THE Sunshine State might be most often thought of for its stretches of pristine beaches, but it’s also home to an abundance of local produce that’s been grown, caught, baked and served by an array of clever clogs and inspired minds.
Take your love of food to a new level in 2016 with this list of gourmet food and wine festivals from the river bank of Brisbane to the northern tip of Port Douglas.
January
Ginger Flower and Food Festival January 22-24, Yandina
The Ginger Factory Yandina comes alive for the weekend-long Ginger Food and Flower Festival, surrounded by Australia’s largest and most ornamental gingers and heliconias, all under one roof. This year the festival celebrates its 20th birthday with a line-up of local kitchen maestros and gardening experts.
March
Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival February 26 – March 6, Stanthorpe
The Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival turns 50 in 2016 and, as one of Queensland’s longest-running events, continues to celebrate the harvest of this well-known southern Queensland food and wine region. More than 60,000 visitors make the journey to this biennial festival which is launched with a street market and the switching on of the carnival lights, followed by 10 days of events.
A highlight of the festival will be the Grand Parade packed with floats, flags and local and visiting bands. The theme of the 2016 festival is When in Rome where we’re pretty sure they like to enjoy a wine or two as well.
Feast of the Senses March 12-20, Innisfail
Discover North Queensland’s premier tropical food event that engages every one of your senses. The region’s abundance of exotic tropical fruits, produce, seafood and meats will be on show over 10 amazing days. The event includes farm trails, art and photography, cooking competitions and the piece de resistance – a market day extravaganza on March 20.
Gold Coast Italian Festival March 26 – 27, Gold Coast (various locations)
Savour the tastes, sights and sounds of Italy at the first annual Gold Coast Italian Festival. From fine food, Italian wines and family entertainment, the festival will celebrate all the best about the dolce vita culture. Street vendors will be slinging wood fired pizza, pasta and gelato.
Kenilworth Cheese, Wine and Food Fest March 26, Kenilworth
A day out for the whole family, the Kenilworth Cheese, Wine and Food Fest celebrates the best produce from the renowned Mary Valley.
April
Felton Food Festival April 10, Felton
For one day, Felton on the Darling Downs throws the spotlight on the delectable produce, stunning landscape and the people that make this region so vibrant.
May
Hampton Festival May 15, Hampton
Pack the thermos and make your way to this picturesque hamlet north of Toowoomba to join this celebration of creative culture, regional produce and gourmet industries for the 14th annual Hampton Festival.
Paniyiri Greek Festival May 21-22, Brisbane
If honey puffs and haloumi aren’t enough to get you down to Musgrave Park for this two-day extravaganza, then we’re not sure what will.
A World Apart May 28-29, Scenic Rim (numerous locations)
Let those in the know about the beauty of the Scenic Rim take you on a food and wine discovery tour. Within the stunning Mt Barney Valley, each location along the tour will offer explorers the chance to sample local and homemade fare including Barney Creek wines, bush tucker tastings, homemade fruit sorbets and hand-assembled hampers.
Goomeri Pumpkin Festival May 29, Goomeri
It may have started as rolling pumpkins downhill for a laugh, but 20 years on, this annual festival still attracts a crowd of thousands to celebrate the humble pumpkin.
June
Relish Fraser Coast June 4, Fraser Coast (numerous locations)
A feast of culture and cuisine is served! Immerse yourself in Maryborough’s heritage streetscapes and riverside parks for the Relish Fraser Coast and its jam-packed program of celebrity chefs, gourmet tastings, cooking workshops, live music and art. True foodies will have the chance to try Hervey Bay’s famous scallops, Fraser Island prawns and macadamia nuts all paired with wines from Queensland’s premier wineries.
Eat Local Week June 25 – July 3, Beaudesert (Scenic Rim)
What better way to sample the abundance of fresh products of the Scenic Rim than at Eat Local Week? Experience the food and wine of the region all within one hour of Brisbane with a variety of events including country markets, cooking schools, a degustation, tasting tours and more.
Stanthorpe only puts on its Apple and Grape Festival every two years and it’s an event not to miss.
For all the details and that of the other events listed visit It’s Live! in Queensland http://www.queensland.com/events.