There are few better pairings in life than music and wine, and it’s a philosophy being fully embraced by South Australians this April as a curated lineup of talent descends on the Barossa Valley’s Turkey Flat Vineyard for the return of Silver Raven Festival – a one-day boutique music fest with a delicious assortment of local food and wine experiences in tow.

Back for its second year, the festival brings a lovely cohesive lineup of talent comprised of some of the best singer-songwriters in the country, and a host of great international guests. The inaugural event last year saw some pretty special moments, including a send-off for beloved local duo The Audreys, but this year is proving to be even bigger, with a hint of psych, plenty of country, Americana and soul, and a hefty dose of folk rock all conspiring to build a perfect lineup for sipping and snacking in the South Australian sun.

Leading the whole affair will be psychedelic U.S. festival favourite Strand Of Oaks, the project of Philly’s Timothy Showalter who makes his way to the Barossa Valley as part of a national headline tour. He’s bringing with him a brand new fifth album, which actually features a track named ‘On the Hill’ that serves as an homage to the band’s last trip to Australia in 2014. Clearly they love the place, and Tim’s known for his emphatic live shows, so expect a glorious set.

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This year sees an international headliner, Philadelphia psych-rockers Strand of Oaks

Continuing the theme of American talent, they’re joined by Nashville songwriter Jonny Fritz and San Fran outfit Sony & The Sunsets, but there’s a host of local talent as well. The always-entertaining Henry Wagons & The Only Children will be joined by Melbourne folk-rock icon Jen Cloher and her band, featuring none other than Courtney Barnett alongside Bones Sloane and Jen Sholakis.

Having won WA’s ‘best country music act’ for the past six years, Perth indie-Americana talent Ruby Boots has recently resettled in Nashville, but will we making the long trip to SA for Silver Raven – as will Melbourne’s cosmic country/soul champs Lost Ragas. Adelaide has plenty to offer the lineup too, with Dan and Joel Crannitch from Leader Cheetah bringing their new alt-country band The San Sebastian to the Barossa stage after a brilliant debut at Nashville’s Americanafest, and the day will be capped off by Adelaide’s emerging soul/blues talent Wanderers (formerly Wasted Wanderers).

Settle in on a patch of grass, sun or shade for a day of music and wine

There wouldn’t be much point in holding a boutique festival at a vineyard if there weren’t the region’s finest food and drink on offer too, and Silver Raven has this covered. In addition to Turkey Flat’s selection of wines, you’ll be covered for beer by local brewers Pirate Life, and food will cover everything from smokey barbecue and tacos to local ice creams and plenty of vegetarian options.

It all kicks off April 22 at the Turkey Flat Vineyards on Bethany Rd, Tanunda SA, and Earlybird tickets are just $85 + bf. If you’d like to enjoy a few glasses of wine while you’re there and don’t want the hassle of teeing up a ride home, there’s also a package available with a festival ticket and return bus ride to Adelaide for just $121 + bf. Even better, it’s a great day for the family as kids under 12 can head along for free, and teens under 18 can grab a ticket for only $39.

If you’d like to get away for a few days, this could be the ideal time, as Silver Raven falls smack-bang in the middle of an even bigger celebration of art, music, food, and – of course – wine. The Barossa Vintage Festival takes place from Wednesday the 19th of April to Sunday the 23rd, with a special 70th anniversary program of over 90 events showing off the best the area has to offer. There are events designed to prompt a bit of over-indulgence in the wine auctions and black tie cocktails, but also plenty of wholesome tours of the area to help you rejuvenate the next day, and plenty of family-friendly activities to make the most of the sunshine.

Silver Raven Festival takes place at the Barossa Valley’s Turkey Flat Vineyards on Saturday April 22, and tickets are on sale now. The Barossa Vintage Festival runs from Wednesday the 19th to Saturday the 23rd, and you can find out more here.

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