After attending the classes I did a bit of wondering around. The front of expo consisted of food stalls whilst the latter half of the expo was a wine and cheese lovers playground. Stalls were divided into the Hunter and Barrosa Valley, a cheese alley, cellar door, a beer and cider hall, a grazing garden and a food theatre to watch celebrities and experts cook up a storm. From truffle oils to meats to coconut water there was something for everyone to enjoy.
There were food demonstrations, free tastings for wine, cider and beers, meet and greets and book signings. Which leads me to the highlight of my day. After tasting an endless selection of wines and spontaneously joining a free tasting focusing on the complexity and beauty of blended wines I had the opportunity to meet someone who has been quite an inspiration to me.
Sarah Wilson, the writer of the blog and book 'I Quit Sugar' was at a show for a food demonstration and a meet and greet. I had a lovely chat with her while she signed the books I brought. Not knowing she was going to be there until the night before, it was amazing to finally meet and talk to the person who had become such an inspirational character in my life for over the past two and half years. I'll be talking more about my journey to living a healthy, sugar free life in a post very soon.
- Go on a Friday! There isn't much of a crowd. Meaning less queue times, more time you are able to spend talking to professionals and owners and you wont get stuck with drunk adults towards the end of the day as a lady shared with me.
- if you are interested in going to the classes, book early! Especially if you are going on the weekend, as tickets for classes sell out fast.
- bring a pull along shopping trolley. It is probably the only place where I have seen these trolleys used with such normality and even... pride. There is nothing worse than carry four or more bottles of wine and cheese wrapped in paper bags with your hands the entire day. It also makes you look like a veteran food and wine show goer.
- If you are purchasing cheese(or are there for the cheese) and know that you will be there for the whole day, bring a small cheese cooler.
- be prepared to spend $7 on a wine glass (purchased at the merchandise stall). To be eco-friendly and to get already paying customers to spend more, you need a glass in order to taste, they don't give out glasses.
Hope you enjoyed my first post.
Cheers to an exciting adventure ahead!
Yours truly,
Julialala
