Margaret River Gourmet Escape 2015

The weekend has been and gone, and as usual was not long enough! I was lucky enough to spend that short weekend down in the Margaret River for their annual Gourmet Escape event! November 21st - 23rd saw thousands flock Margaret River and surrounding towns to attent the always awesome event along side those thousands some of the worlds best culinary chefs such as Heston Blumenthal, Matt Stone, Claude Bosi and more! I was lucky enough to head down for the weekend so I thought I would share with you my experience!

We stayed at the quiet and well kept Darby Serviced Apartments just behind the tourist centre and literally on the main strip! I think they struggled with the turnover a little bit as I was waiting for 50 minutes past the check-in time but was all good as we got our first free taste of a Margaret River white!

We were heading down to Leeuwin Estate for the event on Saturday 22nd and had everything planned from the tickets, gems, Escape Lounge, Helicopter, Devils Lair Table of 8 and well, our drinking hats I suppose! It was time to get in the helicopter, and I'm not going to lie, was nervous, why? I do not know, i'm use to flying in planes but hey! you only live once! The helicopter ride (thanks to WildBlue Helicopters) was awesome! Margaret River is just as beautiful at height as it on on the ground and some of the houses down there are to die for!



After a stunning ride it was time to come into land right by the entrance, not going to lie people looking up, taking photo's etc it was pretty spesh but it was time for the main event! We decided to head straight to the Escape Lounge which is a premium section of the event for ticket holders only. Starting with the always beautiful Chenin Blanc and chilled at a table whilst Heston was talking on the main stage! The escape lounge was conveniently located adjacent to the stage so was a good viewing point! At 12:30 it was time to hit the main stage for the Devils Lair Table of 8, which is literally a table of 8 on the stage next to the cooking and action! En route to hitting the stage as Heston was leaving I managed to grab a "Welfie" which is a walking selfie! poor guy was being pulled from pillar to post of the stage then onto a book signing!

We were then invited onto the Siemens Stage ready for our turn and to watch the chefs cook with Poh as the hostess with the mostess! After watching them cook whilst drinking wine and having snacks and dip, was a little disappointing that we didn't get to try the food we had just watched them cook, even just a little taster would have been nice, but nah nothing! We did manage to stop all 3 of them for a Selfie this time (no walking needed) and then when reviewing the photo it looks like I am trying to push Poh out of the way!! Poh if your reading this totally didn't mean to haha!


After this it was time to explore some of the wineries best wines! Some of my faves which I have ordered of some and will deffinatley be ordering more are

BartonJones - The Shilly-Sally, Chenin Blanc
The Alchemists2 - Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Cape Grace - Chardonnay

This event is for everyone who likes wine to beer, beer to cider and even coffee or soft drinks! The food is to die for and the event well planned! Hardly any ques for toilets, lots of space, not enough shade though but it is a fun day out for a couple, some mates and even family! This event is a must see if visiting or living in WA and I shall go for the third time next November!