Author: Tatum Stafford
For the past 14 years Taste Great Southern has been celebrating the incredible food, wine, people and attractions of the picturesque Great Southern region. This festival, over two weekends, boasts a stellar line-up of over 30 unmissable culinary experiences including long lunches, celebrity chef appearances, community markets, degustations and much more. Check out our guide to top events within this gourmet food festival before it kicks off on April 4th.
If you can’t make it to the Great Southern region this year, swing by 3drops at John Street in Cottesloe on Thursday 4th April for a 5 course meal showcasing seasonal produce from the Great Southern, carefully matched with sumptuous 3drops wine. Tickets are $108pp, grab yours here.
Unique degustations
Wonderful Wagyu
Calling all carnivores! Direct from Hybla Tavern’s Melalueka farms, this creative degustation, prepared by chef Mark Mate, will explore the different ways in which wagyu beef can tantalise and challenge the senses – whether raw, cooked or in dessert form (yes, really)! Get tickets here.
Date & time: Wednesday 10th April 6:30pm – 9pm, Location: Hybla Tavern, Price: $85pp
The Spice Boys
Prepared by award-winning chefs Chris Salans of Mozaic in Bali’s Ubud and John Saville Wright of Garrison Restaruant, this seven-course, cultural degustation is sure to amaze your taste buds and prove that adding a little spice to your life (or your produce) isn’t such a bad thing. Get tickets here.
Date & time: Sunday 14th April 12pm – 4pm, Location: Garrison Restaurant, Price: $128.50pp (matching wines an additional $67.50pp)
Free events
Rockcliffe Night Market
This family-friendly event unites the best of the Great Southern’s produce and plays host to cooking demos from Anna Gare and Adam Liaw. Unwind with live music at Rockcliffe Winery’s beautiful cellar door or go stall-hopping and sample a range of local delicacies, produce and wine.
Date & time: Friday 5th April 5pm-9pm, Location: Rockcliffe Winery, Price: Free entry with $10 parking onsite
Greenroom
Get your fix of the tasty festival cocktail; Southern Song, alongside a different Great Southern canapé each evening at ‘Greenroom’! With mixologist Keryn Giles at the helm, quirky decor and a buzzing atmosphere, Liberté is a must-visit for your festival experience this year.
Date & time: Thursday 4 April – Sunday 14 April 5pm – 8pm, Location: Liberté
Get creative with alcohol
Wish You Were Beer
Climb aboard the Brig Amity for a night of tasty seafood tapas from Liberte’s Amy Hamilton, bountiful brews from Matty Wilson of Wilson Brewing Company and live music from local favourites The Shantymen. Set yourself adrift for this night of food, froth, friends and fun. Get tickets here.
Date & time: Friday 5th April 5:30pm – 9:30pm, Location: Brig Amity, Price: $150pp
Great Southern Wine Journey
Explore the Great Southern’s five distinctive sub-regions in this interactive masterclass led by 2018 Wine Communicator of the Year, Max Allen. This is your chance to uncover the beauty of wine from Frankland River, Mount Barker, Porongurups, Albany and Denmark regions, and will also include a selection of matching food and the opportunity for an informal chat with Allen himself. Get tickets here.
Date & time: Tuesday 9th April 5:30pm – 8:30pm, Location: Albany Boatshed, Price: $75pp
The festival enjoys the long term support of many key sponsors, including Tourism Western Australia, City of Albany, Shire of Denmark, Shire of Plantagenet and founding supporter and principal regional partner of the festival, the Great Southern Development Commission.