MURRURUNDI MAGIC
An artistic and eclectic community in the Upper Hunter region, Murrurundi is a beautiful heritage-listed rural town and is home to a flourishing beef and sheep grazing industry. The town also is home to authentic Italian Bacco’s Bakery which produces a selection of handmade traditional Italian baked goods. “The first ingredient is always love” is the family motto. www.baccos.com.au 

Branch Closure: Barossa Olives at Truro have closed their Glenelg branch

Two regional events coming up for Campaspe House www.campaspehouse.com.au  in the Macedon Ranges & Spa Country (p 348): 

A Sparkling Affair, Friday, 13th October, 2006, 7pm - 11pm, $65pp ($55 Slow Food members). Six local sparkling wines will be on show, matched to a wandering feast of canapes prepared by the Campaspe Country House kitchen team. Dress code is black tie so what better excuse to dress up to the nines and dance the night away to a cool jazz band in the opulent surrounds of our 1920s manor house?

Best of the Region Dinner, Friday, 10th November, 2006, 7pm - 11pm, $135pp ($125 Slow Food members). Trophy winners from the Macedon Ranges Wine Show will be individually matched to each course of a superb degustation menu. Share stories and laughter with the winemakers themselves whilst you tantalise your taste buds and educate your palate.

Tickets invariably sell out quickly. Bookings 03 5427 2273 or email sales@campaspehouse.com.au  

MasterCard World Wine & Travel Summit & Exhibition

This networking and business event for the wine tourism sector is to be held from 13–17 November at Leeuwin Estate, (P 410) Margaret River, Western Australia. Learn from the experts about the world’s best and most lucrative markets for exporting and importing wine and travel products.
More information: www.winetravelgroup.com.au  

LADIES! TAKE NOTE
This year’s Enterprising Women in Rural Industries Trade Show in Brisbane will celebrate the powerful combination of the passionate chef and the passionate producer.
Two featured chefs, PJ McMillan, head chef, Seasalt at Armstrongs and Matt Golinski former head chef at iconic Sunshine Coast restaurant Ricky Ricardos will use farm-fresh and fabulous aquaculture produce to create memorable meals. DPI&F scientists will explain the science behind Queensland’s fast growing aquaculture industry. 
The Trade Show at Royal on the Park Hotel, cnr Alice and Albert Streets, Brisbane will feature 40 gourmet growers from across Queensland. Open Monday 9th October noon to 4pm (trade only) and Tuesday 10 October 9am to 4pm (all welcome). Free entry and all produce available for sale. 
More information: www.dpi.qld.gov.au/women

WHO LAID YOUR EGGS?
Farm Fresh Central, an online innovation developed by young country girl Sarah Frith, is putting city siders back in touch with farmers, enabling city based consumers to purchase farm fresh products supplied directly by Queensland farmers and have them home delivered. 
Farm Fresh Central offers a huge variety of products from just Queensland producers including beef, chicken, lamb and pork right through to gourmet cheeses, olive oils, pasta, conserves, eggs and honey.
More information: www.farmfreshcentral.com

BRONZE FOR BUNNYCONNELLEN  
Congratulations to Crow’s Nest based Bunnyconnellen Olives  (p. 182)received four Bronze Medals at this year’s prestigious Royal Sydney Fine Food Show. The medals were awarded against fierce inter-State competition and to the only Queensland olive company represented at this year’s show. Bunnyconnellen owners, Peter and Janie Simmonds said the winning entries were three marinated olive recipes all matched with food and wine styles and their much loved ‘Tournament’ tapenade. More information: www.bunnyconnellen.com.au

GOLD FOR KINGAROY
Kingaroy Cheese’s Stuart River Triple Cream Brie won gold at Melbourne's Australian Specialty Cheesemakers Show against tough competition in a strong category that included over 35 entrants. This is the third gold medal for the Kingaroy product this year and the second year in a row that a gold medal has been achieved at the Melbourne Show. Cheese-maker for Kingaroy Cheese (p. 142), Christopher Ganzer said, "The Melbourne Specialty Cheese show is one of the most prestigious shows in the country, so to have won gold is confirmation that we are making some of the best cheese in Australia". More information: www.kingaroycheese.com.au

MAKE A DATE: Peter Howard Masterclass, 16 October
Leading food and wine personality Peter Howard, along with South Burnett’s foodie champions Jason Ford and Brad Clark, will present a masterclass using regional cuisine at the Bell Tower Restaurant, Booie Range, just north of Kingaroy.

Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show
10-12 November 
Good food. Good wine. Good time. With more than 300 exhibitors the Good Food & Wine Show is the ultimate place to explore new tastes and discover the latest culinary trends from around the world. Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
More information: +613 9261 4500 www.goodfoodshow.com.au

HUNTER COMES TO TOWN
The Annual Lovedale Long Lunch comes to Balmoral Beach again on Sunday 5th November 2006. From 11am to 5pm drink some of the Hunter Valley's finest wines while enjoying gourmet food prepared by leading Hunter Valley restaurants. All while seated soaking up the atmosphere of one of Sydney's most beautiful beaches. No need to book ... it's as easy as purchasing a commemorative wine glass for $5 and wine from $4 per glass. Plates of food for $15 and desserts and cheese platters at various prices. FREE Shuttle Buses will be running all day from Spit Junction through Mosman to Balmoral Beach. Email: lunch@lovedalelonglunch.com.au 
www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au

TOUR DE RUTHERGLEN
Board your bike on Saturday 7 October for an indulgent and relaxed weekend of cycling, food & wine, and friendly local fun in the Rutherglen Wine Region. The focus on this year’s Tour de Rutherglen will be on some of Rutherglen’s most intriguing and unique wines (and winemakers), as cyclists who join the fun will have a chance to sip a Gamay, savour an Apero, or succumb to Biancone at the 2006 event. Cost: $60 including ride, tasting sessions at all winery stops, gourmet picnic lunch pick up & delivery of any wine purchased on route, and a “sag wagon” lift for anyone running out of puff! On Saturday night join the Tour de Rutherglen Dinner in the rustic setting of Cofield Winery cellar. Cost: $65 includes 3 course dinner and drinks on arrival. Shuttle Bus Service to and from dinner available at $8 per person. Bookings phone 1300 787 929. Accommodation & Enquires: 1800 622 871 or visit www.rutherglenvic.com

COMING UP IN VICTORIA

Heathcote Wine and Food Festival, 7 – 8 October. The annual Heathcote Wine and Food Festival is a celebration of Heathcote’s primary products – wine, food and art. General inquiries: 03 5433 5126, email festival@heathcotewinegrowers.com.au

The 2006 Mildura Jazz, Food & Wine Festival, 3 – 7 November. The popular 2006 Mildura Jazz, Food & Wine Festival returns to the original dates, the pre-Melbourne Cup weekend. The format will follow jazz in the streets with live music played on paddleboats, in clubs, hotels and restaurants, at church services, at Party in the Park on the Saturday afternoon, and at the traditional Jazz Jam on the Sunday evening.
Tickets and inquiries: 1800 039 043 or visit www.jazzwine.com.au

Warratina Lavender Harvest Festival, 26 November. Head to the 8th annual Harvest Lavender Festival at Warratina Lavender Farm (p. 382) this November and enjoy a fun day of entertainment. Set amidst the fragrant purple fields of lavender; enjoy fine food, boutique beer and local Yarra Valley wine while being entertained by music, dancing and singing. Inquiries: Annemarie Manders on 03 5964 4650 or visit www.warratinalavender.com.au

Spring Harvest Picnic at Werribee Park, 26 November. Food and wine producers from all over Victoria will gather in the grounds of Werribee Park to sample, showcase and sell their tasty products.. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $13 for concession card holders and children under 15 years of age enter free.
General inquiries: 03 9555 0253 or visit www.harvestpicnic.com.au

COMING UP in TOWNSVILLE
Ecotourism Australia’s 2006 Conference. From 30 October to 3 November, this conference will provide a forum for discussion of current issues, solutions and best practice case studies in ecotourism, coupled with a vibrant and entertaining social program. www.ecotourism.org.au

WORLD WINE & TRAVEL SUMMIT
MasterCard World Wine & Travel Summit & Exhibition. This networking and business event for the wine tourism sector is to be held from 13–17 November at Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, Western Australia. Learn from the experts about the world’s best and most lucrative markets for exporting and importing wine and travel products.
For more information www.winetravelgroup.com.au/visitwinetravel.asp

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!
Salix restaurant was named Overall Winner in Golden Plate Awards on Mornington Peninsula, and takes Best Restaurant, Best Chef, Best Customer Service and Overall Winner awards. Salix Restaurant at Willow Creek Vineyard (p. 304) emerged victorious at the inaugural Golden Plate Awards on the Mornington Peninsula. Salix’s Cellar Door Cafe was also highly commended in the Best Cellar Door with Catering category. Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove  (P. 307) also figured prominently, taking the Best Cellar of Local Wines award, and high commendations in the Best Restaurant and Best Chef categories.
 

