The IGA Taste Great Southern Festival is back for another year and it is looking more delicious than ever! From March 8 - 25, indulge yourself and enjoy the world-class flavours and unique experiences of the Great Southern.
Marco Pierre White and Justine Schofield will be amongst the many gastronomic geniuses in attendance, showcasing the incredible range of food and drink the region has to offer. Discover why varieties such as Riesling and Shiraz thrive in the Great Southern and taste the best of the local produce - from gourmet fungi and alpine-style cheeses to fresh oysters and wild-caught salmon.
The festival boasts over 40 events across 18 days and includes everything from farmers markets and long lunches to wine tastings and masterclasses. Here are our top five picks:
Saturday Mar 17, Eyre Park, Albany, $16 pre-purchase, $20 at the gate
The Albany Wine and Food Festival is your one-stop-shop for epicurean greatness! Get your foodie friends together and enjoy locally produced wine, food, beer, spirits, crafts and more! You can even catch celebrity chef Marco Pierre White on stage cooking up a three-course masterpiece. The Albany Wine and Food Festival showcases everything that’s amazing about produce in the Great Southern, packed into one great day out.
Our tip: Pre-purchase your ticket online for a 20% saving!
Saturday Mar 24, The Beach House at Bayside, Albany, $340
An event fit for a king (and queen, of course)! Treat yourself to an overnight stay at The Beach House at Bayside where you will enjoy a five-course degustation with matching (award-winning) wine, prepared for you by gold plate award winner, Chef Frederick Kirby.
Our tip: Make the most of your stay and marvel at Albany’s coastline with a visit to historic Discovery Bay or the stunning Torndirrup National Park. Sally and Craig at the Beach House at Bayside are more than happy to assist you with your tour bookings.
Wednesday Mar 21, State Buildings Postal Hall, Perth, $150
For those of you who can’t get away from the big smoke, the Great Southern Wine Dinner brings a taste of the Great Southern to Perth. Wineries such as La Violetta, Rockcliffe, Express Winemakers and Willoughby Park are making the trip up north to share the region’s distinctive flavours.
Seated in the stunning surrounds of the State Buildings Postal Hall, you will hear from each of the wineries while enjoying a sumptuous three-course meal, prepared by Post’s Head Chef Kim Brenna.
Our tip: Catch a cab, or stay the night. The wine is delicious and we want you to enjoy it safely.
Saturday Mar 10, Beck and Call Coffee, Albany, $40
Calling all coffee lovers! Note March 10 on your calendars because Beck and Call Coffee in Albany is bringing you two of life’s most fabulous creations: coffee and doughnuts! Go behind the scenes with chief roaster, Kade Sims, for ‘a speciality coffee short course with a sweet finish!’ They’ll even let you scoop a bag of coffee straight off the roaster if you ask nicely!
Our tip: Get in quick because tickets are extremely limited!
Sunday Mar 4, 153 Woodlands Rd, Karridale, from $22.00 to $52.00
Live music, fine wine, tasty eats and grape stomping - do we need to go on? Come and get your feet dirty and enjoy this fun, family day out!
Our tip: EFTPOS is limited so avoid the disappointment and bring cash with you.
Getting There
If you haven’t made the trip down south, then do yourself a favour! From the unrivalled coastline to the vast rural landscape, the Great Southern region is the quintessence of natural beauty.
Choose to take the fifty-minute flight from Perth to Albany or enjoy the grandeur of our great land and take the four and a half hour journey by car - just don’t forget to pack the snacks!
Accommodation is abundant, as is the list of things to and see and do.
Check out the
Scoop Events Taste Great Southern guide for all events and ticketing information.
Image: Galafrey Wines Long Table Lunch, IGA Taste Great Southern