A nine-course foraging degustation through the vineyards, an autumnal grazing feast under the stars and a fresh produce-packed journey by rail on the F.O.O.D Train are just some of the highlights of this year’s Orange F.O.O.D Week, Friday 6 to Sunday 15 April 2018.
Tickets are on sale now for the ever-popular 10-day festival, which celebrates best-in-class produce and cool climate wines from the Orange region in NSW’s Central West.
The 2018 program sees the return of many Orange F.O.O.D Week sell-out annual favourites, along with new experiences exclusive to this year’s festival. Signature events include:
FORAGE – Roam through 4km of picturesque vineyards soaking up vistas of vine-covered rolling hills, enjoying a nine-course degustation of local wine and tasting plates, and live music along the way, guided by knowledgeable locals. Saturday 14 April, 11:00am-6:00pm, $120 per person. Bookings essential.
Blayney Autumn Grazing Dinner – Meander beautiful Blayney Village to Carrington Park for this inaugural feast of local wine and seasonal produce, courtesy of guest chef Alex Kearns from Sydney’s award-winning Glebe Point Diner. Monday 9 April, 6:30pm, $135 per person. Bookings essential.
F.O.O.D Train – Turn your festival experience into a weekend of food and wine, starting with breakfast onboard the F.O.O.D Train departing from Sydney. On arrival in Orange, be whisked off to forage for and savour regional culinary gems across the weekend, with experiences such as a country lunch, hatted restaurant dining and breakfast, with two night’s accommodation included. Friday 13 to Sunday 15 April, from $890 per person. Bookings essential.
Sunday Producers’ Market and Brunch – Enjoy cooking demonstrations by local chefs, stroll stalls of delicious produce and kick back for brunch In the spectacular setting of leafy Cook Park. Sunday 15 April, 8:30am-12:30pm.
F.O.O.D Week Night Market – An annual festival favourite, join fellow foodies for a night of local food, wine, cider and beer from the region’s top chefs, cooks and makers, with music and communal dining under the stars in Robert Park. Friday 6 April, 5:30pm-8:30pm.
Other highlights of this year’s festival include: picnics and tastings among the vines; walk and talk tours; exclusive dinners, long table lunches and degustations; meet the producers sessions; cider and bread making workshops; local cheese, chocolate and honey sampling; live music; art exhibitions, including the ‘Paddock to Plate’ exhibition.
by Arrnott Olssen
Editor Rogue Homme
Now in its 27th year, Orange F.O.O.D Week is Australia’s longest-running regional food festival and the first to achieve ISO 20211 accreditation for sustainability.
President of Orange F.O.O.D Week, James Sweetapple said: “What started out as a passionate idea among a small group of dedicated local foodies has grown into one of Australia’s most loved food festivals, celebrating the abundance of sensational produce and producers who call our region home.”
“While the festival in April is a highlight on the calendar, in truth every week is food and wine week in Orange. We invite lovers of food and wine visit and explore the region across our four very distinct seasons across the year.”
Orange is a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney or 3 hours from Canberra, and is just a short flight from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
