Awarded winery to host Margaret River Wine Region Festival

WITH a swag of awards in the bag, Palmer Wines is set to host the main event of the Margaret River Wine Region Festival in April.

With just two years in the business, the winery was recently awarded the coveted WIAWA wine industry award for the Most Outstanding Cellar Door/Wine Tourism Facility.

Palmer Wines have also collected the Champion Small Winery and Most Successful Exhibitor trophies at the Australian Small Winemakers Show, along with a host of awards gained at the Perth Royal Show, the Australian Cool Climate Show, the International Wine Challenge, the Royal Melbourne Show, to name but a few.

Helen Palmer is delighted with the winery’s success.

“We didn’t enter the wine industry competition but we were chosen anyway – it’s even better when our peers think we are good enough,” she said.

Helen attributes Palmer Wines’ popularity to providing excellent service and using the freshest local produce available.

Having former Queensland chef Coby Cockburn on board has also been a bonus. With years of experience in five-star hotels, Coby understands the value of presentation and adapts the menu frequently to take advantage of seasonal local produce.

Those who have yet to experience the ambience of Palmer Wines should not miss the chance when Helen and her staff throw open the gates for the Margaret River Wine Region’s Vintage Festival on Saturday April 14, when the winery will host the event for the second year.

With live entertainment, stalls, art, great food and fine wines on offer the Vintage Festival promises something for everyone.

“It was a huge success last year, we had a fantastic day – everyone enjoyed themselves,” she said.

The Margaret River Wine Region Festival will be staged over a four day period from April 13-16, at a range of venues.

Stuart Watson, vice-president of the MRWIA, said the festival offered a unique opportunity to showcase Margaret River wines and enabled visitors to experience the unique and attractive lifestyle of the entire region – wine, food, arts, creative industries and natural attractions.

“The popular Vintage Festival will once again be held at Palmer Wines at the northern end of the Margaret River wine region and further meets the commitment from the association to ensure the whole wine region is included in the festival,” he said.

The festival will be launched with the popular long table lunch at Leeuwin Estate.

Stallholders can now register for the festival via the website www.margretriver-festival.com which is open to wine, food, music and artists in the Margaret River Wine Region.

Those interesting in participating should contact festival events manager John Bradbury, at TMG Events on 1300 765 518 or email jb@travelmanagement-group.com.au.