The mid North Coast area of Port Macquarie and surrounding districts is showcasing the best of what the area has to offer in their 8^th Annual “Tastings of the Hasting” food and wine event.  This is the ideal time to visit Port Macquarie to sample the premier local chefs, producers, vineyards, brewers and gourmet providores at a range of events to be held over a three week period.

The “Tastings of the Hastings” promotes the “Journey of Flavour,” an initiative which aims to highlight local product to local consumers, and the gourmet traveller.  The “Journey of Flavour” facilitates this by creating a recognizable brand for the Hastings region. This brand represents quality local products and services in the food and beverage industry.  Through the journey of flavour the area is evolving into a gourmet destination for foodies.

Even the renowned pastry chef Adriano Zumbo has joined the festivities this year.  Adriano was a special guest of Cassegrain wines at their “Savour the journey of Flavour” evening. Guests were treated to a four course meal with matching wines designed by head chef Lisa Ryan, using hand picked local produce. The finale of the evening was a dessert spectacular from Adriano Zumbo, utilizing more wonderful local produce.

Image courtesy Of Bago Vineyard

Jazz in the vines, at Bago Vineyard is another popular event which participated in the “Tastings of the Hastings” calendar.  Families and couples spent a relaxing day in the vines enjoying sumptuous food and wine.

Another regular highlight of the “Tastings of the Hastings” is the 4^th Annual “6 Degrees of Degustation Charity Dinner” This event has been held each year at Rydges Hotel in Port Macquarie.

This unique event showcases creations from six of the leading local chefs from some of the best local restaurants.  Rydges opens their kitchen to these chefs, and the chefs in turn, donate their time and skills for the evening to help raise money for the Salvation Army. Each chef is responsible for one course in the six course degustation menu. Matching local beer and wines accompany each course. 6 Degrees of Degustation Charity Dinner Review.

There are plenty more events still to come over the next two weeks such as “The Little Brewing Company’s” Beer Diva evening, “High Tea on the High Rise” a roof top champagne high tea at Rydges Resort, a “Taste of the Hastings dinner” at Panthers Club, and the main event, “The 2010 Holiday Coast Credit Union “Tastings of the Hastings” to be held at the Port Macquarie Race Course on the 24^th October.

This event has something for everyone, amusements for children, an eclectic range of entertainment for all ages, great prizes and of course the best the region has to offer in food and wine. Entry is by gold coin donation, inside there will be a farmers market, quality gourmet product made from local produce, leading chefs selling a wide variety of freshly produced meals made from local produce, tastings and sales by vineyards and breweries, cooking demonstrations by leading chefs demonstrating their culinary skills using fresh local produce, a variety of Indoor and outdoor dining and entertainment areas where patrons are encouraged to wine dine and relax and enjoy what the day has to offer.

Here is a full schedule of events for the three weeks of the “Tastings of the Hastings”