The ‘Good Food & Wine Show’ needs to be on your radar. Installed at the Brisbane Convention Centre over 3 days, 24-26 October, it was a wonderful addition to the many attractions Brisbane and Southbank have to offer. Minimal queuing to enter, although a couple of feather flags to indicate you are on the right track would have reassured those new to the area.
Upon entry there were helpful items like wine glass lanyards, so you didn’t put your glass down and lose it and helped free up your hands. Shopping trolleys for those serious shoppers, honestly take a wheeled bag – there is so much to choose from, luckily some stalls offered free shipping. The stalls and walkways coped with the crowds and the large spacious hall ideal.
There were special ticketed offers and masterclasses. A great gift idea – from cheese, chocolate, wine and even pasta making. Tasting rooms, free experiences, celebrity chefs. Think Christmas and birthday gifts – either produce or tickets for next year.
With stall holders from all over Australia and New Zealand on offer was such a wide variety of good food and great wine – from Olives to Martinis- cheese to nuts – gourmet meats and some very tasty and innovative ideas this show had something to offer everyone.
Did I try the chocolate infused French wine – you bet I did – and although not a fan of hazelnut, I was converted, the wine as we say was divine, light bubbly, chocolatey with a subtle hazelnut. The stall holder was passionate and protective and imports the wine for distribution after stumbling across it doing an OE in Europe.
With wines from the Granite belt – a reminder of what a great wine making country we live in and to get out West more often, Adelaide and the Hunter Valley, it was a reminder don’t leave home until you’ve seen the country. Sparkling Pinot Noirs and refreshing Pinot Gris and everything in between.
Then the boutique spirits – gin (Sambuca is a favourite), peanut butter whiskey (my new favourite ice cream topper), yup everything you can imagine someone has put it in a bottle.
The cheese stands just made you wish for a 7-day weekend, a back deck with a park view or a balcony overlooking the sea, surrounded by those you love to indulge with.
Try as I might I could not make it around every stall and the 3-day flexi pass is probably the best bet if you are going to make a weekend of it, as you need the time and tummy room to savour this gastronomical extravaganza.
Salute – or gānbēi!
However, you say it – put the Good Food & Wine Show on your to do list next year. Or maybe try to get to a Christmas Market in Sydney and Melbourne.
To book tickets to Good Food & Wine Show – Brisbane, please visit https://goodfoodshow.com.au/.
