Hot Dub Wine Machine
Serafino Winery, McLaren Vale.
Saturday 9/12/2017
Serafino Winery, McLaren Vale.
Saturday 9/12/2017
This year’s much anticipated Hot Dub Wine Machine was held at the Serafino Winery in the heart of McLaren Vale, a half hour drive South from Adelaide’s CBD.
The weather was on point with a forecast top temperature of 24°c, and by the time we walked through the gates of the sold out event, the sun was shining and the well heeled party-goers who arrived in a steady stream mainly by bus, were smiling as they sipped their first Chardonnay.
The colourful event was thoughtfully laid out within a large fenced off compound on the wineries grounds. The restrooms were abundant and located at one end of the area, and the main stage was located several minutes walk away, at the opposite end. Between these two important hubs of activity were several garden-style wine bars, martini bars, food trucks catering to all tastes, and a shady chill out zone for those who had potentially over indulged in the festivities. There was a badminton court for those who felt the urge to compete (providing a good laugh for onlookers, especially later in the day), a hair-braiding station ready to provided anyone with this seasons hottest hair trend, henna tattooing and floral garlands for sale. A thoughtful combination of entertainment and stalls to help create the perfect Festival atmosphere.
The weather was on point with a forecast top temperature of 24°c, and by the time we walked through the gates of the sold out event, the sun was shining and the well heeled party-goers who arrived in a steady stream mainly by bus, were smiling as they sipped their first Chardonnay.
The colourful event was thoughtfully laid out within a large fenced off compound on the wineries grounds. The restrooms were abundant and located at one end of the area, and the main stage was located several minutes walk away, at the opposite end. Between these two important hubs of activity were several garden-style wine bars, martini bars, food trucks catering to all tastes, and a shady chill out zone for those who had potentially over indulged in the festivities. There was a badminton court for those who felt the urge to compete (providing a good laugh for onlookers, especially later in the day), a hair-braiding station ready to provided anyone with this seasons hottest hair trend, henna tattooing and floral garlands for sale. A thoughtful combination of entertainment and stalls to help create the perfect Festival atmosphere.
The irresistible indie pop group Germein Sisters opened the show under the clear blue sky with a rocking set that went over well with the crowd.
Triple J’s talented resident DJ Linda Marigliano played some seriously solid beats as punters warmed up their dancey-pants and got grooving on the grass in front of the large stage.
S.A.’s own Heaps Good Friends looked to be enjoying themselves as they did their thing in rocking style, and were rewarded by a very receptive audience.
The afternoon was warm… and tall, wide spread branches of several ancient looking gums trees provided some much needed shade for the afternoon masses… nonetheless there was certainly plenty of pinking skin on show by late afternoon.
BAD//DREEMS impressed with their distinctive Aussie punk/rock sound. We are big fans of lead singer Ben Marwe’s gravelly vocals, certainly only earned by years of playing live at pubs and festivals around the country.
As dusk descended on the progressively rowdier crowd, festival veteran Benson lit up the stage with his brand of bass-y house beats, which was regularly punctuated by his loud and entertaining interaction with the audience.
With the fresh night air cloaking us all, the evening gave way to The Presets who took to the decks and delivered what we were all there for… an amazing display of professional musicianship, an impressive lighting and laser display… and plenty of tracks that we all know the words to.
The Presets were a hard act to follow, but by the time Hod Dub Time Machine took to the stage to finish the brilliant lineup, and the crowds enthusiasm was at its greatest. His unique style of remixing classic tracks to create his own brand of party went over awesomely well with the veritable ocean of dancers who, all with massive smiles, sung along at full volume and danced their hearts out for his upbeat set.
All in all, a well planned and well executed music festival with a unique McLaren Vale vibe. We seriously can’t wait until next year, when we’ll be sure to bring a picnic blanket and/or deck chairs which would be the only thing that would make the experience any better. Words by Kimberley Kurmis
8
Overall Score
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