The Ballina Fine Wine and Food Festival is on this Sunday 20 July from 12 noon till 5pm at the Ballina Jockey Club, Racecourse Road, in the Southern Cross Industrial Estate, Ballina.
The forecast for Sunday is for a sunny day, but as it’s all undercover the event will be held even if it rains. More than 50 wineries, breweries, restaurants, cottage industries and exhibitors will be showcasing their eclectic array of products.
The festival is the perfect place to sample a fine selection of signature dishes and food products by talented chefs, food producers and cottage industries.
There is an entry price of $20, which entitles you to enjoy samples of food, wine, beer, cider, and spirits, chef demonstrations, wine seminars, and lifestyle talks.
Tasting plates, glasses and bottles of wine, beer and cider may be purchased on the day. If you are thinking of bringing your family, please note that this is an over-18s event only.
The event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Ballina/Richmond, and proceeds will go to major beneficiary Australian Seabird Rescue. You can purchase tickets at the gate, but the event was a sellout last year, and it is possible to pre-purchase tickets online (see below). Gates open at 11.30am.
Among the exhibitor list are some interesting names, such as the excellent Foam Restaurant and Bar of Lennox Head, and Airstream Events who serve barista coffee and traditional Spanish churros from their stunning 1963 Airstream Safari caravan. They may even create some food using liquid-nitrogen cooking techniques.
The organisers say the event is not just about sensational food and great wine. Local entertainers such as JD Duo, the Samba Blisstas, Telegraph Tower and singer/songwriter Son of Jack will keep you captivated with five hours of live entertainment during the afternoon.
Celebrity chefs Paul and Blair from My Kitchen Rules will demonstrate their culinary creativity by cooking tantalising dishes from local produce. There will also be demonstrations by local providers, talks by wine and beer experts, an ‘unveiling’ by Barbeques Galore Ballina of a new barbecue, a talk by naturopath Rod Hammond about being ‘naturally well’, and a demonstration by Monica of what organisers call the ‘ultimate kitchen appliance’, the Thermomix.
Multi-award-winning Ballina RSL executive chef Gerhard Spatz will show you how to create spectacular dishes from products sourced from some of the exhibitors.
Watch, learn and interact with Gerhard as he shares his wisdom and cooking skills with the audience. As a bonus you get to taste their culinary delights.
There will be a ‘huge’ wheelbarrow full of amazing wine, beer and cider to raffle. Tickets for the raffle will only be available at the festival and drawn on the day. For your chance to win a luxury night’s accommodation at the Ramada Hotel and Suites, Ballina, fill out the survey upon entry to the festival.
Dan Murphy’s are again the major sponsor of Ballina’s Wine and Food Festival and Paul and Blair appear courtesy of their proud sponsor Southern Cross Credit Union.
The event starts at a very respectable hour on a Sunday afternoon; gates open at 11.30am. Organisers invite you to come along for an afternoon of pure indulgence and join in the festivities with some family (entry for 18yo+ only) and friends.
Lots of free parking available onsite, and a free minibus will run in Ballina and Lennox (see website for details) www.ballinafinewineandfoodfestival.com.au or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ballinafinewineandfoodfestival.
EXHIBITORS
Wineries and Breweries
Dan Murphy’s
Robert Oatley Vineyards
Kurrajong Downs Vineyard
Watershed Premium Wines
Angove Family Wines
Woolaway Wines
Cassegrain Wines
Callipari Wines
Gruber’s Winery
Stone & Wood Brewery
Little Creatures
James Squires
Batlow Cider
Baker Williams Distillery
The Wine Company
Restaurants and Food Providers
AirStream – coffee /churros
Ballina Fishermen’s Co-op
Ballina RSL Club – Gourmet
29 Restaurant & Bar – Gourmet
Coles – Deli
Earth Organic Foods
Eat Me Latino – Fusion Mexican
Foam – Gourmet
Ilias The Greek – Greek sweets
Indian Mumtaj
La Cucino Di Vino – Italian
Larry’s Pies
Olive and Luca – Pizza
Zentveld’s Coffee
Cottage Industries
All the Best Fine Foods – Vinegars/chutney/jam
Bradley Smokers – Demo
Bunzl Catering Supplies – Demo
Byron Bay Cheese
Byron Bay Garlic
Byron Bay Chocolate Co
Caseus Cheese
Go Vita – Organic stuff
Kahawa Estate Coffee
Karib – Caribbean Sauces
Le-chop – Chopping boards
Lentilicious – Lentils
Mountain Blue Farms – Blueberries
Nico – Italian breads etc
Norco – Milk tastings
Ranch Relaxo – Cordials
Thermomix – Demo
Truly Tea
Tumby Sauce Company – Aioli/sauces
Weber Q BBQ – Demo
Your Inspiration at Home – Dips mixes / vinaigrettes
Zest – Spices
Cooking Demonstrations, Wine & Information Sessions
Listen to the wine and beer experts as they talk about their award-winning beverages. Talk to the makers and producers of these fantastic products.
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