineyards and rolling hills. Their Vineyard Kitchen is highly regarded, serving delicious local produce. Friday 12 June, 11 am-3 pm at Angove Wines, 117 Chalk Hill Road McLaren Vale. $145 per head all inclusive. Limited dietary requirements accommodated.

Still life oil painting Louise Vadasz at Shadow Creek Wines

This is rare opportunity to learn still life oil painting with the much-loved Adelaide artist Louise Vadasz in the tranquil setting of one of McLaren Vale’s newest (and loveliest) cellar doors, Shadow Creek Wines. Louise, renowned for her bold and joyous use of colour, has for years resisted calls to give classes – until now! In this masterclass (created exclusively for the Fleurieu Biennale) Louise will set up a still life, share her art techniques and guide you through creating an artwork of your own. 

Louise has carefully selected the art materials and will provide a prepared linen canvas, brushes, palette and oil paint for the day. Shadow Creek will provide a light tasting plate lunch and a glass of their excellent wine. The masterclass will be held in Shadow Creek’s stylish cellar door – with floor to ceiling views out to ancient gum trees, big skies and rows of vines.

Thursday 18 June, 11 am-3 pm at Shadow Creek, 314 Rifle Range Road, McLaren Vale. $145 including art materials, lunch and wine. Only 15 places available!

Botanical drawing with Dr Tabatha Forbes at Mitolo Wines

Botanical Art is a classic art practice for those who love nature, gardening, botany, science and art! Join New Zealand artist Dr Tabatha Forbes to create elegant botanical drawings inspired by plants collected from the beautiful surrounds of McLaren Vale.  Tabatha’s drawing workshop is a guided introduction to botanical art, drawing from simple plant compositions and exploring pencil and pen drawing techniques.

  “A day spent drawing plants is the most unexpected and beautiful of days; within the timeless grace of botanical art lies contemplation and observation; slowing us down, while reminding us to look around and pay careful attention, igniting the wondrous spark between art and nature.”

Dr Tabatha Forbes

Tabatha is a multidisciplinary practicing artist with a Doctorate in Fine Arts from the University of Auckland. Her studies and practice focus on connecting creativity with her love of the natural world. The masterclass will take place in a quiet, light-filled space at the elegant Mitolo Wines cellar door. Participants will break for lunch and join the warm Italian hospitality of Little Wolf Osteria for a bowl of house made fresh pasta and a glass of Mitolo’s Jester wine. $145 per head, including materials and lunch. Friday 19 June, 10.30 am-3 pm at Mitolo Wines, 141 McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale.  Only 12 places available.

Still life with Sophie Dunlop at Waverley Park Homestead

Sophie Dunlop, local artist and teacher, is hosting a masterclass at Waverley Park Homestead. Sophie will share her love of still life through a rich exploration of the Fleurieu’s beautiful local produce. Drawing on ingredients sourced from the Willunga Farmers Market and nearby growers, she will create a series of carefully composed arrangements, combining seasonal fruits and vegetables with her collection of treasured fabrics and objects. You will begin with an hour of sketching from different vantage points, allowing you to explore composition and perspective before selecting one study to develop into a larger work.

Please bring the art medium you feel most comfortable with or wish to learn about.  While Sophie works across a range of media—including watercolour, oils, acrylic, and pastel—and is happy to offer technical guidance, the focus of the class is on responding intuitively and finding inspiration in the thoughtfully arranged still life settings.

Waverley Park is a historic homestead run by the Willunga branch of the National Trust as an art and cultural centre. It is located in the Willunga Golf Course and your masterclass is held in a light-filled room overlooking the course and landscape. Locally sourced lunch included. $130 per head, including lunch, tea and coffee. Kay Brothers wine available for purchase. Sunday 21 June, 10 am-4 pm at 23 St Peters Terrace, Willunga. Only 10 places available.

Linocut with Gail Kellett at DogRidge Wines

Artist Gail Kellett is teaching linocut printmaking in an immersive masterclass at DogRidge Wines in McLaren Vale. With only 12 places available, this is an opportunity for printmakers to enhance their skills or other artists to try a different medium. You will create an edition of black and white lino cut prints based on the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize theme of “A Sense of Place”. Gail will guide you to use the environment surrounding the DogRidge cellar door as inspiration to create their own original artwork, or you may wish to bring your own idea.

As this is a masterclass drawing skills are a prerequisite. You will use Japanese tools, professional ink and high-quality paper which will be provided. You will take home a series of prints no larger than A4, including one framed piece (a choice of frames will be available).

DogRidge is a family-owned winery producing premium boutique wines. It is a hidden gem, with their cellar door nestled next to Pedler Creek and surrounded by heritage vines and peaceful views. The cellar door includes an art gallery, signifying their commitment to artists. There will be a break for lunch provided by DogRidge, accompanied by their wines, of course. Friday 26 June, 10 am-3 pm $145 per head including materials, lunch and wine at 129 Bagshaws Road, McLaren Flat.

Ceramicist Stephen Bowers in conversation with Greg Mackie at Coriole Vineyard

This is a rare chance to hear two South Australian icons at Coriole Vineyard in McLaren Vale.

Stephen’s ceramics are represented in numerous State and Regional Galleries in Australia, as well as in public collections in the US, Italy, Denmark, Norway and Taiwan. His work often draws on craft traditions and historical sources – but with a distinctly Australian twist.

Greg’s background in the arts, literature, history, ideas and more will no doubt lead to an engaging conversation about Stephen’s work and techniques. The talk will also be accompanied by a richly visual presentation.

Please join Stephen and Greg at Coriole Vineyards in the Top House for coffee and conversation, then move to the beautiful Coriole restaurant for a set lunch, which will offer an informal opportunity to meet and chat with Stephen and Greg.

Coriole Vineyards is a family-owned winery with a highly rated restaurant serving local, seasonal produce, overlooking a stunning view of the McLaren Vale region. $145 per head including lunch with a glass of prosecco and wine. 10.30 am-2.30 pm Friday 3 July at 79 Chaffeys Road McLaren Vale.

From Realism to Abstract with Roe Gartelmann at Waverley Park Homestead

Well known and much-admired local artist Roe Gartelmann rarely teaches these days, so we are delighted that she has agreed to host a special masterclass for the Fleurieu Biennale – focussing on taking your art from reality to abstract. Roe will show you how to draw inspiration from an initial sketch done on site and create a work that expresses and reflects your emotional responses. Drawing on her years of experience, she will both illustrate the fundamental importance of design and composition and encourage you to surprise yourself by developing new ways of seeing, trying new techniques, using materials you haven’t used before and exploring new concepts. Roe’s will be the last in our series of masterclasses and we can’t think of a better way to end a month of creativity!

Roe will supply all the materials you need to create your artwork (including water based media, dry pastel and charcoal). Please bring your own favourite sketching gear (pencils and a sketching paper).

Join Roe’s masterclass at Waverley Park Homestead - an historic homestead run by the National Trust, with views over the Willunga Golf Course and the tree-filled Willunga landscape. Share a platter lunch of delicious locally sourced produce. $145 per head, including materials, lunch, tea and coffee. Kay Brothers wine available for purchase.  Sunday 5 July,  10 am-3 pm at Waverley Park, 23 St Peters Terrace, Willunga. Only 10 places.