APRIL 30, 2007

Considering organics?

Certified organics is growing at around 25 percent per annum in Australia, following trends in the US, UK, Europe and Asia, making it one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors. The opportunity exists for new entrants into the industry as increased demand for organic products, including through retail in major supermarket chains, sees the need for increased production and greater development of the supply chain.

The Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) is currently holding organic roadshows in regions Australia-wide in an effort to facilitate the sector’s ever-continuing growth. In Melbourne a one-day roadshow event will consist of talks and forums offering the latest information available to industry as well as first-hand knowledge from successful organic business owners and others. Included in the agenda for the day is information on Victorian government resources including results of trials in composting, lamb and pasture production and the recent launch of the Victorian Organic Food Products Directory 2007.

The day will cover organic horticulture, meat and wool production, the organic wholesale market, retail, marketing, regulation and more. There will be ample opportunity to network with key people in industry, ask questions of successful growers and marketers and learn about products available on display. The day will end with an industry forum followed by an informal dinner open to all interested. Thanks to sponsors of the event, the roadshow is free to attend other than a small charge for catering, organic of course! Sponsors include: Melba Fresh, Organic Crop Protectants, Ladybird Organics and Katek Fertilizers Australia. This event is supported as part of International Composting Awareness Week (www.compostweek.com.au ).
More information: BIOLOGICAL FARMERS OF AUSTRALIA www.bfa.com.au

WHERE: Melrose Melbourne Reception, Cnr Melrose & Carrick Drive, Tullamarine, Melbourne
WHEN: 8:30am to 4:00pm, Friday 11th May 2007
RSVP: Ph. 07 3350 5716, fax. 07 3350 5996, email: info@bfa.com.au by 7th May 2007

TASTINGS AT THE TOP

Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge will play host to Tastings at the Top  - Tasmania’s tastiest and deliciously indulgent food and wine event – from June 23 to 26 this year. Food consultant Helen Waterworth and Peter Bourne, otherwise known as Sydney’s Wine Man, will take guests on a mouth-watering culinary journey.
Producers displaying their wares this year include boutique cheese makers Heidi Farm, Elgaar Farm and Tasmanian Highland Cheese, inland salmon farm 41 Degrees South and Springfield Deer Farm, in addition to a host of emerging specialty producers. Top quality wines includeTamar Ridge, Devil’s Corner, Pirie Estate and Hardy’s Bay of Fires. For bookings contact Voyages Hotels and Resorts on:1300 134 044
Cradle Mountain Lodge: +61(0)3 6492 1303
Email: travel@voyages.com.au 
Web: www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au  

Tourism Risk Management Guide available

The APEC International Centre for Sustainable Tourism has developed a free Tourism Risk Management Guide that supports businesses and destinations to learn about mitigating and responding to the impact of crises. The Guide includes materials for training programs and information on developing a risk management strategy. It is available in CD-ROM and PDF formats. For more information, please contact ian@aicst.org

Queensland’s whispered secrets

Imagine seafood fresh from the trawler, tropical fruits plucked straight from the tree, wine lovingly and expertly created by passionate wine makers - that's a Queensland food experience. Tourism Queensland’s new Food and Wine website will show you where to find the explosion of food and wine, surprising in its depth and consistency, that is now a typical Queensland experience. It's about quality, sustainable and organic produce combined with some of the most exciting chefs around, all drawn to a lifestyle that is the envy of many. Discover hidden secrets, cooking schools, wineries, markets and regional treats at www.queenslandholidays.com.au/food

What’s on In Queensland?

Caxton Street Seafood & Wine Festival
6 May: Brisbane’s famous food and wine celebration showcases a whole host of fresh seafood, local wines and includes an entertainment line up to knock your socks off. Caxton Street, Paddington. For the young and young at heart. More information: +61 7 3369 6969

A Celebration of Australian Food and Wine - Noosa Style
18 - 20 May: The ultimate in food and wine with produce sourced nationwide and Australia's leading chefs, growers, producers, wine makers, restaurateurs and food and wine enthusiasts in attendance. This festival is not only about eating and drinking, with hordes of talented jazz and blues musicians roaming Noosa’s boardwalks and stopping in at restaurants and cafes. More information: +61 7 5455 4229, www.celebrationofaustralianfoodandwine.com.au

