With just a month until Pair’d (November 14-17) debuts in the Margaret River region, its inaugural 4-day program is seeing peak levels of FOMO being experienced.

A wine first event, curation is described as “through the lens of a sommelier,” blended with incredible culinary and cultural experiences. Local and international talent will assemble for what’s set to become a staple on Australia’s festival calendar.

Can’t decide on which tickets to bag? WA Good Food Guide editor (and longtime Margaret River local) Max Brearley weighs in with his top tips for a festival long weekend.

A beach club like no other

Most festivals, either by design or by a confluence of factors, have a hero event. Something that encapsulates the spirit of not just the festival but the locale. This could be it. Castle Bay in Dunsborough plays host to Margaret’s Beach Club, with sommelier Cyndal Petty (currently riding high at SW Wine Shop, Busselton Pavilion, Fleur et al) curating a stellar list that plays alongside a menu focused on the best of West Australian seafood.

The event will see the homecoming of David Pynt (Burnt Ends, Singapore) as he teams up with South West locals Ben Jacob (of Lagoon and soon to open Masseria), Aaron Carr (bona fide legend, chef and co-owner at Yarri) and Ben Ing (one of our favourite Canadian imports, former CPH resident, and Alberta’s co-head-honcho).

Extra vibes come direct from Ibiza, courtesy of day sessions from Cafe Del Mar stalwart, DJ Ken Fan, and sunset sessions from indie icon turned farmer, cheese and wine whisperer, Alex James. The Blur bassist is no stranger to great festivals, having his own Big Feastival in the UK. The difference between the UK and Western Australia? “All that sunshine gives everything so much flavour,” says James.

Catch the new wave

There’s sometimes a view outside of Western Australia that Margaret River is a region that’s tightly bound by traditionalism in winemaking. But, while we have what could be described as classic expressions of the region we’re also brimming with innovators – new wave winemakers who are carving out reputations far beyond our borders.

At the New Wave Gathering you’ll find exclusive new season releases and tastings from some of the region’s rebels. Think, Skigh Wine, Wines of Merritt, Corymbia, Marq Wines, LS Merchants, South by South West, Jingalup Wines and Amato Vino amongst others.

Experience golden hour amongst the vines with bites from Andy Hearnden (Andy Cooks), Bella Napoli, Normal Van, and beats from chefs-turned-DJs  Grant Smillie (The Botanical Group, Melbourne) and Brian Cole (Hearth, Perth).

Meet the icons

Savour sixteen of Margaret River’s most iconic wineries at the Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines. This exclusive event, on the grounds of Howard Park Wines, offers a curated selection of museum wines from Margaret River’s most prestigious wineries, featuring Cullen Wines, Xanadu, Voyager Estate, Deep Wood Estate, and Vasse Felix. Make no mistake, this is a rare opportunity, and the ticket price includes three standard tastings and one museum. Snap it up.

Museum wine masterclasses will be led by regular WA Good Food Guide wine panellists Nick Ryan and Erin Larkin, discussing Should we age Chardonnay?, Beyond Cabernet & Chardonnay, and Clone Wars: Chardonnay and Cabernet.

Break out the linen, as the vibe is garden party (albeit being Margaret River, no doubt peppered with quality flanno). The Howard Park Sparking & Oyster Bar will be in full swing accompanied by live music and food from an all start cast of culinary talent, featuring Blaze Young, Silvia Colloca, Brian Cole and Supper Road, who have joined forces to create an unforgettable menu showcasing the incredible local, seasonal produce the region has to offer.

Masters at work

As festival punters we always think about being on the dining side of the equation, but for those on the service side from chefs and somms to front of house teams and especially those rising through the ranks, the opportunity to work alongside world-class talent can be formative.

Kyle Connaughton (LA) returns to our shores to curate an extraordinary four course dinner. SingleThread Farm x Voyager Estate will see Connaughton work with chef Travis Crane. SingleThread Farm is a three Michelin-starred restaurant and as you’d expect its executive chef brings all the creativity and rigour that that entails. Both chefs are focused on seasonal farm-to-table produce (Voyager Estate being in amidst establishing an organic farm), so expect that to figure largely, as well as contributions from award-winning Estate Sommelier, Claire Tonon.

Just next door, Leeuwin Estate x JAAN sees Singapore based Kirk Westaway, Executive Chef of JAAN, teaming up with the estate’s award-winning chef Dan Gedge. Four beautiful courses, perfectly paired with the Leeuwin Estate Art Series, you can expect a night to remember in the Leeuwin Estate Art Gallery, surrounded by their renowned art.

And finally

Everything you need to know about transport and getting around the Margaret River Region during Pair’d, including ticketing packages, taxis, charters, bus tickets and car hire can be found directly on the Pair’d Margaret River Region site .For the best boltholes and base camps check out WAGFG Stays for great deals over the festival weekend. Added, speaking as a local I’d say take you time, ease into the speed of down south life, stay a little longer and explore.

For the full program and to access tickets visit www.pairdmargaretriver.com 

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