Willunga is inviting chilli enthusiasts to South Australia’s biggest weekend dedicated to ‘all things’ chilli – Chilli Fest Willunga 2022.

The two-day festival, which is a major highlight on the Fleurieu event calendar, will be held this weekend (19 – 20 February) at the Willunga Recreation Park, Main Road Willunga.

Building on the success of previous years, the festival will provide an array of chilli-inspired food, products, produce and chilli plants for sale, as well as cooking demonstrations. There will also be an opportunity to meet chilli producers and discover a little chilli history along the way.

The event will feature local live music by Willunga’s own Dustbowl Chic and The Easy Club and festival goers will be able to enjoy local food, wine, craft beer and market stalls. In a break from tradition, this year all stalls and other activities will be outside in the fresh air under the shade of trees and marquees.

The 2022 program will see the return of popular local growers Hillside Herbs, with a large variety of chilli plants on offer. Another Willunga local will be Norma from Whites Valley Jalepeños, presenting a vast range of chilli-based sauces, jams, mustard, salts, chutneys and relishes.

"I’ll be releasing a few new chilli sauces especially for the Chilli Fest,’ Norma says. ‘I’m sure people will want to try my Sweet Jalapeño drizzle, which is great on salads, roasted veggies and proteins, or perhaps my Green Habanero and Carolina Reaper sauces if they like something really hot and spicy." 

New vendors this year are the team from Salt Gang, who make small batch chilli oils, condiments, foraged foods and ferments, inspired primarily by the culinary traditions of China and Japan, and the beautiful produce available in the Adelaide Hills.

Other participants include Chile Mojo, Hezeus Hot Sauce, Caprica Chilli Sauce, Origins of Taste, Bali in a Jar, Spice Girlz Gourmet, Back 2 Basics Traditions, Chilli Sauce Distributors, Brutus Hot Sauce, Matchett Productions & Big Sissy Foods, Grund’s Gourmet and Gentleman Jerky.

In addition, Willunga High School students will showcase their own olive oil, olives and wines, and Peninsula Providore will offer Nangkita-grown olive oil.

Charlie Lawrence from Hezeus enthuses, "If you want something uniquely Australian and homegrown, you should try my Fire Ant Sauce. It’s

Reaper-based and each bottle is made with about 53 green ants, which have been harvested in the Northern Territory by the Motlop family of the Larrakia People. Try it hot with a lime and coriander zest."

Festival Coordinator Heather Williams says Adelaide’s south is a mecca for chilli.

"Each year, the festival continues to grow in popularity, and we are looking forward to welcoming attendees and participants from around Australia. We can’t wait to shine the spotlight on the great produce and talent in our region."

The 2022 Chilli Fest aims to raise vital funds for the redevelopment of the community owned and managed Willunga Recreation Park. It is run by volunteers and helped by valued supporters.

This event has received SA Health approval and follows government guidelines in relation to COVID-19. 

For more details head to the Fleurieu App Events HERE

WIN tickets to the Chilli Fest HERE