Reef and Rainforest Carnivale
18-27 May: 30 events in 11 days covering sport to the arts, but if you’re a food lover, this is heaven!! Events include a Taste of Port, Longest Lunch and the Seafood Extravaganza. Culinary fanatics can indulge their senses with the ‘Gourmet Idols’ cook off. Chef’s from the regions’ premier restaurants join with local celebrities in a four night competition to slice, dice and sauté their way to the gala dinner. The Marlin Marina hosts both the Longest Lunch and the Seafood Extravaganza. More information: www.port-douglas-carnivale.com.au

Great Barrier Feast on Hamilton Island
8 to 11 June: Some of Australia’s most acclaimed chefs and winemakers will share their secrets at the annual Great Barrier Feast on Hamilton Island over the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend. The weekend event will be hosted by food experts Curtis Stone (Surfing the Menu) and celebrity chef pals, Tobie Puttock of Restaurant Fifteen and Naked Chef, Jimmy Shu from the internationally recognised Hanuman restaurants and Frank Camorroa, from Melbourne’s Mo Vida. www.hamiltonisland.com.au or 13REEF (137333).
Media contact: Susan Boyd 0412 365 122

Olivado Moreton Bay Seafood Festival
9 - 10 June: Relax and unwind, enjoy the sea air and feast on succulent seafood and wine at the Olivado Moreton Bay Seafood Festival 2007 at the Raby Bay Foreshore Park, Cleveland / Raby Bay on the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend. Food, cooking, celebrity chefs, music and all kinds of activities including mud crab tying, oyster shucking and mud crab racing. Watch the experts as they vie for the title of best mud crab wrangler and oyster shucker, then cheer on your favourite in the mud crab races! More information: www.moretonbayseafoodfestival.com.au Media contact: Janine Crawford +61 7 3286 5411

2007 NSW Tourism Awards workshops

The 2007 NSW Tourism Awards have opened and this year sees many exciting changes to the entry process. The Tourism Industry Council NSW will be conducting a series of free workshops around the State to assist entrants with submissions and answer any questions they may have. For a schedule of workshops see www.receive.com.au. For more information or to register your place at a workshop, contact Shan Lawson at awards@ticnsw.com.au

2007 Australian Export Awards open

The 2007 Australian Export Awards recognise Australian businesses for excellence and achievement in exporting - rewarding and profiling the 'best of the best' businesses around the nation. The state winners of each designated national category progress to become a finalist in the Australian Export Awards. For more information on applying for the Export Awards program, please go to www.exportawards.gov.au. Tourism businesses are encouraged to enter in the "Sports, Events and Tourism" category.

PETTAVEL COOKING CLASSES 2007

Geelong's highly acclaimed Pettavel Winery & Restaurant has launched their 2007 cooking class program this week and classes are already booking fast. Executive Chef Matt Dempsey and Sous Chef Graham Jeffries, of Pettavel will conduct another series of classes  this year due to an overwhelming response to classes last year where over 400 food enthusiasts participated, traveling as far afield as Warrnambool, Shepparton and The Mornington Peninsula.  In 2007, classes will run from May to September.  The class program can be downloaded from www.pettavel.com or via post or email by sending requests to events@pettavel.com

Minister Launches Farm And Nature Tourism Workshop 

An innovative business development program designed to assist farmers develop Agri-tourism opportunities was launched by the Honourable Tony Kelly, Minister for Regional Development, Lands and Rural Affairs, on Monday, April 23. Mr Kelly joined 20 rural landowners from the Northern Rivers region at the first of a series of four Farm and Nature Tourism Business Development Program workshops at Southern Cross University. The Farm and Nature Tourism Business Development program is an initiative of the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre delivered by the Australian Regional Tourism Research Centre at Southern Cross University in Lismore. Further information about the project is available at www.crctourism.com.au/farmtourism

JAZZY NEWCOMER

Seen at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, brand new apples. Jazz™, the new apple variety originally developed in New Zealand, Jazz™ is a cross between Braeburn and Royal Gala. The result is an apple with a superb sweet and tangy flavour, crisp texture and clean, shiny appearance. Ray Montague, whose company is one of Australia's largest handlers of locally grown apples and stone fruit believes it is the best eating apple in the world, and over the next four years, the company , together with some of Australia’s leading apple growers, will plant around 500,000 trees in premium apple growing regions of Australia. This is one of the most ambitious apple planting programs yet undertaken in this country.The new variety is being grown primarily in Batlow, in southern New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria. For trade inquiries,   contact Rowan Little at Montague Fresh on phone (03) 9709 8122 or mobile 0408 750 944. 
www.montaguefresh.com.au     www.jazzapple.com.au

