Influential food and wine identities from around the world including Curtis Stone, Rick Stein, Alex Atala, Jancis Robinson and Pierre Koffman will converge in Western Australia's south west region this November for Margaret River Gourmet Escape presented by Audi. Taking place across 16-19 November, the four-day food, produce and wine extravaganza will put the unparalleled bounties of Margaret River front and centre, helping the region celebrates its 50th anniversary of commercial wine production in extraordinary style. 

Tickets are on sale now, with an extra day added to the program, including an appetising line-up of new talent and events.

Curtis Stone, who will officially open the festival at an additional session of the iconic Audi Gourmet Beach BBQ, said he was excited to get back to Margaret River.

“I'm so excited to get back to Margaret River, I've got some beautiful memories from shooting Surfing the Menu there and I really feel like it's one of the most special places in Australia - amazing local seafood and produce and, of course, an epic coastline. I'm looking forward to getting behind the stoves with some of the incredible chefs taking part this year. It's going to be delicious,” Mr Stone said.

Other new events in the program include the Great Soiree at Fraser Gallop Estate; The High Life with Paul Iskov (a helicopter lunch); and the Official Closing Party at White Elephant Café.

Wine-lovers are in for a treat this year, with world renowned wine critic Jancis Robinson, OBE, MW (UK) attending many events across the weekend, and a plethora of once in a lifetime wine events including the Cape Mentelle International Cabernet Tasting and Long Lunch; the Cullen Wines 32nd International Chardonnay Tasting; plus fringe events including the '50 Years in the Making' Tasting at Vasse Felix and the Leeuwin Art Series Dinner. Jancis will be joined by some of Australia's most respected wine personalities and journalists including James Halliday, Huon Hooke and Nick Stock.

Steve Harrison, Interim CEO, Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association said he was excited for the sixth annual installment of the Margaret River Gourmet Escape.

“Being the 50th anniversary of commercial wine production in the region, it's a really special year,” Mr Harrison said.

“The element that sets Margaret River Gourmet Escape apart from other food and wine festivals are the incredible locations that are showcased. Beach barbecues at sunset, feasts in the forest, up in the air and out to sea - and of course, our world-class wineries,” Mr Harrison said.

Catrin Allsop, CEO of Australia's South West added: "Australia's South West is once again pleased to be welcoming chefs, wine experts and visitors to experience the produce, makers and stunning locations showcased during Gourmet Escape and see these stories shared around the world,” she said.

The heartbeat of the festival, the Gourmet Village, will have a fresh feel for 2017 with the main stage hosted by multi-talented comedian, actor/presenter and musician Matt Okine, plus music programming throughout the day including a secret closing act on Sunday evening. Making its debut in 2017, The World's Best Chef's Table is an exclusive and very intimate, once in a lifetime restaurant experience nestled in the heart of the Gourmet Village. Guests can pull up a stool and savour a glass of the region's best wine alongside some of the world's most coveted chefs from the top 50 list as they create a dish showcasing incredible WA produce. Once the masterpiece is complete, the lucky group will enjoy the meal alongside their culinary idols.

Curtis (of acclaimed Maude & Gwen Restaurants, Los Angeles) will join over 50 of the world's leading food and wine personalities, including chefs from the World's Best Restaurants*, Andre Chiang (#14 Restaurant Andre, Singapore), Alex Atala (#16 D.O.M., Brasil), David Thompson (#28 Nahm, Thailand), Ashley Palmer-Watts (#36 Dinner by Heston, UK) and Rodolfo Guzman (#42 Borago, Chile). Together they will all head to Margaret River and collaborate with the country's best as they showcase the region's exceptional food and wine.

Asia's Best Female Chef, May Chow (Little Bao, Hong Kong) will join highly acclaimed chefs including Pierre Koffmann (UK), Danny Bowien (Mission Chinese, USA), Kyle Connaughton (SingleThread Farm, USA), and Kris Yenbamroong (NIGHT + MARKET, USA) who join the Gourmet Escape line up for the first time to collaborate on events showcasing premium local produce and stunning locations Margaret River is famous for.

A line-up of Australia's most celebrated chefs including Luke Nguyen (Red Lantern), Guillaume Brahimi (Bistro Guillaume), Andrew McConnell (Cutler & Co, Cumulus Inc, VIC), Paul Charmichael (Momofuko), Dan Hong (Mr Wong, Sydney), Aaron Carr and Seth James (Wills Domain) and many others will work in collaboration to showcase the exceptional ingredients of one of Australia's most stunning regions, Margaret River in Western Australia. 

To view the full talent list and program of events visit www.gourmetescape.com.au

Tickets are available now through Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au/gourmetescape

To start planning your trip to Margaret River visit www.margaretriver.com