This weekend we stayed in our own town and attended the annual Relish Food and Wine Festival. Anyone that knows us, knows that Wine and Food are 2 of our favourite things so this day is something we attend most years. The festival is held in the Portside Precinct and Queens Park where everyone is free to roam, dance, eat and drink. People bring their own chairs and picnic blankets and sit with friends old and new.
This year the array of stalls included regional boutique wineries, craft breweries and specialty spirits. You can purchase your favourites to take home and you can also purchase them to drink on the day. There are food trucks to tempt your taste buds of all different kinds, both savoury and sweet.
There were local stalls selling everything from earrings to condiments, to mushrooms. I may have spent a little too much money on condiments. But they were so tasty, I couldn’t resist—my excuse what that I was supporting small businesses.
There are always free food demonstrations and sessions that cost extra if you are keen. This year these were:
- Pigs, Pots & Pinot
- Matilda Gin High Tea
- Paint and Sip
- Odyssey Long Lunch
- Hidden Seas Cruise
- Twilight Cruise
- Surf’n’Turf Sesh
We didn’t do any of these this time around, but we have in previous years and found they were lots of fun. This year we scored a great spot under the gorgeous fig tree where we set up our base with a group of friends. Then everyone just came and went as they pleased to get food, try some wine/beer/spirits, check out the stalls and use the free photo booth. The festival offered a vibrant atmosphere with live music and entertainment in two areas. Our spot under the fig tree was right near the main stage so we could listen to the talented artists that entertained throughout the day.
The grounds were just so beautiful and picturesque, creating the perfect backdrop for us to sit back and relax with friends whilst enjoying the vast array of delicious food and drinks on offer. We couldn’t have asked for better weather either. If you’ve never been to the Relish Food and Wine Festival on the Fraser Coast, I would highly recommend you check it out next year, you won’t be disappointed.
Looks fabulous as always. I’ll get there one year
You really should. You would enjoy it.