Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the Good Food and Wine Show at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
Featuring over 300 exhibitors from all over Australia, there was everything from artisanal goodies like breads, cheeses, delicious sweet treats, chutneys and spice mixes and everything in between. But if food is not your thing, there was also plenty of wine and spirits to be had from some of Australia’s top wineries, distillery and breweries.
The Brisbane Good Food and Wine Festival is truly a delightful celebration for food enthusiasts. But for me, this year’s highlight was the BBQ Ribs Masterclass. The session was both informative and hands-on, providing participants with insider tips on seasoning, marinating, and the perfect cooking techniques for tender, flavorful ribs.
The atmosphere was electric, with the aromas of smoky BBQ wafting through the air. Attendees had the chance to get up close and personal with the grilling process, learning the art of achieving that perfect char while keeping the meat juicy and tender for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
But if BBQ Ribs are not your thing, fear not; there are plenty of masterclasses and cooking demonstrations to satisfy your every foodie desire. The camaraderie among food lovers added to the experience, creating a festive vibe that resonated throughout the event.
Overall, the BBQ Ribs Masterclass was a standout event, perfectly blending education with indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned cook, a novice, or just a lover of all things food, wine, and good times, this experience will not disappoint. It offered attendees valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for all things produce, food, wine, and spirits.
There was so much to see and do we couldn’t actually fit it all in. The Brisbane Food and Wine Festival continues to impress, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves good food and great company.
The Festival is over for 2024, but be sure to mark your calendars for the 24th-26th October 2025 next year when the Good Food & Wine Show returns to Brisbane, or sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date @ https://goodfoodshow.com.au/. See you next year!
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
I have three recommendations for attending the Good Food and Wine Show. One is to bring a trolley. Not a shopping cart trolley, but a stand-up two-wheeled trolley will do just fine. There is a general conception that only the older generation shops with trolleys.
However, when you go around the Good Food & Wine Show (GFWS) buying bottle/s of wine, cheese, gourmet drinks, such as jars of Honey Yuzu Tea (The Han Kitchen), a 750ml bottle of Elixir of Ceylon Tea (Dilmah), and other such foodie items, your arms will get a good workout with many shopping bags hanging off! (The GFW Show have trolleys for sale, for this very reason.)
The second recommendation is to come hungry. Don’t eat breakfast beforehand if you plan to arrive at the 10 am opening. There are 350 exhibitors, and most exhibitors will offer you a sample of their goods. As you are wandering the aisles, there are many temptations to try! For those with a penchant for savoury items, you can taste salami, and not just the usual pork salami; there was also some duck salami on offer.
Wander through the Cheese Corner, with not one but nineteen dairy and cheese exhibitors – I was in cheese heaven! For a cheese lover, this would have to be one of the show’s highlights. If you don’t eat dairy cheeses or are vegan, Noshing dairy-free cheese has a variety of tasty vegan cheese flavours. (Just be aware that they are made with almond milk, so they are unsuitable for people with nut allergies). Other savoury tastes offered were delicious kimchi, chilli oils, olives, gourmet macadamias, miso pastes and ready-made recipe bases.
One of the most interesting exhibitors I came across was Circle Harvest, founded in Western Sydney, which has Australia’s largest insect protein farm and food manufacturing facility. They specialise in using cricket protein in their food products, looking forward to a sustainable future. I tried their cricket corn chips, and they were slightly salty and crunchy, with no ‘crickety’ taste!
For people with a sweet tooth, there were certainly many exhibitors offering their desserts and cookies. (I tried the THICC cookies, which were lovely!) There were chocolatiers with gorgeous-looking handcrafted chocolates (Studio Cocoa), cannoli, and decorated donuts to purchase, all looking quite tempting.
With just under one hundred Australian vineyards offering wine tastings, as well as many flavoured gins from Australian distillers, premium liqueurs to sample, alcoholic ciders and such, my third recommendation would be to catch public transport to the Sydney Good Food and Wine Show. It would be wise to limit your tastings to a sip!
The overall layout of the show inside the International Convention Centre (ICC) was structured well. Most of the dairy and cheese sections were together, and there was a concentration of boutique wine makers (although some were still scattered around). There were maps we could download to navigate around the show.