DIARY DATE

It seems a long way off, but it will come quickly enough: Smeaton Hackett Events in conjunction with the City of Sydney announce the launch LIVE GREEN 10am-4pm, Saturday, 25 August 2007, Victoria Park, Camperdown. This will be Sydney's first large scale sustainability event (Carbon Neutral, utilise recycled materials, have on-site recycling services and be powered by green energy) offering a "one-stop-shop" for those wanting a greener future.
It will feature:
•  Organic market and green stalls – food, home, garden and a  wide range of lifestyle products and useful services to taste, try and buy
•  Organic Bar and Demonstration Kitchen featuring renowned chef and author Kylie Kwong
•  City of Sydney Precinct – presenting the City's services and plans for a greener city
•  Practical Workshops and Seminars
•  Entertainment stages, Children's activities, Roving Entertainment, Pet area and Transport display

Register your interest by either emailing seamus@shevents.com.au or calling 02 9451 4747.  

LUCKY TAKEOVER AT ROSEVEARS

Damon Wecker of Lucks restaurant in Launceston has recently taken over the dining room at Rosevears Estate on the Tamar Valley wine route. The restaurant has been renamed Estelle and will operate as a lunch venue. Group bookings for dinner are available by appointment.
www.estellerosevears.com.au
www.lucks.com.au

COALS TO NEWCASTLE?

Hobart's Lark Distillery (P 255) makers of superb single malt whiskey, has big plans for the future. Lark has identified new markets in Scotland and the US and is proceeding quickly to expand production to meet this demand. Such has been the success of the business that it is looking to move to a new five-acre production facility at Cambridge to satisfy demand. More details from Bill Lark: 03 6231 9088

A MEGA-MONTH IN THE HUNTER

First it was the Hunter Semillon and Seafood event on April 14 (above), now  the Hunter Valley Vineyard Association announces The Hunter Harvest Celebrations, encompassing more than 15 amazing events commencing on April 26 to June 3, 2007.            

For full details of activities and ticketing information, go to www.harvest.hvva.com.au or call Wine Country Tourism on 02 49 900 900

The Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre Workshop:

The Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre is holding a free workshop on Thursday, 12 April to present the preliminary findings of its recent research into global trends on the conduct of tourism business in Australia to the year 2020. Participants will be asked to contribute to the study. It will be held at the Department of State and Regional Development in Sydney. For more information: www.crctourism.com.au

Chefs in the North Dinner

On Thursday evening, July 5, top musicians will perform while guests are served a six-course degustation menu prepared by nationally acclaimed chefs including David Pugh, Darren Purchese and Cath Claringbold.
The Chefs in North Festival Dinner is a spectacular culinary event where fine food, wine and music merge seamlessly under a stunning marquee on the grassy lawns of Jupiters Townsville.

This black-tie prelude to the opening of the world class Australian Festival of Chamber Music will feature some of Australia’s best known chefs from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville and this year, New Zealand, in a six-course Degustation Menu, matched with superb wines and accompanied by musical interludes.

The evening will be hosted by Lyndey Milan, Food Director of The Australian Women’s Weekly and co-host of the Channel 9 National program “Fresh”.
2007 chefs include:

·   David Pugh – Restaurant II, Brisbane.
·   Paul McGivern – Restaurant Manx, Brisbane.
·   Geoff Scott – Vinnies, Auckland NZ.
·   Cath Claringbold – Mecca Bah, Melbourne.
·   Darren Purchese – Fenix Restaurant, Melbourne.
·   Ralph Campbell – Jupiters Townsville.
·   Aaron Miser – Watermark, Townsville.
·   Lindsay Wood – Mercure Inn, Townsville.
·   Michael Brine – Touch of Salt, Townsville.
·   Chris Fitzgerald – South Bank, Townsville.

CITRUS DIRECTIONS

More than 200 delegates are set to attend the citrus industry’s major calendar event - the Australian Citrus Growers (ACG) 59th Annual Conference - in April, 2007, at Renmark, in the heart of the Riverland.

With the past year signaling significant developments in the areas of export and market access, the Conference will be attended by commercial citrus growers, delegates from regional associations and state boards, commercial providers, researchers, packers, processors, exporters, and marketers.

Insight into the region’s citrus production and research will be offered through two field days on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th April. The field days are a key highlight of the Conference and will offer a variety of operations to give delegates an opportunity to look, listen and learn as to what fellow growers are doing on their orchards.

