The IGA Taste Great Southern culinary festival gets underway in Australia where Food and wine enthusiasts can sample some of the country’s best gourmet delights at unique locations over the next fortnight.
The annual event comprises nearly 50 activities that celebrate the lifestyle, premium food and award-winning wine of the Great Southern region and its wine sub-regions of Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurup, Denmark and Albany.
In a new timeslot encompassing Easter, the 2016 festival’s daily program includes long-table lunches, cooking demonstrations, degustation dinners, wine tastings and markets.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the West Australia State Government had extended its sponsorship of IGA Taste Great Southern until 2018, through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, made possible by Royalties for Regions.
“Over the next 17 days, visitors and locals will have a unique chance to discover why the Great Southern is regarded as one of Australia’s premier food and wine regions, as well as a destination of incredible natural beauty,” Dr Hames said.
“The festival has once again attracted a fantastic line-up including Western Australia’s food ambassador Don Hancey, media personality Verity James and two of Australia’s best-known cooks and TV personalities, Anna Gare and Tobie Puttock.”
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said nearly 9,000 people attended last year’s IGA Taste Great Southern, helping to boost the region’s economy and profile as an events destination.
“Events like IGA Taste Great Southern strengthen local tourism-related businesses and contribute to the vibrancy of regional communities,” Mr Redman said.
Dr Hames said tourism generated $8.9 billion in visitor spend in the 12 months to September 2015, including $4 billion in regional WA
