Pepperjack & Balfours to release limited edition red wine meat pies at upcoming AFL round

Pepperjack has announced a new collaborative partnership with Balfours, one of Australia’s oldest bakeries, for the release of a limited edition meat pie run. 

The pies will be exclusively available over this coming weekend’s Gather Round games at the Adelaide Oval and are a blend of Pepperjack Barossa Shiraz, premium beef and rich mushroom encased in Balfours' flaky pastry.

“As makers of Australia’s leading Shiraz, Pepperjack is thrilled to be part of this collaboration – one that brings together three true Australian icons for Australia’s nationally loved game,” said Richard Mattner, winemaker at Pepperjack.

“With a deep heritage stamped in the Barossa, Pepperjack wines have always been rich and honest, showcasing the region’s outstanding qualities, so to be able to blend our wine into a crowd-favourite food offering is an exciting and unique pairing.”

The Balfours pies will be available from Adelaide Oval kiosks this weekend for $5.70, the same as the rest of its range. Corporate areas will also be offered a premium cocktail version of the pie that features Pepperjack Barossa Shiraz, premium beef, capers and olives. 

“Our approach to food and beverage at Adelaide Oval is to continue creating new, fresh products for fans to enjoy – and to hero local produce wherever possible,” said Adelaide Oval General Manager Food & Beverage, Matt Omond.

“It’s been great to collaborate with two passionate South Australian brands to create something special for the 2024 AFL Gather Round. We’re proud of the results and can’t wait for fans to try them.”

The Adelaide Oval exclusive will be available during the nine Gather Round AFL matches from Thursday April 4 through to Sunday April 7. Gather Round marks the fourth round of the 2024 AFL season, and will see all nine matches take place at Adelaide Oval instead of being spread nationwide.

The partnership between the venue, the bakery, and Pepperjack will also see Pepperjack’s Shiraz, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir be available to purchase during matches. The full Balfours range will also be offered, including its famed chocolate iced donuts. 

“Our collaboration with Pepperjack and Adelaide Oval for Gather Round is a fantastic tribute to three iconic South Australian brands, said Hamish McLeay, Balfours’ General Manager.

“As all eyes turn to our state, we're excited to introduce the Balfours X Pepperjack Pies, reflecting our commitment to quality and creativity, and showcasing the very best of SA. After all, what could be more quintessentially South Australian than footy and a delicious pie?”

TWE has long supported the AFL via Pepperjack, which was named the official wine partner of the AFL in 2022. As part of this partnership, Pepperjack supported the Friday Knock Offs content series, helping to promote its When Character Counts campaign series. 

Pepperjack wines has an even longer history of non-traditional advertising, including its BBQ-scented posters released in Melbourne in 2019. The scent was triggered by a button and drove to reinforce its reds as being the ideal Australian pairing for red meat. 

More information can be found on the Pepperjack website.