South West Life

It’s almost time for the annual Margaret River Wine Region Festival to kick off for another year.  From the 8th to the 12th of April, 2010, a showcase of Margaret River’s finest wine, food, music and arts is presented at a series of events at locations across the region.  What a perfect opportunity to rediscover one of Australia’s premium wine regions.

With so many events to choose from, spanning the region which extends from Busselton to Augusta, there are more than enough activities to fill your entire weekend.   Here is just a selection of the fantastic events that are taking place during the course of the festival.  I hope to see you all there!

Slow Food Long Table Feast - Thursday 8 April 12.30pm to 4pm, Leeuwin Estate - $150 (tickets on sale through Ticketmaster)

Experience a delicious afternoon of seasonal delights paired with much-admired wines created by five passionate chefs. Rob Gough from Settlers Tavern has pulled together an amazing lineup including Tony Howell of Cape Lodge, Dany Angove of Leeuwin Estate, Aaron Carr of Vasse Felix and Franco & Lella Gimelli from Relish. Local produce will be the hero in a rustic lunch feast including generous shared platters of spit-roasted lamb, seafood and other delicacies served alfresco in the stunning gardens at Leeuwin Estate. Sitting amongst the native karri stands will demand that we slow down and savour the unique sense of place the region has to offer.

Street Fiesta - Thursday 8 April 5pm to 7pm Dunsborough Lions Park & Town Centre - Free Event

Listen to live music in the park with The Rusty Tin Men and Paige Trantham. Enjoy wine tastings with delicious food offerings. Get some retail therapy with late night shopping until 7pm then book for dinner at one of the many restaurants and cafes offering Festival specials. All welcome! 

Cabernet Cabaret & Wine Auction - Friday 9 April 7.30pm to midnight, Xanadu Wines - Adults: $165 (on sale through Ticketmaster)

Join us for a swinging night out inspired by the music of The Beatles! This fabulous evening will be a tribute to the region's benchmark wines matched perfectly to its acclaimed produce. The Magical Mystery Tour will uncork the classics of both the Margaret River Wine Region’s and The Beatles’ 40 year plus journey. A Wine Auction at the beginning of the evening will allow guests to leave with a stash of some of the region's awarded and collectable wine parcels, or a Collectable Cow from the Cowparade Art Extravaganza - themed as The Beatles, of course! The Fab Four tribute band will make this stylish soiree a groovy night out.

Street Fiesta - Friday 9 April 4.30pm to 8pm, Margaret River Mainstreet - Free Event

Kick off the Wine Festival at this fun and free event. Get amongst the locals in the heart of Margaret River and see it come alive from the vibrant vantage points of its eclectic restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels. Watch out for the Wine Barrel Races and the colour and flavours of the spirited fiesta feel! Slip into the Festival Supper Club each night to chew the fat with fellow aficionados as they toast the end of vintage with some swell tunes and an enviable wine selection.

Vintage Festival - Saturday 10 April 11.00am to 6.00pm, Leeuwin Estate Amphitheatre - Tickets (on sale through Ticketmaster) Adults: $30, Children (under 18 and must be accompanied by an adult): $5, Family (2 adults & 2 children): $65

Discover the passionate winemakers, inspired artisans and committed producers that make Margaret River the special place it is. Experience the region's bounty of natural produce as you graze your way through offerings of over 50 wineries and 20 foodies, all under the magnificent karri stands of one of its world class venues. The relaxed format means there is no need for vouchers or tickets with glass, bottle and case sales plus live music and artistic displays complementing the day and encouraging you to linger. For something a little bit more, indulge in signature dishes from the array of talented chefs or participate in a masterclass before you meander through the amazing diversity of wine styles! Relax with convenient shuttle bus transport from key town locations.

Vintage Concert - Sunday 11 April 11.00am to 6.00pm, Leeuwin Estate Amphitheatre - Tickets (on sale through Ticketmaster) Adults: $60, Children (under 18 and must be accompanied by an adult): $10, Family (2 adults & 2 children): $130

Get into the vibe of a down south weekend with classic Australian musicians Jon Stevens & Daryl Braithwaite. The Festival’s headline music event will take the whole family through their paces, and there are plenty of rides and entertainment. Combined with another bite of the best of the gourmet food and wine tastings from 11am to 3pm, this afternoon will be decadent!

For details on other events during the Margaret River Wine Region Festival, visit www.margaretriverfestival.com.