Celebrating the wonders of food

MORE than 200 food, wine, beer and coffee producers from across the state will showcase their products from June 4 to 6 as part of the 2005 WA Wine and Food Festival. Exhibitor numbers have increased by 30 per cent from last year for the event, now in its ninth year, which will be held at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. Local brewers and popular beverage and gourmet food companies will also participate. Among the exhibitors are Stella Bella, Hay Shed Hill, Juniper Estate, Salitage, Elmars Smallgoods, Il Gelato, Waggle Dance Honey Company and Jingilli Olive Oil. Festival organiser, CMS Events director Richard Campbell, expected highlights to include the new premium wine tasting room, wine, beer, olive oil and coffee tasting stages, and cooking demonstrations. “Over 120 wineries from all the major wine regions in WA, as well as nine beer breweries and 50 food companies showcasing cheeses, chocolates and organic foods will take part,” he said. Wineries including Capel Vale Wines, Hanging Rock Winery, Trappers Gully Wines, Voyager Estate, Ferngrove Vineyards Estate and Oakover Wines, will exhibit new releases. As a prelude to the festival, Halo Restaurant will host The Great Southern Long Lunch on Friday June 3, where guests will get to meet and speak with winemakers and sample their products.