Wahroonga Food and Wine Festival, 2015

The Wahroonga Food and Wine Festival was held in the picturesque and leafy Wahroonga Park on 25th October 2015, from 11am to 5pm. The locals and foodies alike were basking in the sun enjoying all the culinary delights. The festival is free entry and celebrates NSW wineries (130 wines from 30 wineries).

The highlight for this year’s festival was the Swift Sparkling and Oyster Bar. On offer were freshly shucked Signature Sydney Rock Oysters grown by Master Oyster Farmer, Ewan McAsh. The oysters were served and were bit softer and less salty than a typical Sydney Rock oyster due to the recent rain in the region.

Also from McAsh’s farm on the South Coast of NSW were Pacific Oysters. Wow, these guys were big boys (below)! I almost needed a knife and fork to eat them. They were sweet and of incredible quality. Worth going back for seconds!

The oysters were perfectly paired with Swift Sparkling’s Non-Vintage Cuvee. Produced by Printhee in the Orange region, this Pinor Noir/Chardonnay was beautifully light with a fine bead and hints of citrus and strawberry. Perfect for a warm Sunday drink! Also on offer was the Swift Vintage 2010, a richer, slightly more acidic sparkling, with a bit more complexity and red fruit notes. The Non-Vintage was a clear winner on the hot day though!

Next stop was Two Furlongs Winery, from Mudgee, NSW, for a very entertaining wine and port tasting from the owner, Johnnie. Amongst the offerings was a gorgeous and light Tache Cuvée, which despite being a Moscato was not too sweet, and with lower alcohol, a great alternative to sparkling rosé. I also tried the aptly named “Captain Thunderbolt” White Port, which as its name suggests was dangerous and warming! I’m told that Johnnie does regular free at home wine and port tastings across NSW, which would make for quite a fun party!

For lunch, we had a tasting plate of pork and chive dumplings and pork rice from Blue Eye Dragon
Taiwanese, normally based in Pyrmont.  The pork rice was very moreish, with a slightly sticky consistency and a nice side to the dumplings. Overall good, but my only complaint was that the day was so hot so it was hard to enjoy food so warm. Back to the oysters and wine, I say!


Last stop for the day was a tasting from Ross Hill Winery from Orange, NSW. I could not go past the Sammy and Maddy 2014 Rosé from their Family Series (pictured left)– a beautiful Merlot rosé, burnt orange in colour, and with a drier, red fruit, and refreshing palate. This one sold out on the day, and was one of the best rosés I’ve tried in years. One for the mail order!

All in all, a great festival with lots of treats to enjoy.  Pack your picnic blanket, sunscreen and dog, to enjoy lazing around between tastings under the trees. I’ll see you there next year!


Weekendfoodescapes by Lisa were guests of the Wahroonga Food and Wine Festival. Thanks to Christina for attending and writing this blog.