Images: Supplied
Sunshine, spritzes, and relaxed leisure that Europeans seem to do best are all coming to the Riverland this January, with 23rd Street Distillery launching its inaugral Summer Spritz Festival.
Set at the historic Renmark distillery site (built in 1914 and now firmly part of the modern Riverland drinking circuit), the one-day festival is designed as a slow-sipping, sun-drenched escape. It marks the first event to officially christen 23rd Street’s newly renovated courtyard for 2026.
“We’re excited to reopen the space with new furniture, permanent shade, misters and festoon lights — it’s had a glow-up,” shares venue supervisor, Jasmine Morgan.
The brief is simple. Imagine a summer afternoon somewhere in Europe, then recreate it in the Riverland. Think relaxed seating, good music, shared plates and drinks that keep flowing. If you like sunshine, spritzes and a solid vibe, this is where you need to be.
“We want it to feel like you’ve stepped into a summer afternoon in Europe,” Jasmine says. “Slow sipping, sunshine, good music and great company. Spritzes are the perfect hero for that feeling — they’re light, refreshing and inherently social, which suits the Renmark summer climate perfectly.”
At the centre of it all is a half-price spritz menu, showcasing 23rd Street’s stellar spirits in their most celebratory form. All the cult-classics will be available alongside house favourites, including the Raspberry Finger Lime Gin Spritz (a staff favourite that balances zesty citrus with soft sweetness) and a Limoncello Spritz made with the distillery’s exclusive limoncello, bursting with Riverland-grown citrus.
“All spritz cocktails are half price,” Jasmine adds. “Great spirits at incredible value.”
Food-wise, guests are spoiled for choice. Graze on their share-style tapas bites and fries, or settle in for a full feed with delicious woodfired pizzas.
Then there’s the tunes, of course. Soundtracking the day is local DJ Sarez, spinning laid-back, feel-good selections that lean into the European summer fantasy, without tipping the afternoon into party chaos (no promises, though).
The festival runs from 11am to 5pm, giving guests plenty of time to cruise through the afternoon, and maybe order “just one more”. For those considering the road trip, Jasmine says this event doubles as a perfect excuse to explore the region.
“It’s an opportunity to explore the Riverland during the summer holidays, enjoy some river time, and be part of something special at 23rd Street Distillery,” she says.
Whether you’re already fluent in spritz culture or just discovering the joy of a well-built, ice-cold aperitif, the Summer Spritz Festival promises an easy, stylish reason to spend a January afternoon in Renmark, preferably with the sun on your shoulders and a citrus wedge in hand.
Summer Spritz Festival
When: January 10, 11am-5pm
Where: 23rd Street Distillery, Twentythird St, Renmark
To book, click here.
