Bites

It is shaping up to be a particularly successful year for the Moore River region’s olive producers, with estimates currently putting this year’s harvest between 8,000 and 10,000 tonnes. If this much is taken, that equates to production of between 1,600,000 and 2,500,000 litres of extra virgin olive oil. Boutique Manjimup wine producer Chestnut Grove has taken out the most successful exhibitor award at the 2006 RSM Bird Cameron Timber Towns Regional Wine Show. The winery won three silver from the impressive 2004 vintage and three bronze medals for the 2003 Estate Merlot, 2003 Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay and the currently released 2005 Verdelho. The Timber Towns Wine Show has generated something of a cult following in local wine circles, attracting entries from 29 wineries from Manjimup, Blackwood and Pemberton. Australian Wine Holdings, which also controls Alexandra Bridge and Hay Shed Hill in Margaret River, operates Chestnut Grove. One of the country’s most accomplished foodies, Ian Parmenter, will be at the Fremantle Family Food Fiesta on Sunday February 26. Mr Parmenter will host the event, a free exchange of family recipes, favourite meals and secrets ingredients once considered too special to reveal. Talented foodie families can vie for best dish, best table setting, and if you can’t cook, best dressed.