The weather gods did not disappoint this sunny spring weekend for the 2019 South Coast Food and Wine Festival. Held in the Berry showgrounds, the festival drew in crowds of food and wine fanatics from far and wide.
The festival is a great opportunity to sample some of the finest produce from the region and to have a chat to the farmers, brewers, wine-makers and artisans that craft the goods. Here's my roundup of a balmy September Sunday spent right.
It's never too early for champagne and oysters right?
After hearing countless rave reviews of Jim's Wild Oysters, I made a bee-line to the stall as my first stop of the day, purchasing 6 freshly shucked rock oysters. Their stall was conveniently located next to Le Petit Bar a gorgeous vintage caravan mini bar flowing with glasses of champers. A flavour combination made in heaven.
Stock up the pantry
I've been a long time fan of Flavours Shoalhaven, with no stop to Berry complete without picking up a few gourmet treats. Their range of sauces, preserves, cheeses and cured meats really pay homage to the region, and worth the stop if you are ever in town. Their stall was abundant with sauces and pesto's and take-away cheese boards.
Berry is famously known for their baked goods and bread's of Milkwood Bakery draw in the lines for a reason. Their long baguettes are exceptional with just a spread of butter and a slice of cheese.
Not being from around the area, the Kiama farmers market has long being on my wishlist to visit, especially to sample the fine diary work of The Pines Kiama. The 'dream' cheese is an elegant soft cheese of earthy flavours and is a crowd-pleaser.
Pour me a glass..
The South Coast region of New South Wales is home to many award-winning wineries and the show is an excellent opportunity to sample some of the greats. Cupitt's Winery located just on the outskirts of Milton take their food and wine seriously with their range of both whites and reds elegant, in particular, the chardonnay.
Newcomers on the block Corang Estate present a European inspired range of wines that make the most of the region's landscape and crafted through experienced, skilful mastery.
It was a privilege to hear Noel Butler and his wife Trish share their local knowledge and indigenous tips on cooking seafood, taking away the absolutely ingenious tip of cooking unshucked oysters on the bbq, letting the heat and smoke naturally open and infuse them. Sheer brilliance.
While I was picking up cooking tips, I enjoyed a freshly cooked plate of seafood paella from South Coast Paella. Cooked to perfection, it went down exceptionally well with a glass of Chambourcin from Coolangatta Estate.
If you didn't get the chance to devour and sip your way through this year's South Coast Food and Wine Festival, make sure you mark it in your diaries for next year, it's one that is worth the trek
.