VALLEY TO BE WONDERLAND FOR ‘BIG KIDS’

THINGS will get curiouser and curiouser in South Australia’s Clare Valley as revellers prepare for a mad kind of tea party.

Katie’s Wonderland and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a showstopping event at this year’s Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week program, which kicks off on Friday.

More than 8000 people are expected to enjoy the region’s festivities across the 10-day event.

Warrick Duthy, who runs Watervale Hotel with executive chef Nicola Palmer, said there would be “fun, face painting, glitter and dressups” – but this ain’t no kids’ party.

“This is definitely adults-only – the big kids,” Duthy laughed.

“Most Gourmet events are structured and sit-down – this will be the exact opposite. It’s roving, the food and wine will follow the people and we’ll have a dance floor with Driller Jet Armstrong (on music). I’ll probably change three or four times through the afternoon, just for fun.”

The party – on May 22 – will open the hotel’s Penobscot Farm to the public.

Jemma Ashby as Alice, Warrick Duthy as the White Rabbit and Nicola Palmer as the Queen of Hearts. Picture: Matt Turner