Taking place 14 to 17 November 2024, Pair’d is the newest food and wine festival to descend onto the Western Australia winemaking region of Margaret River.
Margaret River loves its food and wine festivals. Just as well, since that part of Western Australia makes fabulous wine and churns out some of the best quality produce this side of the planet. From its long-running (but now sadly defunct) Margaret River Gourmet Escape – which later became Western Australia Gourmet Escape – to Cabin Fever and the Fine Vines Festival, there’s always something to celebrate when visiting the region.
Well, here’s another one for the wine lovers among us: Pair’d Margaret River Region is Western Australia’s newest festival, set to descend on Margaret River later this year. Happening on 14 to 17 November, Pair’d is a wine-centric event organised by the Western Australia government that aims to blend “incredible culinary, music, and cultural experiences through the lens of a sommelier”.
In fact, think of it as the new Margaret River Gourmet Escape. Even the recently announced programme for Pair’d reads like Gourmet Escape. Among the highlights from its events calendar is a grand tasting that comprises the best wine icons from the Margaret River wine region including big marques such as Cape Mentelle, Cullen, Moss Wood, Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate, and Leeuwin Estate. It also includes Cape Mentelle’s beloved and long running International Cabernet Tasting, a wine tasting odyssey which pits top Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Margaret River against the best from the rest of the world.
Gourmet experiences abound at Pair’d as well. One signature dining event is De’sendent x Sushi M, which sees Margaret River’s Evan Hayter – formerly of Arimia Estate – partner Sommelier Yoshinobu Kimura and Chef Junya Hashimoto of Tokyo’s Sushi M for a seven-course meal complemented by champagne, sake, Sauternes, and rare Burgundy.
Singapore also finds some representation with a couple of collaboration dinners, with Leeuwin Estate hosting Michelin-starred JAAN for a wine-soaked contemporary British repast, while Wills Domain will see Western Australian native Dave Pynt of award-winning Burnt Ends partner its culinary team for a four-course modern barbecue feast.
More casual dining affairs include an Asian hawker-style night at Chow’s Table, a Turkish brunch at Inara in Busselton, or a five-course casual barbecue at Beerfarm.
“Our newest homegrown event, Pair’d Margaret River Region, promises a four-day festival where adventure meets indulgence,” stated Rita Saffioti, Tourism Minister for the Government of Western Australia. “Homegrown events are a key part of our events strategy to create an always on calendar of culinary, arts and culture and sporting events that celebrate WA’s unique culture and drive out-of-state visitors,” she added.
For more information or ticketing details on Pair’d Margaret River Region, visit: pairdmargaretriver.com.
[Photo credits: Pair’d]
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