Tourism award for MRGE

The ultimate celebration of fine food and wine in the southern hemisphere, the Margaret River Gourmet Escape presented by Audi has also been recognised by the Australian Event Awards, winning the coveted Best Tourism Event, adding further to its growing international reputation.

“We are extremely excited to have won Best Tourism Event 2016 after having been nominated for the past four years. This is a fantastic achievement for the event, especially against strong contenders. We are looking forward to having another great year in Margaret River this November and thank all our partners for their continued support of the event,” said IMG Culinary Managing Director, Hannah Pike says of the award.

For those who have yet to make the trip to Australia’s stunning west coast to take part in this unique event, MRGE is, as the name suggests, an absolute escape to sample the finest food and wine in one of the country’s most beautiful locations.

Each year visitors from around the country and indeed the world travel to Margaret River region to take part and spoil their taste buds, with internationally acclaimed chefs creating masterful dining events, conducting seminars and generally celebrating all things culinary.

In 2016, MRGE promises to be even bigger and better than ever – no small boast given the start, depth and breadth of past events – but visitors to the event this year are definitely in for a treat.

Held from November 18 - 20, MRGE will again feature the classic Audi Gourmet Beach BBQ, this year featuring young sensation Jesse Blake, head chef from Petition Kitchen in the State Buildings, Perth to play host this year. 

Jesse will be accompanied by a selection of renowned chefs including Audi ambassador Guillaume Brahimi (Bistro Guillaume), Frank Camorra (MoVida Melbourne), Rick Stein and Mike McEnearney (No.1 Bent St, Sydney).

Perth fashion and lifestyle influencer, Rayne Embley will look after guests, who will be treated to specially designed cocktails made with artisan Gourmet Escape gin crafted exclusively for the festival by Ashley Palmer-Watts (Dinner by Heston, No. 49 in World’s 50 Best Restaurants) in collaboration with London-based bartender, mixologist and author, Tony Conigliaro and award-winning Margaret River and Albany distillery, Limeburners – named distiller of the year at the 2016 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. Additional quality beverages will be supplied by Little Creatures, Devil’s Lair and a selection of local wineries and live music to chill out to under the tipis at Castle Bay Beach.

This year’s festival headliner, Nigella Lawson will be on hand to meet visitors and sign her new book, with additional tickets available (September 28th) for the Fraser Gallop Sundown Soiree with Nigella Lawson available, as well as her appearances at the Gourmet Village at Leeuwin Estate Winery.

New in 2016 is the Wüsthof Knife Skillery which will see Guy Grossi and Chef de Home’s Ben Knights showcase their finest knife skills in a hands on workshop, as well as Rebecca Sullivan’s Sweets & Treats Masterclasses and and Battle of the Breweries.

Leeuwin Estate will be holding a tutored tasting of five Art Series wines matched perfectly to foods from their seasonal menu, providing guests with an intimate and informal food and wine matching through the Leeuwin Estate Wine and Food Tasting Experience.  

Another wine experience not to be missed is the Around the Barrel wine tastings with added food pairings from the restaurants and producers within the village. Gourmet Escape wine experts, Joe Czerwinski, Debra Meiburg, Tyson Stelzer and James Halliday will help guide the tasting which will be hosted by internationally acclaimed wine critic Nick Stock. 

Indeed the events on offer this year and the star-studded culinary line-up heading to Margaret River is truly exciting. 

To book tickets for this year’s Margaret River Gourmet Escape presented by Audi go to:

www.ticketek.com.au/gourmetescape