The luxury black-tie gala that will commemorate 100 years of leading ag & wine uni program

On Saturday 4 May, The University of Adelaide will be hosting members of South Australia’s agriculture, food and wine community for its exclusive Waite 100 black tie gala.

The event stands as an ode to the 100th birthday of the university’s Waite campus, which was established in 1924 following the bequest of pastoralist Peter Waite with the objective to “to advance the cause of education and more especially to promote the teaching and study of Agriculture and Forestry and allied subjects". Funds raised from the event will be reinvesting into the Peter Waite Centenary Scholarship for excellence in Agriculture.

"This anniversary is a chance to acknowledge the impact of Peter and Matilda Waite's legacy,” said Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide.

“The event will look to the future by raising funds to support the next generation of agricultural leaders through the Peter Waite Centenary Scholarship for Excellence in Agriculture.

"For the past 100 years, the research community at the Waite campus has been a powerhouse of innovation. We have driven advancements that continue to shape agriculture, food, and wine, not just in Australia but around the world.”

Guests at the Waite 100 gala will be rewarded with a unique culinary experience crafted by esteemed chefs Matt Moran and Narito Ishii. The two were asked to develop a menu that champions various exotic ingredients that were developed or improved through Waite plant breeder research, including hempseed and faba beans. 

“This culinary journey will be a delicious exploration of the Waite's contribution to the world of food and drink,” said Professor Jason Able, Head of the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at the University of Adelaide.

The dining experience will be complemented by a wine list that celebrates Waite’s influence on South Australian viticulture, featuring wine producers such as Yangarra Vineyard Estate, Murdoch Hill and Wynns Coonawarra Estate. Also on offer will be the Waite 100 Commemorative Whisky, which has been produced using South Australian barley malted by Coopers Maltings and will be launched at the event.

Master of Wine Andrew Caillard will be emceeing throughout the gala along with running the live auction. All proceeds from the live and silent auctions to be hosted throughout the evening will be donated to the Peter Waite Centenary Scholarship for Excellence in Agriculture.

Entertainment will be headlined by baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes, who was recently appointed to the University’s Elder Conservatorium of Music. Various other South Australian artists have also been invited.

The Waite 100 will take place from 5:30pm-10:30pm on Saturday 4 May. Tickets are available for purchase now via this link. 

“From the grapes used to produce world-class wines to the ingredients that go into our favourite food products, Waite's fingerprints are on the very foundation of Australian agriculture,” said Able. 

"Waite’s enduring strength lies in its ability to bridge the gap between research and industry. The pioneering work undertaken during the past 100 years at the Waite campus has had a direct impact on the food and wine we all enjoy.”

For more information, visit the gala's webpage.