Sam Tooley has swapped whale watching for wine, and hopes his new South Coast Food and Wine Festival will bring 10,000 visitors to Berry Showgrounds in September.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The former manager of Dolphin Watch Cruises saw a gap in the market after the Winter Wine Festival ceased to exist.
Mr Tooley visited many other festivals around Australia for research and feels his point of difference would be no imported produce (100 per cent local) plus transport options.
"Moving people allows the spread of accommodation to increase numbers coming to the festival," he said.
He noted Berry didn't have a lot of accommodation options, so they've organised shuttle buses to pick up ticket-holders from Huskisson up to Kiama.
Festival patrons will get to sample food, beer and wine from the Illawarra and South Coast; peruse farmers markets; participate in bespoke workshops such as pairing beer with oysters; and listening to live music.
Mr Tooley's grand plans for the event are for it to evolve to "encapsulate the whole region" with various satellite events held simultaneous in places like Kiama, Gerringong, Darkes Forest and Jervis Bay.
2019 PROGRAM
FRIDAY September 13
- Meet the Producer
- Steering Committee Briefing
- Networking Event
SATURDAY September 14
- Berry markets
- District Food & Wine Tours
- Beverage Tasting and Food Sampling
- Welcome to Country
- VIP Lounge
- Long Lunch
- Cooking Demonstrations
- Jazz Band, DJs, Live Music
- Olsson's Masterclasses
SUNDAY September 15
- District Food & Wine Tours
- Beverage Tasting and Food Sampling
- VIP Lounge
- Long Lunch
- Cooking Demonstrations
- Jazz Band, DJs, Live Music
- Olsson's Masterclasses
For more details visit: www.southcoastfoodandwinefestival.com.au
Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
