Charlotte Varcoe
FOOD and wine from the Limestone Coast will be highlighted as part of a national initiative.
Tasting Australia will host Elementary head chef Kirby Shearing as he showcases the fresh produce from across the region.
Mr Shearing first started being involved with Tasting Australia though the Town Square event before jumping onboard as part of the program for the first time this year.
He will headline Tasting Australia Airlines – Limestone Coast which will include an overnight food, wine and travel adventure.
Attendees can choose to fly direct to the Limestone Coast from either Adelaide or Melbourne for an overnight adventure before venturing further into the regions.
“I am looking forward to bringing down some people from Melbourne and Adelaide,” Mr Shearing said.
“We will be doing Tasting Australia Airlines Limestone Coast and I am really looking forward to immersing people in our region’s produce and showing off how good we have it here.”
He said there were a range of benefits of bringing the initiative to the region including showcasing the unique and diverse produce the region has to offer.
“We do not benefit from it too much financially but there will definitely be eyes on the Limestone Coast so we could see a small influx of tourism,” Mr Shearing said.
“Hospitality and wine needs to be highlighted nationally and the Limestone Coast has some of the best produce in Australia if not the world.”
He said between the fisheries in Port MacDonnell and along the coast to the inland produce of sheep and cattle farmers the region played host to a range of “hidden gems”.
“We have got beautiful fisheries down here, crayfish, abalone and for me it is such a diverse landscape,” Mr Shearing said.
“Not only do we have the beautiful ocean we also have inland and some amazing growing areas and little gems people would not know about.”
Mr Shearing also encouraged the community to keep an eye on other Tasting Australia events held across the region including Lunch at Padthaway Estate Degustation and Wine Pairing, Steak Tasting at the Naracoorte Hotel and Local Produce Tasting Dinner at the Robe Hotel.
“If people also end up passing through Adaialde they should come support us there too,” he said.
Tasting Australia is the nation’s longest running culinary festival with more than 150 events planned across the state.
It will begin on May 2 and conclude on May 12.