International guests include two well-travelled experts in the field of irrigation and nutrition management from South Africa. The speakers compliment the two field days as all properties being visited use a drip / fertigation system which helps to promote the Riverland as being a highly efficient irrigation district.

Further information regarding the ACG 59th Annual Conference, 15 – 19 April 2007, Renmark, South Australia, can be obtained from: ACG website, www.australiancitrusgrowers.com.

HUNTER SEMILLON & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

For the first time in six years, the Hunter Semillon & Seafood Festival will incorporate over 20 events involving 33 Hunter wineries and restaurants across an entire weekend on April 13 to 15, 2007. The Tourism NSW flagship event will include feasts of Semillon and Seafood at some of the region’s most awarded restaurants, casual BBQ’s with a winemaker, relaxing afternoons on a grassy lawn with Semillon in hand and live music or educational workshops showcasing flights of Semillon, food and wine matching master classes. For more information, ticketing and a full program of activities go to www.huntersemillonandseafood.com.au or call +61(0)2 4991 4533.  

STARTING SMALL

The new ‘BFA/ OGA Certified Small Producer Program' is a milestone development for the organic sector, establishing an easier entry point for new organic growers, cottage industries & smaller operations wishing to obtain a recognised, independent organic certification.

Howard Rubin, Director of OGA says it is a win-win situation for all growers. “While OGA has over the years specialized in small grower certification, these growers have in practice, been subsidizing the larger growers. Now we have created a system especially for them providing a reduction in fees, and simple compliance system.

“Smaller growers, subject to increasing costs with other certifying bodies, will likely join and grow this new small growers’ scheme. It has been a long time coming and we really appreciate the cooperation between the BFA and OGA for achieving this great result for all.” More details: Chris Hurwood – BFA/ ACO, Ph: 07 3350 5716, Email: chris.hurwood@bfa.com.au or Web: www.bfa.com.au

FOOTSTEPS OF FOOD

As a way of highlighting local food as well as drawing attention to one of the diverse contributors to global warming, Meadowbank Estate (P 277-8) has incorporated food-kilometres into its restaurant menu.

Food kilometres are the approximate distance the main ingredients in each dish have travelled from their source to the Meadowbank kitchen and every menu item indicates the food kilometres travelled:

• Smoked eel, potato pancakes, crispy bacon and horseradish cream – Food kilometres - 180
• Barilla Bay oysters, asparagus granita– Food kilometres - 2
• Grandview "Blue by Ewe" (Tassie sheep milk cheese) with leatherwood honeycomb – Food kilometres - 45

ORGANIC APPLES CAN BE BETTER FOR YOU!

Evidence that organic crops contain higher levels of important nutrients has been published by scientists.

Analysis of organic tomatoes, apples and peaches revealed greater concentrations of vitamin C, polyphenols, betacarotene and flavonoids.These nutrients are said to protect the body against heart attacks and cancer-causing chemicals.

The latest studies were part of an EU research programme led by the University of Newcastle and involving academics from across Europe. Researchers at Warsaw Agriculture University found organic tomatoes contained more vitamin C, beta-carotene and flavonoids than conventional ones. They were lower, however, in lycopene, which is another beneficial nutrient.

The same team found organic apple puree contained more phenols, flavonoids and vitamin C than conventional versions. Apple puree is a popular food choice for babies.

Peter Melchet, of the Soil Association, welcomed the research, saying: "It is very encouraging when science catches up with common sense. These studies show that as more science is conducted, more evidence emerges showing beneficial nutritional differences associated with organic food."

MERLO SHARES THE BEAN PASSION

Merlo’s Fortitude Valley Torrefazione (roasting factory) is hosting Coffee Appreciation Breakfasts designed to introduce patrons to the joy of premium fresh espresso from 7.30am on the first Friday of every month. The Bowen Hills Torrefazione is hosting a Coffee Appreciation brunch from 10.30am on the first Thursday of each month, and the new facility at Southport is hosting Coffee Appreciation Brunch from 9am on the first Tuesday of each month. The sessions include a light continental breakfast or brunch, a tour of the roasting facility, a short history of coffee, a sample of two origin beans, and a Merlo Coffee blend, expert advice on making the best coffee at home and a sample bag at a cost of $25 per person.

