WA Good Food Guide announces Southern Weekender on traditional Gourmet Escape Weekend

WAGFG announces Southern Weekender to take place November 20-22 in the South-West Region. Over three days this November, the WAGFG Southern Weekender will champion some of the best of Western Australia’s culinary talent, from chefs and growers to winemakers, brewers and distillers, including applauded chefs Seth James (Wills Domain), George Cooper (Tiller Dining), and Tony Howell (Cape Lodge).

Georgia Moore, Director of the WA Good Food Guide commented: “We’ve set our sights on the south west for our next event series with the cancellation of Western Australia Gourmet Escape, an event we absolutely love and have supported over the years. It was with sadness that we learnt of the cancellation but in these times of restricted travel we see that it was the most prudent move for the organisers; international talent, interstate and international visitors being the DNA of that event.”

WA Good Food Guide’s Southern Weekender is something different that we’re sure will sate the appetite of West Australian food lovers. WA’s best chefs in its most renowned dining destination, the Margaret River region.

“This year has seen WA Good Food Guide rise to the challenge of the times we’re living in; supporting producers, chefs and the hospitality sector. Through our various events series, Truffles Unearthed and WAGFG Spring ABCs, as well as our media partnerships with amazing regional events such as Cabin Fever, Island Life on Dirk Hartog Island and the Gascoyne Food Festival, we’ve been true to our mission. We have such a vibrant food scene here in WA and we’re proud to play our part.”

On Thursday November 19th, the first event, a ‘pit-stop’ in Bunbury at Market Eating House, will see Chef Brenton Pyke match five courses with five of the best wines from the Geographe Wine Region, specifically the Ferguson Valley. The event also coincides with the restaurants 5th Birthday celebrations and the menu will reflect the ‘greatest hits’ that have graced the tables over the years.

On Friday, it's the official opening party set in the courtyard at Wise Winery on Friday, November 20, a venue that boasts one of the most spectacular ocean vistas in the region. Indulge in Wise gin cocktails, Wise wine and beers by Eagle Bay Brewing Co. complete with canapes, a DJ and bar service until late into the night, in what will be a quintessential way to kick off the Southern Weekender in style.

On the afternoon of Saturday, November 21, an icon of the Margaret River region, Cape Lodge, will launch their newly refurbished Wine Lounge with an afternoon of bubbles and bites on their lakeside deck with a super fresh seafood BBQ served up from Executive Chef, Tony Howell with wines by Peccavi, the exclusive supplier of West Australian wine to Harrods in London.

The same afternoon at the River Hotel, Margaret River (owned by the same operators as the iconic Local Hotel in South Fremantle), the ROSE ALL DAY event will takeover the coolest courtyard the region, with DJ Katie B on the decks and some of the South-West’s best producers pouring tastings all day with incredible canapes circulating the space, designed by the passionate kitchen team using premium WA produce. 

 That evening, at Wills Domain, the WAGFG Spring Fling will raise a glass to celebrate 20 years of outstanding wine production at the estate. Award-winning chef Seth James will craft a special party menu to include spring lamb, oysters and a Korean style spit-roasted pig. It’s a chance to celebrate with a night of free-flowing drinks, cocktails, spectacular food and dancing under the stars at this iconic estate.

“We love a good excuse for a party, but this date is a special opportunity for Wills Domain to celebrate its 20th year. The Haunold family and the team at Wills Domain look forward to welcoming guests to what promises to be a celebration to remember,” says Wills Domain Managing Director, Darren Haunold. “A special event celebrating and supporting local farmers, suppliers and industry alike it highlights the amazing produce and people that make WA hospitality so amazing.”

The WAGFG Southern Weekender will wrap up with the Sunday Long Lunch at Tiller Farm in Yallingup on Sunday November 22. Chef George Cooper will be rustling up a spring-inspired lunch made with local south-west produce dining on the grass at Tiller Farm with wines paired from Pemberton vineyard Below & Above.

Tickets are available from wagoodfoodguide.com by clicking 'WAGFG Southern Weekender'.