CHEERS! COUNTRY CUISINE AND FINE WINE COMES TO PYRMONT

Now in its sixth year, The Pyrmont Festival kicks off this weekend, bringing the country charm of Mudgee to the ‘up-and-coming’ dining precinct of Pyrmont. It’s a sophisticated partnership between the providores in Mudgee (two hours west of the Blue Mountains) and the eateries of Pyrmont, two kilometres from the Sydney CBD. The highlight of the festival is a free, two-day headline event at Pirrama Park designed for the whole family with art, music, children’s entertainment – and of course around 100 stalls showcasing the best food and drink from the region.

Over 28,000 patrons attended last years event and expectations are just as optimistic for this year. Festival director Mike O’Malley admits to being surprised by the growth of the festival but sees the drawing power of the collaboration. “I suppose what we are doing is delivering a little snapshot of the Mudgee lifestyle. Bringing down good food [and] good wine that’s being served by friendly people who are passionate about their product.”

While most of us live in cities and usually near the coast, we Aussies have always enjoyed a nostalgic love affair with the country. The recent ‘slow-food’ movement typifies the current mood and given the growing trend for people wanting to ‘reconnect’ with their food sources, the attraction to the country has never been stronger.

Acting CEO of Mudgee region tourism, Leianne Murphy believes it is all about getting to the grassroots. “A lot of our producers pride themselves on where they source their products from and a lot of it is homegrown here in the Mudgee region.” Mike O’Malley is in total agreement: “Everyone is looking for authenticity. Here you’re meeting the people who grow and make the produce. That sort of passion and integrity comes through. I think that resonates with the Sydney audience.” Murphy is convinced of the region’s appeal and sees the festival as a starting point for a bigger reconnection. “We would like to convert [Pyrmont Festival-goers] into [Mudgee] visitors. To give them the opportunity to skip town for the weekend, leave behind the busy, scheduled routine of the city and indulge in sophisticated food and drink – a chance to relax and reset”.

This year 23 wineries from the region will support the event, as well as the Baker Williams Distillery and the Mudgee Brewing Company. A unique feature of the festival is the partnering of some of the high caliber dining outlets of Pyrmont with participating wineries. The more affordable end of the spectrum sees The Persian Room teaming up with Robert Stein Wines and The Apprentice showcasing Vinifera Wines. Those whose budget stretches a little further might like to try Café Morso partnered with Peterson’s Wines or a four-course degustation courtesy of Flying Fish, beautifully matched with Manners Wines.

The marquee event is a free Wine, Art and Food Fair, this weekend at Pirrama Park, which is especially family friendly. “[You might wonder] why would you encourage kids to come to a wine and food fair?” said O’Malley. “But there’s plenty of kid-friendly food, rides and entertainment – we’ve got an animal farm so city kids can come and pat ducks and lambs and feed them.” Special guests Hi-5 will kick off the family entertainment at 11am on Saturday, with the main stage giving way to some more mellow Jazz and Soul sounds as the weekend unfolds. Sydney based artists include Queen Porter, Stomp Marcello and Long Tall Fabby, while the Sunday music is courtesy of The Brad Childs, Arthur Washington and Virna Sanzone Quartets. A stunning sculpture garden with works from the Mudgee regions artists brings the feel of a living art gallery to the park.

Of course the main game is to sample a little of Mudgee’s food and drink offerings via the pop-up cellar doors and stalls scattered throughout the park. Visitors can purchase tokens to taste wine and sample some of the local produce, taking a piece of Mudgee away to enjoy with family and friends. So you might try out the Wheat Vodka or Cumquat liqueur from the Baker Williams Distillery, or the lightly hopped Porter from the Mudgee Brewing Company. The Mudgee Honey Haven stall is always popular, as is chocolate from Spencer Cocoa, who source their product from family growers in Vanuatu. The High Valley Cheese Company provides a perfect counterpoint for Burundulla Wines 2013 Heritage Semillon or even Huntington Estate’s 2014 Special Merlot. The lists and combinations are endless.

“It’s a buzz,” said Murphy. “It’s such a highlight walking around, seeing our local producers so excited – talking so passionately about what they do and to share their story among the thousands of festivalgoers.” And for those who find themselves part of the very urban community of Pyrmont, there is no doubt something deeply reassuring about the parochialism of a close-knit community like Mudgee. “We often get feedback from festivalgoers saying, ‘wow, everybody is just so lovely and everyone knows everyone. The camaraderie is fantastic.’”

PYRMONT FESTIVAL
May 13–22, various venues in Pyrmont. For information on participating restaurants and food, wine and arts events go to: pyrmontfestival.com.au

HEADLINE EVENT: WINE, ART & FOOD FAIR

Sat 14–Sun 15 May. Pirrama Park, Pyrmont. Free entry (wine tasting packages from $20). Info: pyrmontfestival.com.au