Orange FOOD Week 2021

Overview

Every year across ten days, FOOD (Food of Orange District) Week shows off the best fare from 'The Food Basket' of New South Wales, including the best local produce, chefs and restaurants, as well as cool-climate wines.

Of course, like many events, the annual affair was cancelled in 2020 — so you can bet it's coming back with a bang this time round. Not to mention, the event will be celebrating its 30th year, making it Australia's longest running regional food festival. Overall, you can expect six signature events, as well as over 90 smaller events hosted at local restaurants and cellar doors.

Kick-start your culinary adventure at the FOOD HQ to pick the brains of local farmers, chefs and providores and buy their produce directly from them. Or, picnic in Patina Wines' lush garden or have a boozy Italian feast at Antica Australis, with a menu of locally sourced venison, chicken, artisanal cheese, wild honey, foraged forest mushrooms and, to finish, blue cheese gelato.

On Monday, April 12, you can head to the 30th Anniversary Dinner for $150 a head. Here, you'll be treated to dishes created by the region's young-gun chefs, such as Richard Learmonth, Dom Aboud and Lily Hahn-Stevens, as well as paired glasses of top-notch local vino.

There are several more gourmet experiences to be had during the week in Orange, including Meet the Producer workshops, running daily from April 12–16, and the Orange Farmers Market on April 10. Plus, fun activities such as Graze in the Maze at Cadogan Country House on April 10; Yoga in the Vines at Stockman's Ridge Wines on April 11; and Ballooning, Breakfast and Bubbles in nearby Canowindra, which is running throughout the festival.

Then, on the final day, be sure to hit up the Sunday Producer Market at Cook Park, where you can pick up a stack of gourmet goodies before venturing home, as well as enjoy a leisurely al fresco brunch.

To check out the full program — and buy tickets — head to the Orange FOOD Week website.