If you were still peckish between the tastings, there was more substantial food to buy. Pop-up restaurants served pies, fried chicken, empanadas, burek, pasta, bakery items, and Vietnamese pho.
There were free-to-watch demonstration areas and various masterclasses with wine, cheese, spirit, and tea experiences that incurred a fee and were recommended to be pre-booked (I could see that most classes were already booked out for the day).
I attended the Fizz and Fromage masterclass at the Wine Selectors Wine and Food Tasting Rooms. This was a fun, small 14-person class, during which we were served a tasting of 4 Australian wines and matching cheeses. Thanks to Nicole, who led our 30-minute session, I picked up some interesting facts about pairing wine and cheese.
During the cheese tastings, I delighted in discovering the joy of the triple brie from the Cole River Farm, an award-winning artisan cheese manufacturer in Tasmania, the Tarago Cheese Farmhouse’s creamy and tasty Shadows of Blue from Victoria, and the bold, earthy Tasmanian cheddar from Pyengana Dairy.
At the entrance was a cloakroom and the welcome station for the GFWS patrons, where they could buy a show bag or a single wine-tasting glass.
The aisles were packed with people, and sometimes, it was difficult to move around. If you are not comfortable in a crowd or with constant loud noise, this may not be an event you’d enjoy. Perhaps a timed entrance to the show could ease the people traffic during the first few hours.
This is a vibrant event where foodies and wine and spirits lovers can sample the best Australia has to offer in one place.
The Sydney Good Food and Wine Show was held at the ICC from Friday, 21 June, to Sunday, 23 June. Tickets started at $39 for a day pass or $59 for a multi-day pass, plus an extra charge for any masterclass experience.
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, held from 31 May to 2 June 2024 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), offers an unparalleled opportunity for food and wine enthusiasts to indulge in a rich array of tastes and experiences. If you have three or four hours, this festival is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Australia’s vibrant wine culture and gourmet food scene.
One of the festival’s most enlightening features is the opportunity to taste wines from every prominent wine region in Australia. Each winery is represented by knowledgeable staff who guide you through an extensive tasting menu, ensuring that you not only sample exquisite wines but also gain a deeper understanding of each variety’s unique characteristics and heritage. The wines at the festival are truly diverse, offering attendees the chance to discover new favourites they may have never experienced before.
In addition to the extensive wine offerings, the festival is also a haven for food lovers. Food trucks line the venue, serving a tempting selection of dishes, while boutique producers showcase their finest products. From artisanal cheeses and decadent chocolates to savoury pies and other gourmet delights, the festival brings together the best Australian cuisine in one location. It’s a gastronomic adventure that promises to satisfy every palate.
The festival organisers have taken great care to ensure the convenience of attendees who wish to purchase products. For those who buy in bulk, there are two excellent options: the Australia Post kiosk, where you can ship your purchases home, and the option to buy a market-style shopping trolley for $20, allowing you to transport your goodies with ease. These options make it a breeze to enjoy the festival without worrying about carrying heavy bags.
Sustainability is a key focus at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. While small plastic shot glasses are available for tastings, attendees are encouraged to use a glass provided at the event’s start. This glass can be refreshed or washed out periodically throughout the day, reducing plastic waste and promoting reusability. This commitment to sustainability is commendable and adds to the festival’s overall positive experience.
One minor drawback of the festival is the presence of long lines, which can sometimes be daunting. However, it’s possible to navigate the crowds effectively with some strategy and patience. By looking for less crowded areas and moving quickly to available spots, you can maximise your tasting opportunities and minimise wait times. A festival highlight is the masterclasses, including cheese and wine pairings, which can be booked as an add-on to your ticket. These top-rated sessions sell out quickly, so booking your spot early is advisable. The masterclasses offer an in-depth exploration of specific food and wine topics, providing a more immersive and educational experience.
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is more than just an event; it celebrates Australia’s culinary excellence. With live cooking demonstrations, stage events on topics like Italian cooking and cheese pairing, special guests, and daily giveaways, there’s always something exciting happening. Be sure to sign up for the prize draw when purchasing your ticket or at the door for a chance to win fantastic prizes.
In summary, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival at the MCEC is a must-visit for anyone passionate about food and wine. It’s a fantastic festival that combines education, entertainment, and indulgence in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommended for a memorable day out filled with good food, wine, and good times.
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
