Launch marks ten years of good taste

Taste Great Southern kicked off its 10th year when the 2014 festival was launched at Albany Entertainment Centre last Thursday night.

Links to more stories, events and dates at the foot of this story.

The venue was packed with about 140 people from across the region who are passionate about food and wine, including chefs and producers from Denmark, Mt Barker, Porongurup, Frankland and Kojonup.

Year after year the festival has been growing and celebrates the Great Southern’s enviable and diverse culinary delights.

Member for the South West Colin Holt, Denmark Tourism Inc chief executive Justine Nagorski, City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington and Tourism WA’s Taste Master Rich Keam spoke about their pride and passion for the festival, and the economic and social benefits it brought to the area.

Veteran ABC broadcaster Verity James enthused about her past involvement with Taste and the uniqueness of the festival.

Ms James said it provided “real experiences to real people” seeking to not only consume world-class food and wine but also be educated and entertained.

Ms Nagorski said the launch went exceptionally well and it was a coup that Mr Keam attended the launch.

She said a highlight of the event schedule for the festival would be the inaugural Albany Bushfood and Oyster Festival.

“It will hopefully become a signature event for Taste, like the Porongurup Wine Festival and the Mt Barker Graze,” she said.

Ms Nagorski said Taste helped to boost the economy, had social benefits and showcased the region’s exceptional food, wine and lifestyle.

The Perth launch of the festival was held on Wednesday night at the State Theatre Centre.

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