More information: +61 7 3620 4200, info@merlo.com.au  

QUEENSLAND DOINGS

WIN TV Airlie Beach Food & Wine Festival – 29 April
The restaurants of Airlie Beach join together to celebrate the diversity of the region’s fine food combined with an extensive range of Australian wines. Food stalls with gourmet delights prepared by chefs from the finest restaurants in the area and wines from the best winemakers and regions in Australia. The Esplanade, Airlie Beach. More information: +61 7 4964 1999, www.airliebeachhotel.com.au

Caxton Street Seafood & Wine Festival – 6 May
Brisbane’s famous food and wine celebration showcases a whole host of fresh seafood, local wines and includes an entertainment line up to knock your socks off. Caxton Street, Paddington. For the young and young at heart. More information: +61 7 3369 6969

Opera in the Vineyard – 6 May
Enjoy a world class ensemble of some of Australia’s greatest voices performing from a selection of opera, musical comedy and operetta at Ballandean Estate Wines. Accompanying the artists on grand piano will be international pianist Kevin Power OAM. Compere for the day will be well known Brisbane-based broadcaster, Howard Ainsworth. Courtesy buses available from Stanthorpe, Warwick and Tenterfield. More information: +61 7 4684 1226, www.ballandean-estate.com.au

A Celebration of Australian Food and Wine - Noosa Style – 18 - 20 May
The ultimate in food and wine with produce sourced nationwide and Australia's leading chefs, growers, producers, wine makers, restaurateurs and food and wine enthusiasts in attendance. This festival is not only about eating and drinking, with hordes of talented Jazz and Blues musicians roaming Noosa’s boardwalks and stopping in at restaurants and cafes. More information: +61 7 5455 4229, www.celebrationofaustralianfoodandwine.com.au  

Reef and Rainforest Carnivale – 18-27 May
30 events in 11 days covering sport to the arts, but if you’re a food lover, this is heaven!! Events include a Taste of Port, Longest Lunch and the Seafood Extravaganza. Culinary fanatics can indulge their senses with the ‘Gourmet Idols’ cook off. Chef’s from the regions’ premier restaurants join with local celebrities in a four night competition to slice, dice and sauté their way to the gala dinner. The Marlin Marina hosts both the Longest Lunch and the Seafood Extravaganza. More information: www.port-douglas-carnivale.com.au

Great Barrier Feast on Hamilton Island – 8 to 11 June
Some of Australia’s most acclaimed chefs and winemakers will share their secrets at the annual Great Barrier Feast on Hamilton Island over the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend. The weekend event will be hosted by food experts Curtis Stone (Surfing the Menu) and celebrity chef pals, Tobie Puttock of Restaurant Fifteen and Naked Chef, Jimmy Shu from the internationally recognised Hanuman restaurants and Frank Camorroa, from Melbourne’s Mo Vida. www.hamiltonisland.com.au or 13REEF (137333).

Olivado Moreton Bay Seafood Festival – 9 - 10 June
Relax and unwind, enjoy the sea air and feast on succulent seafood and wine at the Olivado Moreton Bay Seafood Festival 2007 at the Raby Bay Foreshore Park, Cleveland / Raby Bay on the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend. Food, cooking, celebrity chefs, music and all kinds of activities including mud crab tying, oyster shucking and mud crab racing. Watch the experts as they vie for the title of best mud crab wrangler and oyster shucker, then cheer on your favourite in the mud crab races! More information: www.moretonbayseafoodfestival.com.au

CALLING REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

This October, the nation’s top regional chefs will compete to win one of Australia’s top culinary honours along with an international food trip. Does your region have the produce, the talent and the passion to win this prestigious culinary challenge?
The LifeStyle FOOD Channel’s Australian Regional Culinary Competition has been held biennially since 1997 as part of Tasting Australia. Past winners have been able to experience the gourmet delights of Canada, India, Ireland and France.
For the first time, AUSTAR, Australia’s regional subscription TV provider, is sponsoring one of the regional teams. One lucky team will win travel to and from Adelaide, accommodation and transport of their produce to compete in this year’s competition. For further details visit www.lifestylefood.com.au/austar.
Taking place in Adelaide, teams of four chefs and apprentices will do culinary battle under the watchful eyes, honed noses and educated palates of seven top chefs: Sydney’s Serge Dansereau (Bathers’ Pavilion) and Peter Kuruvita (Flying Fish), Melbourne’s Philippe Mouchel (Brasserie at Crown) and Paul Wilson (Botanical), Perth’s Chris Taylor (Fraser’s) and Kate Lamont (Lamont's), and Brisbane’s David Pugh (Restaurant II). They will be joined by , Heidi van Gerwen (TAFE SA Regency Campus) to decide which culinary team produces the best three-course meal using regional produce matched with wines.
”The LifeStyle FOOD Channel is thrilled to continue its association with this unique event,” said Ric Burns, General Manager, LifeStyle FOOD Channel. “We look forward to celebrating the exciting new talent of the 2007 teams and are delighted that AUSTAR has committed to supporting regional Australia’s best.”
The high-profile competition will take place at Adelaide TAFE’s SA Regency Campus from Monday to Thursday, October 15 to 18, 2007 with awards presented on the final night of competition at a gala event at the Hyatt Regency. In addition to Best Region, there will be awards for Best Entree, Best Main Course and Best Dessert. The young person voted Best Apprentice will have an opportunity of working with Shannon Bennett, celebrated chef/owner of Melbourne’s Vue de Monde restaurant, awarded Australia’s Best Restaurant by Australian Gourmet Traveller for the last two years.
Major sponsor of the competition is the LifeStyle FOOD Channel, Australia’s only television channel totally dedicated to food. LifeStyle FOOD Channel is available on FOXTEL and AUSTAR Digital.

