The Good Food and Wine show returned to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) for another fabulous year of tastings, cooking demos and a chance to experience the best our beautiful state, and others, have to offer.
Western Australia is known for its wine regions, with the Swan Valley just a hop, skip and a jump for most of us to reach and of course the stunning Margaret River and surrounds where you will find most of Perth as soon as a long weekend pops up on the calendar. While several WA wineries were on display this year, those who can’t quite justify the exorbitant flight prices east were in for a treat, with tastings from South Australia’s best across the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley.
My taste in wine has usually leaned towards whites and the occasional rosé, but in recent years I’ve become partial to a lightweight red to complement a meal. The Barossa is known for its Shiraz, so it was the perfect chance to sample a few. Wine not your thing? Never fear. The growing number of distilleries was exciting to see, with my unofficial award for prettiest display (and best name) going to Billy Stitch Distillery. The most unexpected pop-up had curious customers sipping peanut butter whisky, which I’m still not quite sure about.
There’s something for everyone, with general admission from $49.95 and the option to add a tasting glass. Serious foodies and winos could upgrade to one (or several) of a large selection of masterclasses, or the cooking school. The ultimate experience on offer, though, would have to be the VIP Lounge presented by Singapore Airlines. At $185 it includes a three course lunch inspired by their First and Business Class menus, five glasses of wine plus a bottle to take home. For those of us who dream of sitting at the pointy end of the plane, this might be the closest we get.
Just making the most of the included offerings? The cooking stage, aka The Good Food Kitchen, was the place to be, with standing room only for Miguel Maestre. You never know what you’re going to get from Miguel, and he did not disappoint. From wielding a samurai sword as part of his food prep to a musical interlude on a toy saxophone backed by a drummer, you didn’t want to look away. And don’t get me started on the mouthwatering katsu sandwiches he was making… yum!
The SmoothFM Drinks Lab was a popular, calmer option, with complimentary 30-minute tasting sessions showcasing different regions and a Spirit Lovers Masterclass to end the day. Sessions were walk-in only, so you had to be quick. We sadly weren’t, but still enjoyed listening in.
You can spot the seasoned attendees a mile off, wheely trolleys at the ready. Those without the boot space, or who came in on the train, could wander over to Australia Post’s Pick and Pack to have their wine home delivered. Spotting this early on felt seriously dangerous, removing any excuse of “we can’t carry all this”.
Those just there for the food could graze between stalls offering tastings of cheese, nuts and even water drops (which I had no idea was a thing).
The Good Food and Wine Show may be over for another year, but I’m sure most attendees headed home with more than a couple of bottles of a new favourite wine, or like me, a dish they’re determined to recreate. Although I think I’ll leave the samurai sword to Miguel.
To book tickets to Good Food and Wine Show, please visit https://goodfoodshow.com.au/perth-show-26/.
