The program for the 2017 Gold Coast Food and Wine Festival, has been released with over 30 different food experiences running across multiple locations.
Held from 2–4 June, the festival comprises events ranging from a long table lunch on Mount Tamborine to a food truck and craft beer feast in Burleigh, degustations and a picnic in Surfers Paradise.
Festival director Michelle Christoe said that the program is a snapshot of the evolving Gold Coast food industry.
“The diversity and variety of food experiences across the Gold Coast has certainly made programming the festival exciting. The Gold Coast has some of the best food experiences in the country. In terms of dining with a view, you can’t get better than the Gold Coast’s beautiful coastlines and lush hinterland. There is a huge opportunity for the Gold Coast to be recognised for its unique experiential foodie culture.”
A number of the events invite people to interact with produce – whether it be picking organic fruits and herbs in Currumbin Valley, twilight distillery tours, or catching fresh mud crabs.
“The Gold Coast is well known as a destination for entertainment, but it is less well known as a destination for food and wine. We found that there traditionally wasn’t a strong identity for the Gold Coast’s food and wine industry. What people don’t see is that the food scene has changed a lot… and right now there is a vibrant and innovative food culture here that we are extremely proud to be a part of,” said Christoe.
The program includes a panel discussion on Redefining Food on the Gold Coast, which will ask luminaries of the local industry to take part in defining a ‘uniquely Gold Coast’ identity for the local food community.
Other events include a barbecue masterclass, a one pan meal demonstration by OzHarvest, gin and rum tastings and a dessert tour.