Festival a feast for foodies

The region’s premier food and wine event, Taste Great Southern, begins tonight at Hybla Bar and Grill with 3 Drops and 3 Beasts.

This year’s program includes almost 50 events across 18 days spread throughout the Great Southern region.

Events range from five-course lunches to food markets to coffee cupping, with the main intention of promoting the region’s diverse array of wine, produce and landscapes.

Highlights include the Rockcliffe Night Harvest Market, with cooking demonstrations from Colin Fassnidge and Anna Gare; Fervor’s Tree Top Dinner; Meet the Brewer with Boston Brewery; and the Peaceful Bay Fine Seafood Journey with Tobie Puttock.

Taste Great Southern event manager Richard Campbell said condensing the event into three weeks had meant there was an emphasis on quality.

“I’m excited for the new format — it allows there to be a focus on the quality and there is something going on nearly every day over the three weeks,” he said.

“It’s going to be a great event and people will be fulfilled with what’s on offer.”

The event wraps up on April 3 with the Wignalls Long Lunch Celebration, a five-course long table lunch at Albany’s Wignalls Winery.