20 November 2023:
The 2024 Gourmet Week will be held from May 17 to 26, once again including three segments; Festival Weekend, May 17 to 19, how it’s always been known and loved, , Breathe It In, May 20 to 24 a chance to immerse yourself in our region, and Land of the Long Lunch, May 25 to 26, closing out the week into a land of extravagant long lunches and more.
2024 marks forty years since the events conception, around the kitchen table of Jane Mitchell’s house in 1985. For forty years, the Gourmet celebrations have continued, making it the longest running food and wine event of its kind in Australia. We have a whole host of special events and celebrations planned, with further details to be announced in the coming months.
In a historic move, the Clare Valley Wine & Grape Association (the Association) are excited to announce that alongside our food and wine member businesses, the broader Clare Valley community are invited to participate in the 2024 program to create a diverse array of offerings. From CWA scone-making classes to school performances, quiz nights, bingo, art exhibitions, metal forging, Rattler Trail bike rides, Scholz Park guided tours and history walks in Mintaro, Auburn and Clare – the possibilities are limitless. Thanks to the generous support of the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, participation from the surrounding community is completely free.
All events, including repeat events from previous years, are subject to an application process which is now open. Events submissions will need to be in by January 16, 2024, and organisers will be notified by the end of that month. A handbook has been created to assist event organisers ensure their event aligns with the Gourmet Week guidelines. The Association acknowledges that for many people, this will be their first time hosting an event as part of Gourmet Week and is available to support if required.
The Association has partnered with Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North to deliver a regional Business Capacity Building program for the Clare Valley Tourism Region. This program will be delivered by Tourism Accelerator, a leading industry organisation, who will support existing and new operators in the development of visitor experiences, which can be hosted during Gourmet Week. Expressions of interest to participate in this program will open late November 2023, with information available soon.
Marketing and Events Coordinator for the Association Belinda Heinrich is thrilled to be able to encourage more participation from the community. She said, “thanks to the generosity of the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council through their Hallmark Event Funding, we will be opening up event applications to the broader community, instigating a sense of community pride and ownership of the Gourmet Week celebrations.”
She is excited to see what events are submitted, with the only limit your imagination. “Anyone with an idea is invited to participate, whether that be a cooking school using some of our amazing local produce, a pop-up bar in a unique venue, a photography tour taking images in our incredible conservation parks, guided history walks through Burra or Mintaro, native bouquet arrangement class, or a bike tour on the Riesling Trail.”
The extension of the program will drive visitation and expenditure across the entire Clare Valley Tourism Region, with events located from as far south as Tarlee and Eudunda, to as far north as Terowie, Lochiel and Brinkworth.
For more information about Gourmet Week, and how to submit an event, visit www.clarevalleygourmet.com.au/apply/
For media enquires contact the Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association:
Belinda Heinrich
Marketing & Events Coordinator
0427 481 616