Melbourne’s food and wine to be showcased to the world
Melbourne will take centre stage at the world’s largest and longest food and wine festival – the 2008 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Tim Holding, announced yesterday.Staged at the World Showcase in Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, from 26 September to 9 November 2008, the six week festival attracts the world’s largest gathering of food and wine enthusiasts.
Mr Holding believes the festival presents an excellent opportunity to showcase Melbourne and Victoria as top food and wine destinations to an international audience. “The rest of the world will learn what we already know – Melbourne and regional Victoria have some of the best food and wine in the world,” he commented. “The Festival also provides the platform to showcase Victoria’s food and wine to key trade representatives and buyers, which has the potential to increase our export markets.”
The government reports that Melbourne has been identified by Epcot as one of the world’s great food cities.
The event will feature a purpose built Melbourne pavilion which offers Melbourne and regional Victorian food and wine, tasting opportunities, demonstrations and interactive cultural and regional touring experiences. The plan is to tie in with Tourism Victoria’s “It’s Easy To Lose Yourself In Melbourne” campaign, as the pavilion will feature Melbourne’s intriguing laneways and arcades, iconic city locations such as Federation Square and marketplace scenes from the thriving Queen Victoria Market.
A number of prominent culinary figures will be representing Melbourne’s food industry at the festival, including:
• Ian Curley (Executive Chef, The European);
• Guy Grossi (Executive Chef and owner, Grossi Florentino);
• Paul Wilson (Chef Director, The Botanical);
• Mark “The Black” Olive (Indigenous Chef and TV personality);
• Andrew Blake (Chef and Consultant, Blakes Feasts);
• Nicky Riemer (Executive Chef, The Trunk Food and Wine Precinct); and
• Tami McAdam (Food Stylist and Culinary Consultant).
Participating wineries at the event include Rutherglen Estates, Coldstream Hills, T’Gallant, St Huberts, Yellowglen, Seppelt and Yabby Lake Vineyard. Domaine Chandon will also present their still wine, Green Point .
Paul Wilson, Chef Director at The Botanical, said Melbourne’s diverse range of cafés, bars, restaurants and bistros was reflective of a melting pot of cultures. “Melbourne’s food industry offers some of the world’s greatest cuisines and food and wine professionals so it is only fitting that we are represented at the world’s biggest international food and wine festival,” Mr Wilson said. “I look forward to representing Melbourne at the 13th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and promoting our rich food culture to an international audience.”
The exhibition is a joint partnership between the Victorian Government, Tourism Australia, Foster’s, Great Southern Touring Route and the before-mentioned wineries.