Entries received to date are:
• ACT Northern Districts (ACT)
• Barossa (SA)
• Canberra Regional Culinary Team (ACT)
• Gold Coast (QLD)
• Greater Melbourne (VIC)
• Kangaroo Island (SA)
• Mt Lofty House Adelaide Hills (SA)
• Peel Region (WA)
• Ramlegh Park Central Victoria (VIC)
• Riverina (NSW)
• S-Cape (NSW)
• South Burnett (QLD)
• South Western Sydney (NSW)
• Southern Tasmania (TAS)
• Tasmania Valleys (TAS)
• Team McLaren Vale (SA)
• Team Hayman (QLD)
• Team Hunter Valley Wine Country (NSW)
• Team Margaret River (WA)
• Team North West Tasmania (TAS)
• Team Sirromet (QLD)
• The Gunyah Kitchen Posse (VIC)
• The Bellarine (VIC)
• Yarra Valley (VIC)

If you have what it takes contact Emma Rains on 08 8463 4679 or download the entry form from the Tasting Australia website www.tasting-australia.com.au. Hurry entries close on July 30, 2007

Shrimp Shell Could Lower Cholesterol Levels:   
Shrimp-lovers take note. A study published by Wiley-Blackwell in the journal, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology reports that research has shown that a chemical called chitosan, derived from shrimp shells, might be useful in the fight against obesity and high cholesterol.  
The results from the study conducted by Dr. Hossain and his colleagues have shown that chitosan reduced weight gain and blood cholesterol levels in rats. More significantly, the researchers found that when taken as a dietary supplement, the chemical chitosan increased the ratio of ‘good’ versus ‘bad’ cholesterol levels.

EASTER FESTIVAL:
Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard as it hosts its annual Easter Festival in the picturesque King Valley THIS weekend. The Vineyard is CLOSED on Good Friday but from Saturday to Monday there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes: jazz, food stalls and farmers market produce, cellar door wine tasting or dining at the Epicurean Centre. Further details call Brown Brothers on 1800 032 248 or visit www.brownbrothers.com.au 

Country Fare:
Australia’s love affair with coffee is making way for a new trend – coffee tourism. Coffee fans are able to track local beans from crop to cappuccino, sample emerging and award-winning blends and even master the art of coffee-making!
Escape the daily grind and visit:
• Ferngrove Estate in Berry, a coffee plantation consisting of 2000 Arabica coffee bushes set amongst rolling lawns within a rural landscape. www.ferngroveestate.com
• Get a quick fix of award-winning espresso at High Trees Estate, near Alstonville on the North Coast. High Trees was crowned Champion for its Rainforest Single Origin blend at the recent Sydney Royal Fine Food Show. www.hightreesestate.com.au
• Enjoy a cup of freshly roasted local coffee before your tour at the Wombah Coffee Plantation, just south of Lismore. Ph 02 6646 4380
• See what new blends are being created at The Coffee Bean Roasting House in Tamworth. Owner and food technologist Bob Minton not only roasts in house, but works to develop new gourmet blends using local beans. www.coffeebean.com.au
• Become a master barista at The Graduates Coffee Academy at the North Coast Institute of TAFE, Port Macquarie campus. The academy averages 2000 shots a week as it trains skilled baristas. www.nci.tafensw.edu.au
• Bent on Food at Wingham also runs regular workshops on The Art of Coffee Making, with the next course on April 5. Book now on 02 6557 0727
(from Tourism NSW newsletter: NSW Uncovered)