10 March 2010
Join us on Sunday 21 March for a sun-drenched day of long lunching, when the Granite Belt's top food and wine producers set up stalls brimming with specialist wine and liqueurs, artisan cheeses, and heavenly, handmade sweets along Little Stanley Street, South Bank.
Twenty-five local producers from Queensland's premier food and wine producing region are sharing their regional fare with food and wine lovers at South Bank.
Ten wineries representing a spectrum of well-known grape varieties (chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz and merlot) will be out in force including industry pioneers such as Ballandean Estate to illustrious rising stars like Robert Channon Wines, widely considered to produce Australia's finest Verdelho.
And because education is integral to the day, the Granite Belt producers are determined to stretch palates with more exotic varietals: viognier, mourvedre, gewürztraminer, barbera and tempranillo - a selection cheekily packaged into Strange Birds, the hit 'alternative' wine tour in the region.
Boutique beverage and food producers will be well represented, including specialist cider from Suttons, treats from Mt Stirling Olives, Sandmill pesto, LiraH Vinegar and Verjus, plus exotic goods from a Shot of Spice to set savoury lovers' hearts racing. If you prefer something a little sweeter, sample the Bramble Patch's coulis, chutneys and jam, sweet things from Bella Rosa's and Elite Treats. From the lavender fields come goodies from Crystal Ridge and Aloomba Lavender who will delight with the unexpected including their lavender chocolate. And for the figure conscious, spoil yourself with eco friendly handmade soap from Washpool Farm or a handmade silk scarf.
Celebrity food and wine specialist, Peter Howard, will answer curly culinary questions during his informative food and wine matching tutorials held throughout the day. Six lucky attendees will be chosen for each session and given the enviable job of being on the tasting panel.
Guests can graze from grower to grower, mingle at the tables or mooch in the grassed courtyard surrounded by marquees while lapping up the entertainment. Local Stanthorpe composer and musician Matthew Leigh will inspire with home-grown Granite Belt artistry and Brisbane local Mardi Lumsden's alternative banjo-mandolin will provide a lyrical, folksy ambiance.
Foodies will be encouraged to learn everything they can through impromptu tastings and by gathering first-hand knowledge from the producers and representatives from Granite Belt Wine Country tourism - passionate Granite Belt locals, well-versed in the area's hidden gems.
And of course, surrounded by the vast array of dining and café options on Little Stanley Street, no doubt a day of sipping and nibbling will stretch long into the night.
South Bank Corporation's Manager, Marketing, Kymberley McMahon believes that this event represents the best of Queensland:
"Little Stanley Street, South Bank is well-regarded as a culinary destination for international cuisine styles, so it's exciting to bring regional producers with a distinctly Queensland flavour into our precinct for the people of Brisbane to enjoy. South Bank Corporation is committed to showcasing the best that our state has to offer to Brisbane locals, in their favourite location."
Michele Cozzi, Granite Belt Flavours Director of Marketing agrees: "We're proud to showcase the breadth of food and wine talent from our region to Brisbane people, right in the heart of the city at South Bank."
- ENDS
Granite Belt Flavours - Facts at a glance:
When: Sunday 21 March, 10am-3pm
Where: Little Stanley Street, on the Glenelg Street lawn
Paid parking available in the Little Stanley Street Car Park
Don't miss: Food and wine matching (red and white) every hour from 10.30am-2.30pm (10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm) and entertainment throughout the day.
For more information: www.visitsouthbank.com.au
Contacts:
Nina Persson
Coordinator, Communications
P: 07 3867 2017
E: nina [dot] persson [at] south-bank [dot] net [dot] au
W: www.southbankcorporation.com.au
Rachel Stratford
Communications (Wed-Fri only)
P: 07 3867 2015
E: communications [at] south-bank [dot] net [dot] au
W: www.southbankcorporation.com.au
