Cheers to festive feast with quality SA produce: Industry experts tell us where to go for top treats

The state’s leading food and wine industry figures are urging us to eat high quality local produce this Christmas and providing the tops to help us do it.

With the quality and quantity outstanding this year, eating local produce is a win-win for everyone,s says SA food and wine ambasssador Michael Angelakis. Picture Emma Brasier.

South Aussies are being urged to feast on local produce this festive season as key figures from across the food, wine and agribusiness sectors offer their top tips to do so.

Primary Industries Minister David Basham said a group of food and wine ambassadors was working to raise awareness of the simple ways shoppers could support local producers.

Mr Basham said 2020 had been testing for many growers in the wake of drought, bushfires and COVID-19.

“Wine, horticulture and seafood are important to the state economy all year round, but all have special significance for us all in the lead-up to Christmas,” he said.

More broadly, Mr Basham said advice from the “food and wine pioneers, educators and industry legends” would be invaluable in boosting the sector moving forward.

“Together, this group offers a wealth of experience and as ambassadors they help the whole community to understand the importance of the sector to the state’s economy,” he said.

High-profile fishmonger Michael Angelakis is among the team of 15 ambassadors that also includes acclaimed artisan cheesemaker Kris Lloyd, winemaker and viticulturist Chester Osborn and celebrity chef Callum Hann.

Mr Angelakis said it had never been more important to support SA’s seafood industries, eating high-quality produce the reward.

“This has been a challenging year for everyone, with commercial fishers hit hard by a range of factors,” he said.

“Ask your fishmonger where the produce is from and then buy … and eat local. With the quality and quantity outstanding this year, it is a win-win for everyone.”

SA Produce Market chief executive Angelo Demasi, also an ambassador, agreed times were tough.

“Our horticultural industry has shown remarkable resilience and resourcefulness, ensuring the continued supply of fresh produce to the community,” he said.

“Keep supporting us so we can keep supporting you and your families.”

Tips range from day trip tourist treasures, to sourcing perfectly blended gin and how to buy pasta made from SA grain.

“One of the Adelaide Hills best-kept secrets is Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard … home of some incredibly good cool climate wines,” Ms Lloyd, of Woodside Cheese, said.