A new McLaren Vale event to replace the now defunct Sea and Vines appears to be on track, with a feasibility study into a future event due to be completed soon.

Details are in short supply, however the McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association (MVGWTA) - the body that previously ran Sea and Vines - confirmed that the development of a new overall event strategy and the proposed roll out, including an event concept, is in discussion.

It also confirmed that the feasibility study would be completed “in the coming months”.

As with all events planned and staged during the current global pandemic, the MVGWTA says the impact of COVID-19 is being taken into account in future planning.

Staged across the June long weekend, Sea and Vines was traditionally categorised by events held at wineries and other venues that featured food, wine and entertainment. 

In October 2019, the MVGWTA, announced that the festival, which has been running for 27 years, would be “retired”.

The announcement came amid criticism of drunken and lewd behaviour from event patrons.

At the time, the MVGWTA said one of the reasons for the rethink was the “stagnation in festival participation” from association members. It also said that the association wanted to target higher value visitors, rather than just a higher number of visitors. Again, at the time, the MVGWTA said not staging an event in 2020 meant the association could focus on “a reimagined in-region event in 2021 that will continue to create McLaren Vale brand ambassadors and advocates for life”.