Melbourne’s food and wine on show to the world
|
31 July 2008
|
Melbourne will take centre stage at the world’s largest and longest food and wine festival, the 2008 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida, USA, from 26 September to 9 November 2008.
|
The six week festival attracts the world’s largest gathering of food and wine enthusiasts and presents an excellent opportunity to showcase Melbourne and Victoria as top food and wine destinations to an international audience
Melbourne has been identified by Epcot® as one of the world’s great food cities.
The event features 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 Victorian Government is continuing to encourage more international visitors to come to Victoria in particular from the United States, drive tourism-related investments and boost exports of local produce,” Victorian Tourism Minister, Tim Holding, said.
“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.”
Reflecting Tourism Victoria’s award winning It’s Easy To Lose Yourself In Melbourne campaign 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.
Representing Melbourne’s food industry at the festival are:
· 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, Trunk Food & Wine Precinct); and
· Tami McAdam (Food Stylist and Culinary Consultant).
Participating wineries include Coldstream Hills, T’Gallant, St Huberts, Yellowglen, Seppelt and Yabby Lake Vineyard. Domaine Chandon will also present their still wines of Green Point and Rutherglen Estates.
Mr Holding said visitors to the Melbourne Pavilion will be guided through the exhibits and enjoy the knowledge and hospitality of cultural ambassadors from Australia.
The Botanical Executive Chef Paul Wilson said Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures which is reflected in the City’s diverse range of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars.
“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 wineries.
The 2008 Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival will include a program of more than 2,000 food and wine seminars and speciality dining events and regional foods, wines, and beers from renowned chefs, winemakers and producers.
|
