Conversations which include South Australia as a destination typically receives cheap jabs. "Adelaide? Why would you go there! does anyone even live in South Australia?"…are often cynically vocalised by such critics. Adelaide does somewhat lag behind its eastern state counter parts when it comes to entertainment, festive activities..oh and shop trading after 5pm. Despite this, South Australia (SA) holds two items that cannot be conveniently found in other parts of Australia; quality automobiles and fine wine.

It bewilders me to think why SA is home to some of the best examples of highly desirable cult cars. My thoughts are justified when I speak to mates from around Australia who have either known someone or even themselves, travelled to South Australia to hunt down the perfect example of their dream-car. Perhaps there is a positive to shops closing at 5pm as everyone might just go home to maintain their pride and joy.

Further to the cars, Adelaidians are spoilt when it comes to wine. SA proudly wears the wine capital of Australia crown, with immense vineyards a regular sight when you’re out for a scenic country drive, no matter which direction headed. Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills are all a short drive away from the city centre while those keen on a road trip can trek the distance to Langhorne Creek or Connowara. You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to distinguish that Penfolds, one of Australia’s most recognisable brands was founded and is based in SA.

So, how does all this relate to Any Given Reason’s Burger Meet VI event? Any Given Reason (AGR) is the work of Andrew Coles, who has been blogging about South Australian car and motorsport culture for the last 5 or so years. Burger Meet was created as an opportunity for him to meet the faces (and cars) of his readers. After a successful and inaugural Burger Meet in 2011, the event became a regular on December’s calendar page. 2016 presented the sixth iteration of the event, which was elegantly hosted at the Penny Hill’s Winery cellar door, nested in the wine hub of McLaren Vale.

Upon arrival, attendees had the option of purchasing a Burger Meet decal for a gold coin donation. Burger Meet’s event logo is updated each year, with 2016’s adaptation drawing inspiration from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6.5 TME. The 6.5 TME was a homage model available between 1999 and 2001; built to recognise Tommi Makinen, the legendary Finnish driver who racked up four WRC driver championships for Mitsubishi.

Three different burger varieties were offered on the day. The gourmet bun and patty combo were supplied in house by Penny’s Hill’s adjoining restaurant, The Kitchen Door and tasted equally as delicious as a glass of red from the renowned McLaren Vale winery.

While on topic of the Penny’s Hill Winery, owner, Tony Parkinson is also an automobile devotee. A few of his personal rides were on display within a magnificent barn, including two immaculate Austin-Healeys; the 100S and 3000 Mark 2 Sebring.

Cars were consistently entering and leaving the venue. Arrivals were guided to one of three parking spots, with the largest area situated at the rear of the event. Makes and models were contrasted which provided a diverse viewing for spectators and fellow enthusiasts.

Upon arrival, the half-a-million-dollar 911 GT3 RS below attracted a persistent crowd. As a self-confessed Porsche lover I was sucked in as well, admiring all of the finer race-inspired details. The 991 variant of the GT3 RS (actually, every variant of the GT3 RS) makes no subtle statement about its pedigree. Packing a 368kw/460nm, 4.0 litre boxer-motor, the dual-clutch auto only 991 RS laps the Green Hell in 7 minutes 20 seconds; while 3.3 seconds is all it takes to sprint this Porsche to 100 km/h from a standstill.

Nested within proximity of the 911 GT3 RS were a combination of vintage and modern Euros.

The parking area closest to the venue had some neat cars parked within, including a subtly enhanced R35 GT-R riding on a set of 20-inch Volk Racing TE37 Ultras.

Also spotted within this parking area was OG drifter, Christian "Corporal" Pickering’s drift-inspired Toyota Mark II JZX100. Christian recently started his own performance parts business, Corporal Industries, to serve the needs of hungry drifters and modifiers across Australia. The business is also an authorised distributor for Origin products and suitably, his Mark II was dressed in an Origin Racing Line body kit as well as bronze Wed Sports SA70 shoes.

With another successful Burger Meet wrapped up, it’ll be interesting to observe where and if Burger Meet VII will occur as Andrew now resides in the UK. One thing is definite though. If Burger Meet VII transpires, the event will continue to lure in some of South Australia’s finest automobiles.