Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival is back for 2019

Foodies will be back for a second helping of the Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival when it returns in September. Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s program.

Grab some mates and head along to this year’s Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival. Picture: Dominika Lis

YOU love food. You love wine. And you loved the inaugural Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival last year.

So, we’re bringing it back — bigger, better, bolder and with more tannins than 2018. Let’s say 2019 is guaranteed to be a superior vintage.

Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism chairman Shane Newcombe says the free festival precinct will once again wind its way down scenic Redcliffe Parade, offering foodies a feast for the eyes and the senses.

“Gourmands rejoice. This is a showcase of our region’s finest fresh produce and artisan products curated by some of our top chefs, brewers and winemakers against the backdrop of stunning Moreton Bay,” he says.

“So, come and sip your way through an action-packed weekend of entertainment from September 7-8. Last year’s event proved a recipe for success and we’re including the same secret ingredient in 2019 — free entry to the festival precinct all weekend long.

“There’ll be an abundance of workshops and cooking classes for those who want to get hands-on, or if you’d prefer to sit back and be indulged then don’t miss the hugely-popular Bee Gees Way dinner.

The Bee Gees Way dinner will be a popular event. Picture: Dominika Lis

But he says the real star of the festival will be the local produce.

“I recommend stocking up on homegrown and homemade treats from the Local Tastes Pavilion, before enjoying some locally caught seafood at the Seafood & Wine Deck,” he says.

“Visitors will also be able to discover the magic of our foreshore restaurants, who have created special menus for the weekend and will also be hosting ticketed events.”

The 2019 festival will welcome not one, but two special guests who will cook up a storm for foodies eager to learn tricks of the trade.

Moreton Bay Region Mayor Allan Sutherland says the success of last year’s inaugural event attracted the attention of some culinary superstars who didn’t want to miss out this year. “I’m thrilled that Matt Sinclair (pictured) and Alastair McLeod will be sharing some of their favourite recipes on the USC Seafood Cooking Stage,” Cr Sutherland says.

Celebrity chef Matt Sinclair will headline this year’s Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival.

“Events are already big business in our region and great for the local economy, evidenced by the fact that we’re able to expand on last year’s impressive social calendar.

“I want to thank local businesses for their enthusiastic embrace of opportunities like this. It’s your energy that gives council and MBRIT the confidence to continue investing in major tourism activations which are helping to fuel record visitation to our region.”

The 2019 program has been expanded to include new elements such as an extended Craft Brews Bar at Charlish Park, as well as additional family-friendly activities including Sesame Lane’s pizza making workshops.

But the best bits of last year are back, such as the Kindred Beach Teepees and Mon Komo Hotel’s Cabana Bar.

To stay up to date, visit the festival website moretonbayfoodandwine.com.au and subscribe to the mailing list, and follow the festival on social media.

Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival is delivered by MBRIT in partnership with Moreton Bay Regional Council and is supported by major partner Tourism and Events Queensland and major sponsors Kindred, as well as Sesame Lane, Mon Komo Hotel, USC, The Courier-Mail and Channel 9.

Fireworks will fill the sky on Saturday night at the Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival. Picture: Dominika Lis

FESTIVAL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Sesame Lane Kids Pizza Making Workshops: Children will learn about growing pizza toppings and create their own pizzas in this free activity. Registrations open soon

Bee Gees Way Dinner: The world-famous location will be transformed into a restaurant on September 7. Tickets are $145 + booking fee for the three-course dinner and drinks

Craft Brews by the Bay: Head to Charlish Park to sample local, independent and popular brews, food truck cuisine and entertainment

event details.