New England Food & Wine Showcase in Cinders Lane

RDA Northern Inland Senior Project Officer (Food & Wine), Kim-Trieste Hastings with owner of Bistro on Cinders, Marie Wall, preparing to showcase the quality and benefits of sourcing local, New England produce.

A one-off showcase of New England food and wine produce is being held from 9am to 1:30pm in Cinders Lane, Armidale, parallel to the Central Mall on Sunday, 17 April, to coincide with the monthly markets. The event represents an opportunity for residents, retailers and those in the hospitality sector to see, taste and experience the latest range of quality produce that can be sourced in the New England region.

Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) Food and Wine Senior Project Officer, Kim-Trieste Hastings said this will be the latest Industry and Investment NSW supported initiative designed to further familiarise New England residents and businesses with the range and quality of food and wine produce that can be sourced from their local area.

“New England’s wine producers have come a long way in developing their industry in the past decade. A regional approach has played a big part in that,” she said.

The New England Wine Growers Association (NEWGA) and the Southern New England Vignerons Association (SNEVA) recently merged. The new entity is called the ‘New England Wine Industry Association’ (NEWIA). The wine producers are continuing their united, regional approach through a branding and marketing campaign, in which they are promoting the region with the ‘NEW’ brand, which is both an acronym for New England Wine and a representation of the fact that the New England Wine region is the newest in Australia.

NEWIA President, Andrew Close said the wine producers of New England appreciate the strong support they have received from local communities, from hotels to households. He added that the vignerons in turn, support New England communities by attending various events and providing tastes of their produce.

“In Cinders Lane this month, we will again see that commitment. We’ll see wine growers come together from throughout the region, from all the way up to the other side of Tenterfield,” Mr. Close said.

According to Ms Hastings, local food producers are also increasingly proactive in the New England. “We’re expecting a selection of food products that will range from strawberries to olives, condiments to beef,” she said.

The regional food and wine showcase is being organised by RDA Northern Inland and producers are being encouraged to contact Ms Hastings on 0427 008 572 by Friday, 8 April, if they would like to take part and contribute to the day. This one-off special event will be free for exhibiting producers and the public.

“This will be just before Easter. So, it is a unique opportunity to give the gift of local produce,” she said.

For further details, please contact:
RDANI Executive Officer, Nathan Axelsson: 02 6771 2790 or…Project Officer, Kim-Trieste Hastings: 0427 008 572.