How to spend October with CheeseFest founder Kris Lloyd

Oct 16, 2025, updated Oct 16, 2025
This picture: Supplied
This picture: Supplied

CityMag sits down with Woodside Cheese Wrights head cheesemaker/CEO and CheeseFest founder, Kris Lloyd, ahead of the festival’s 20th anniversary this weekend to find out her October top picks.

What events would you like to attend in October?

  • CheeseFest 2025 (of course) – Australia’s gourmet weekend getaway turns 20, and this year’s line-up is set to be the most exciting festival yet.
  • OzAsia is one of the most delightful festivals – I love its colour, culture, and of course, the food. Outdoor festivals are always the best.
  • Adelaide Film Festival – we’re lucky to be working with them this year. Mat Kesting curates such a brilliant mix of local and international films, and it’s another great example of an Adelaide festival punching above its weight on the world stage.
This picture: Supplied

Where will you be eating?

  • Africola – no reason needed.
  • Hey Jupiter – our go-to during CheeseFest bump-in, where I can pretend I’m in Paris (especially sitting outside)
  • Nido – my local haunt offering a brilliant menu, and a chance to celebrate Laura Sharrad, winner of MasterChef 2025.
This picture: Helen Karakulak

What will you be sipping in October?

  • NON – every flavour is incredible, but the caramelised pear & kombu is my favourite. Such an interesting, layered non-alcoholic option.
  • Pol Roger – my go-to Champagne, especially when served in their delicate champagne flutes… absolute heaven.

What books are next on your to-read list?

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  • The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley – I’ve heard it’s thought-provoking and beautifully laced with a love story.
  • Alice Zaslavsky’s In Praise of Veg – yes, I absolutely read cookbooks cover to cover.
Gajar makhani from Alice Zaslavsky’s cookbook, In Praise of Veg. This picture: Ben Dearnley

What films are on your to-watch list?

  • The Taste of Things – a 2023 French historical romantic drama starring Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel. I can’t wait for this one.

What are you listening to?

  • David Bowie – I’m a lifelong tragic; he’s always weaving in and out of my playlist.
  • Florence and The Machine – such a powerful, textured voice. Her music makes you think she juxtaposes phrases and melodies in her voice in delightfully unexpected ways.

What are some places you want to visit in South Australia?

  • Three regional towns in SA – I’m one of the Ag Town of the Year judges, so I’ll be visiting Keith, Kimba and Lameroo … but you’ll have to wait to see which one is the overall winner in November at the Regional Showcase Awards.
This picture: Supplied

CheeseFest is in Rundle Park/Kadlitpina on October 18 and 19.