A group of 80 guests gathered for a Tastes of Balonne long table celebration at St George on Australia Day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
Seated among the vines at Riversands Wines, organiser David Blacket said the event was an unique evening.
"We presented a five course dinner showcasing on platters the delicious food and wine we grow in the region including beef, beef jerky, lamb, kangaroo, onions, garlic, carrots, figs and table grapes," he said.
"Our wines were paired with each course, including our sparklings, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, shiraz, merlot and golden liqueur muscat."
Mr Blacket said the long table down the vines that produce the fruit, lit up with fairy lights and under the stars of the southern cross had a special ambiance.
"What better day to celebrate the food and wine we harvest in a fun way than on Australia Day," he said.
"Food presented at the evening had to be branded and commercially available.
"Respective suppliers presented insights into their businesses and distribution channels including Betty Mickelburrow from Waroo Game Meats at Surat, Jim and Cathie Tanner from Jim's Jerky at Toowoomba, Bec Beisell from Maranoa Meats at Roma, Andrew Moon from Moonrocks and Ian Brimblecombe as our local fig supplier."
The evening kicked off with some grape-stomping fun, in which four couples lined up, one person went to stomping black muscat grapes which sieved juice into a cup and then their partner had to drink it. Fittingly, the winning couple was awarded a bottle of wine.
Net proceeds from the event were donated to St George Meals on Wheels to aid in the purchase of new hot box eskies for food deliveries.
"We will build on our experience to grow the event on Australia Day 2021," Mr Blacket said.
"In particular, we will be chasing new regionally branded foods to present. I would like to see some food bloggers and city based chefs attend Tastes of Balonne Long Table in 2021."
