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Singapore foodies currently have one event on their mind – Margaret River Gourmet Escape presented by Audi. This extraordinary festival of food and wine celebrates fresh produce and beautiful ingredients against the stunning backdrop of Western Australian wine country, aka the place you’d rather be.
The 3-day event takes place on Nov. 18-20, and attracts some of the top names in food from around the globe. Our beloved Janice Wong will be there, and she’ll be joined by Nigella Lawson, Rick Stein, David Thompson, Guy Grossi and dozens more high-profile chefs.
If you haven’t been to the Margaret River region before, this food festival is the perfect time to experience the region’s white sand beaches, turquoise oceans, verdant vineyards and ancient forests. Imagine yourself in these locations, feasting on gourmet food and sipping local wine. If that sounds like a culinary dream come true, well, it’s because it is.
Photo: Margaret River / Elements Margaret River
The main event is the Gourmet Village on Nov. 19-20, set on the lush lawns of the Leeuwin Estate Winery. Wander among the food stations and enjoy tastings, wine pairings, masterclasses and live music. Mingle and converse with top chefs, learn new skills and sample new dishes. This year’s highlights include the Sweets & Treats Masterclasses, Battle of the Breweries and the Wüsthof Chefs Skillery along with festival classics such as Margaret River Icon Tastings, Table of Eight and the Chef’s Theatre.
After experiencing the festival atmosphere of the Gourmet Village, pick and choose from satellite and fringe events set in beautiful venues around Margaret River. We’d recommend starting at the Audi Gourmet Beach BBQ, open for lunch and dinner on each day of the festival.
Photo: Audi Gourmet Beach BBQ / Elements Margaret River
The Audi Gourmet Beach BBQ has become a symbol of Margaret River Gourmet Escape, with its giant tipis and sizzling grills set up on the white sands of Castle Bay Beach. You’ll be immersed in the laid-back lifestyle of Western Australia, starting with the welcome drink: a specialty gin cocktail crafted by Ashley Palmer-Watts of Dinner by Heston, No. 49 in World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and Tony Conigliaro of The Drink Factory, UK, in collaboration with award-winning WA distillery Limeburners.
Watch as top chefs from Australia and beyond grill local produce and fresh seafood right on the beach. Watch the crashing waves as you sample their gourmet creations and sip cold beer from Perth’s own brewery, Little Creatures.
After getting a slice of coastal life, head to the woodland setting of Leeuwin Estate’s Safari Club for the Feast in the Forest. This satellite event takes place during lunch and dinner on each day of the festival – but hurry, it’s selling out fast.
Photo: Feast in the Forest / Elements Margaret River
The Feast in the Forest is a uniquely Australian experience – picnic tables, friendly vibes and traditional music under a canopy of Jarrah trees. To celebrate the wood, flame and smoke of forest cooking, chefs roast tender sides of meat on an open fire. The mains are served with fresh local produce and paired with full-bodied Leeuwin Estate wines. We’re excited for the dinnertime session, where the forest becomes a magical lantern-lit scene.
Photo: Feast in the Forest / Elements Margaret River
There is perhaps nothing more joyous than waking up to a long, lazy weekend brunch. You know this, we know this and Margaret River Gourmet Escape knows this. That’s why one of the most popular events on the program is Brunch with the Best.
Brunch with the Best takes place on each day of the festival, featuring different chefs each time. Watch and eat as chefs such as Rick Stein and his son Jack, Guy Grossi and Sydney’s Peter Gilmore cook up their brunch favorites. Spend the morning at the Cape Dutch-inspired gardens of Voyager Estate feasting on delectable dishes accompanied by tea, coffee, juices and Voyager Estate sparkling wine. Converse with your fellow brunch buddies about hot topics in the world of food and wine in between bites from amazing gourmet dishes.
Photo: Brunch with the Best / Elements Margaret River
Now Cheaptickets.sg is making it even easier for you to experience Margaret River Gourmet Escape with their new travel deal: 5 days in Margaret River from SGD605 per person.
You get: flights from Singapore to Perth, 4 nights accommodation in the Margaret River region and entry to the Gourmet Village.
Photo: Margaret River / Elements Margaret River
Psst… DBS customers, you’re in for an extra treat! Enjoy an exclusive $100 cash rebate from CheapTickets.sg when you book your flight, 3 nights or more accommodation in the region and a ticket to any Margaret River Gourmet Escape Event.
CheapTickets.sg is also offering a 5-day self-drive through the region. And they’ve even done the dirty work for you and put together the perfect itinerary. With rental cars from only SGD35 a day, it’s so easy to explore everything this beautiful region has to offer.
Photo: Margaret River / Elements Margaret River
Your journey starts with a scenic drive from Perth to the waterfront town of Busselton, the gateway to the Margaret River wine region. Continue south to discover Dunsborough, where you can kayak, snorkel and swim in crystal clear waters.
Photo: Busselton / Elements Margaret River
Drive further south to experience the charming town of Margaret River. Walk or bicycle around the town and shop at local boutiques or visit the farmers market. Margaret River is known for gourmet food, local wine and artisan ingredients like cheese, chocolate and fudge. Not to mention art galleries, cafes and lively bars.
Photo: Margaret River / Elements Margaret River
Stop at Augusta, the most southwestern town in WA, and visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. On the drive back to up Perth, stop at Manjimup and taste WA black truffles, the gourmet ingredient sought after by foodies around the world. The perfect end to a gourmet week!
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