Tuesday 27 March 2024
A Celebration of Pinot Noir in the Southern Forests Wine Regions.
The Southern Forests Food Council are thrilled to see the return of the highly anticipated Pinot Picnic festival for its third year in the region.
The event welcoming wine enthusiasts to embark on a Pinot-filled journey across the picturesque Southern Forests Wine Regions of Manjimup and Pemberton from April 19th to 21st.
This year’s Pinot Picnic offers a range of events from guided tastings to an evening under the stars. Local cellar doors will also be open, and the region’s chefs will be offering up gourmet picnic hampers for visitors to create their own Pinot Picnic memories.
Timing for the event is ideal following the unprecedented early ripening of the regions wine grapes.
“The warm dry spring has seen early season harvests for much of the region’s produce, and wine grapes are no exception with the season running 4-6 weeks early, “said Moncia Radomiljac, Southern Forests Food Council Vice Chair.
“This means the wine producers in the Southern Forests region have all but wrapped harvest and visitors for Pinot Picnic 2024 will have the undivided attention of the local grape producers and wine makers, “said Monica.
“The Southern Forests region has been producing outstanding and award-winning wines for generations and we look forward to sharing this history and the premium wine and food offerings the area is renowned for over the Pinot Picnic weekend on April 19th-21st,” she added.
Southern Forests Food Council members have stepped up with the following special events scheduled for the festival:
Mountford Wines: Many Faces of Pinot
Truffle Hill and Woodgate Wines: Meet the Makers
Pemberley of Pemberton: Pass the Pinot
Pemberton Discovery Tours: Beach & Forest Eco Adventure
RAC Karri Valley & Ampersand Estates: Wine & Dine
Plus, the following members are opening their cellar doors:
Ampersand Estates
Below & Above
DeiTos Vineyard Wines
Koomal Creek
Mountford Wines
Pemberley of Pemberton
Silkwood Estate
Truffle Hill
Woodgate Wines
Pinot Picnic - More information:
A Festival Tradition: In its third instalment, the Pinot Picnic festival continues its tradition of celebrating the rich tapestry of Pinot Noir varieties and styles thriving in the Southern Forests. The festival builds upon the success of previous years, promising an immersive experience for both seasoned wine connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
Dates and Locations: Spanning from April 19th to 21st, the festival unfolds across renowned wineries, vineyards and venues in the Manjimup and Pemberton wine regions.
Why Pinot? Forty years ago John Gladstone conducted research for the Agricultural Department in the Southern Forests region, with the standout success of the trials being Pinot Noir. Those developing vineyards in the region knew they had to be different to Margaret River and Frankland/Mt Barker - these regions being already well established.
Clonal trials were done and five Pinot clones were selected for their various attributes, including growth, yields, disease resistance, and of course flavour. The Southern Forests wine regions have become notable for their pinot over the years, with many flocking to the area to enjoy the light-red variety.
Event Highlights: This year's festival showcases a diverse array of events, offering something for every palate. From the unique "Pass the Pinot" vertical tasting event at Pemberley of Pemberton to the off-road picnic expedition to visit the stunning Yeagarup dunes with Pemberton Discovery Tours, attendees can expect an exploration of flavours, destinations and expertise.
Wine Trial Unveiling: A standout feature is the debut of the 10 Chains Black Label Pinot Noir, a groundbreaking release incorporating grapes from 14 different clones of pinot noir grapes. This exclusive wine stems from a trial conducted in collaboration with DPIRD, focusing on identifying the most successful Pinot Noir variants for the Southern Forests regions.
Collaborations and Partnerships: Notable collaborations include the "Meet the Maker" event, uniting three esteemed wineries – Truffle Hill, Chateau June-Jerome, and Woodgate Wines, with Mark Aitken, owner of Woodgate Wines, serving as the winemaker for each label. Mark Aitken, a seasoned winemaker in the region, adds an extra layer of expertise to the festival. Guests will be encouraged to pick the brains of these three knowledgeable producers.
Variety Galore: The festival puts the spotlight on a number of wines made of pinot grapes from the Manjimup and Pemberton wine regions, with a wide variety of styles on show.
Ticketing and Accommodations: Tickets for the Pinot Picnic events are available for purchase on the festival's official website. Some events are free, and drop-ins are welcome. Accommodation options abound, with a diverse range listed on the Pinot Picnic website to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.
Connect and Stay Informed: For the latest updates, connect with Pinot Picnic on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #pinotpicnic. Additional information can be found at www.pinotpicnic.com.
Join us for a weekend of unparalleled Pinot Noir experiences, breathtaking scenery, and culinary delights at the Pinot Picnic festival. Cheers to the Southern Forests and the art of Pinot perfection!
More about Southern Forests Food Council:
The Southern Forests Food Council was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate local producers who recognised that the wealth and abundance of produce grown in the region made it perfect for major food production and agri-tourism. Its role was formalised in 2012 after receiving a $5 million investment under the State Government’s Royalties for Regions initiative. The investment is part of a $7 million allocation to the Shire of Manjimup for its Agricultural Expansion Project. The SFFC has received a further $725,000 over two and a half years through the State Government to focus on activities and implement strategies that secure its long-term sustainability and enhance the Genuinely Southern Forests brand.
The Food Council is committed to unifying the area’s world-class and diverse producers to strengthen the region’s economy, attract investment and export opportunities, promote regional pride, and create sustainable jobs. It represents local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators who live and work in what is WA’s premier food bowl, aiming to ultimately establish the Southern Forests as an internationally-recognised agricultural region and culinary tourism destination.
The Southern Forests produces over 50 different types of fruits and vegetables, truffles and boutique produce, dairy, sheep, pork and cattle farms, as well as award-winning wineries and exceptional culinary experiences. The Southern Forests region is heavily invested in agriculture, with $230 million of agricultural production coming from the region.