LOOKING FOR THE NATIONS TOP COOKS
The quest has begun to find Australia’s top regional culinary talent, with entries now open for the LifeStyle FOOD Channel Australian Regional Culinary Competition 2007. LifeStyle FOOD is the new major sponsor of this prestigious competition, taking over from sister channel, The LifeStyle Channel, whose support of the event since 1999 has contributed to its continuing success. The competition will take place at Adelaide’s prestigious TAFE SA Regency Campus from October 15 to October 18, 2007 with awards being presented at a Gala Dinner on the final night of competition. Entries close July 30, 2007, or once a maximum 32 entries have been received. South Australia is preparing to celebrate ten great years of this biennial event, Tasting Australia, from October 13 – 20, 2007. Contact Emma Rains for an entry form on 08 8463 4679 or download the entry form from the Tasting Australia website www.tasting-australia.com.au 

GO WEST:

Spring in the Valley, 7 October: The Swan Valley’s annual festival celebrates the people and produce of WA’s oldest wine growing region, just 20 minutes from Perth.  Over 50 participating Swan Valley venues will feature in the program, and many events are free.
www.swanvalley.com.au 
Olive Celebration Margaret River, 7 October: Presented by the Margaret River Olive Oil Industry Association, the festival showcases extra virgin olive oils and includes tastings, olive oil cooking demonstrations, olive oil body products, as well as sales of oil and plants. Other local food producers are profiled including black truffles, wood-fired breads, locally made cheeses, fruit juices and coffee. 
www.margaretriverolives.com.au
Public Tasting Day, You be the Judge, 8 October: Come along to taste 180 wines from the Geographe Vignerons 2006 vintage. This wine show allows you to be the judge when trying the best wines produced in Capel, Harvey, Ferguson Valley and Donnybrook in the south of WA. Sample local food from producers in the Geographe Wine Region and enjoy live Latin American music under alfresco marquee. 
www.sanctuaryresort.com.au 
Margaret River Wine Festival, 16-19 November: With 75 venues presenting acclaimed musicians, accompanied by fantastic cuisine, world-renowned wines and an astounding natural environment, the festival is a celebration of the best of this premium wine growing region. Join a festival wine maker’s dinner, chill out to the sound of jazz with a glass of crisp white, get down to blues in the afternoon, or maybe join an educational wine or celebrity cooking class.
www.mrwinefest.org.au
Mango Festival Broome, 24-26 November: The highlight of this festival is the opportunity to eat and drink mangos in as many ways as possible! Mango-inspired events include a public breakfast cooking competition, great bartenders of Broome, great chefs of Broome, and mango tastings.
Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival, 15-17 December: Celebrating the town’s cherry harvest, the festival includes a Cherry Blossom Ball, a street festival including wines and produce of the Manjimup region, the announcement of the Cherry King and Queen and a silver service long lunch staged in a cherry orchard in full fruit. 
www.cherryfestival.com.au
For more information visit www.westernaustralia.com

VOGUE SEARCH
Vogue Entertaining + Travel, in association with Audi, is inviting producers from around Australia to enter the 2007 Vogue Entertaining + Travel/Audi Produce Awards. 
Dedicated and passionate judges are on the look-out for the best producers in each state. 
The awards, in their second year, aim to champion producers, the quiet achievers of the Australian food industry. Finalists will be acknowledged nationally in the pages of the magazine, giving them the opportunity to promote their product to a wider audience. All growers or makers of Australian organic or biodynamic product are eligible to enter or be nominated for the awards.
Visit www.vogueentertaining.com.au  to fill out the online nomination form.
Entries close Wednesday, 9 January 2007
Winners announced Wednesday, 14 March 2007