A degustation with a difference

28th August 2020 | Eativity editors

This is no ordinary lunch. The Highland Valley Forage is a leisurely long stroll during which you’ll enjoy eight to 10 degustation food and wine experiences led by the culinary skills of local gastronomic favourites including Nick Gardner of Hampden Deli, the team from Birch Restaurant and Damien Monley from Grand Bistro.

The Highland Valley Forage returns on Saturday, October 24, to tell the story of how the Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven and coast south of Sydney are connected through food and wine. The event is made up of small groups being led on an immersive foodie trail through the bush with a local, knowledgeable host. With multiple departures throughout the day in groups of 12-15 people, this degustation with a difference event can cater for large numbers while still feeling like an intimate, one-of-a-kind experience.

The walk takes you from the dry red mineral rich soils of Canyonleigh to the cool climate mountain villages and rolling green hills of the Southern Highlands, down the sandstone walls to Kangaroo Valley, with all its lush produce and coastal access to fresh seafood.

The perfect way to work up an appetite, and what treats are in store!

Witness the regeneration of Morton National Park’s native scrubland and rainforest – the area was heavily impacted in January this year by the bushfires, but you can see first-hand the stunning beauty of life returning. Walk through the fire-affected region and experience the changing landscape and native wildflowers while taking in the warm spring air.

“With great local producers onboard, we’re planning an exciting menu for this year’s event and are thrilled to be back in Kangaroo Valley supporting such a treasured hamlet,” says Amanda Fry, Forage founder. “This event is the perfect opportunity to spend time with family or friends, eat delicious seasonal food, learn about regional wines and enjoy nature.”

Shannan Perry-Hall, Acting Tourism Manager of Shoalhaven City Council, says that the Highland Valley Forage is a great event to help rejuvenate the Shoalhaven region.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the best of our Shoalhaven community and amazing local produce,” she says. “It’s great to see these events re-commencing – they play an important role in the region’s recovery”.

Local food producers showcase their skills, with nature as their kitchen.

Steve Rosa, Group Manager of Destination Southern Highlands, says the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven areas are fast building reputations as “must do” foodie destinations: “Supported by stunning nature-based assets so close to Sydney, Canberra and the Illawarra, this unique experience is a real chance to savour the best of our region,” he says.

From tasting the freshest produce of the area and meeting the makers and locals along the way to sitting on the Great Diving Range and taking in the mesmerising views, the Highland Valley Forage is a great day out for all. Only a few hours from Sydney, this is a side of Kangaroo Valley you may never have seen before.

Book your tickets now to make sure you don’t miss out! Tickets can be purchased via the Wildfest website. Bookings will be taken for allocated times throughout the day, with each group made up of around 12-15 people. The price for the eight-course degustation is $175 per person, or $195 per person for the 10-course degustation. Both options include parking, bus each way, all food, wine and entertainment for the day and NSW Parks fees.