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West Australian
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Pair'd Margaret River Region 2025 program is a feast for the senses, fusing food, wine, music and culture
If Margaret River's legendary wines could sing, what would they sound like? It's a mystery multi-sensory artist and wine writer Dr Jo Burzynska will attempt to uncover in a world-first sonic experience presented as part of Pair'd Margaret River Region 2025. The second incarnation of what has been dubbed 'Australia's chicest wine and food festival' will return from November 20 to 23 with a menagerie of 30 unique activations that weave together culture and gastronomy. A highlight from the newly-released program is Tasting Notes: Sound of a Region, which will see Dr Burzynska create original soundscapes inspired by Margaret River and its iconic cabernet, chardonnay, sparkling and sauvignon semillon. This immersive symphony for the senses will set the tone for Pair'd flagship events Nature's Table, New Wave Gathering and The Grand Tasting and will offer guests an entirely unique perspective on the region by way of sound. The rest of the program is similarly exciting, indicating Pair'd 2025 is set to follow in the footsteps of its inaugural sold-out series last year. Acclaimed Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, often referred to as the 'godfather of fire', will make his first Australian appearance in more than a decade when he teams up with Dave Pynt of Singapore's Michelin-starred Burnt Ends, social media powerhouse Andy Hearnden ('Andy Cooks') and Perth cult BBQ crew Big Don's for an unmissable smoky showdown at Wills Domain. Hear an atmospheric fusion of opera and didgeridoo underground paired with native bushfood aperitivo at Ngilgi Reverie, then bask on the pristine shores of Meelup Beach while lapping up a surf-and-turf feast and live saxophone for the Pair'd Beach Club pop-up. New Wave Gathering will offer a future-forward spin on wine tasting with next gen makers, low-fi DJ beats and expert masterclasses, while the enchanting Nature's Table invites diners to settle beneath the karri trees of Tanah Marah for a four-hour culinary odyssey. The list of global talent featured throughout the festival is extensive, ranging from internationally-renowned chefs such as Julien Royer, Rishi Naleendra and Nathan Outlaw to surfing champ Layne Beachley, INXS rocker Kirk Pengilly and Aussie restaurateur Matt Moran. They join an array of local legends and cultural custodians, backed by the greatest hero of all — Margaret River and her natural beauty. Pair'd festival director Hannah Pike says the showcase amplifies the connection between people, producers, landscapes and cultures. 'We're incredibly proud to present a program that is not just a festival, it's a region-wide sensory experience that celebrates what makes this part of the world so incredibly special,' Pike says. 'After the inaugural event wrapped last November, our team got to work to secure an incredible line-up of international powerhouses who'll work alongside our celebrated WA chefs, winemakers and cultural custodians, delivering a program that is designed to spark exchange, creativity and inspiration.' Just days before Pair'd kicks off, Margaret River also has the honour of being the first Australian host of the World's 50 Best Vineyards awards, which will only further add to the buzz. + The full Pair'd Margaret River Region 2025 program is now live via + Tickets are on sale now, with guests encouraged to book early as many experiences are expected to sell out.
Axios
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
What to know if you go to NOWFE
The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience returns this week and with it, a series of wine dinners, tastings, food labs and premier, festive events. Why it matters: You should start hydrating now. The big picture: NOWFE, as the event series is better known, takes over New Orleans hospitality for several days, beginning June 11, and culminating in The Grand Tasting on June 14. Other events include wine tastings Vinola and the Tournament of Roses, special chef-driven wine dinners at restaurants around the city, a burlesque brunch and other experiences. See the full schedule. Between the lines: The event is popular amongst foodies, and it's a well-timed, important shot in the arm for bars and restaurants that can struggle to get through New Orleans' slow summer months. The intrigue: Judges visited participating restaurants earlier this year to sample dish entries from competing chefs. Winning dishes were named this week, so keep an eye out for those.
