Peppers Food and Wine Events Puts #Restaurantaustralia on the Menu

Chez Pok Restaurant

With the launch of Tourism Australia's #RestaurantAustralia initiative, Australian hotel brand Peppers is embracing the concept with an array of food and wine events throughout autumn and winter. Proudly Australian and celebrating 30 years of operation this year, Peppers retreats and resorts continue to showcase the bountiful food and wine regions in which they are located with a series of gourmet events from Tropical North Queensland to the Hunter Valley wineries and cosy Southern Highlands gatherings.

GOLD COAST: Wine rivalry in the Soul of Surfers Paradise

There's rivalry brewing in the heart of Surfers Paradise with a Wine Wars Dinner on 5 June at Soul Surfers Paradise (Managed by Peppers). Winemakers from William Downie estate in Victoria and Dalrymple winery in Tasmania go glass for glass in the quest to be guests' choice. The evening includes a welcome drink on arrival and a five-course degustation menu designed by award-winning Executive Chef Steve Szabo with two masked wines poured for three featured dishes for $125 per person. Accommodation rates start from $349 in a one bedroom ocean view apartment and parking is complimentary. For bookings visit www.peppers.com.au/soul-surfers-paradise/news-and-events all or phone 07 5635 5746.

HUNTER VALLEY: Battle of the Valleys – Hunter vs Barossa

Peppers Guest House Hunter Valley will host a Wine Wars event on 14 June set to test the home town advantage when one of the Valley's favourites - Brokenwood Wines –goes up against Barossa Valley giant, Yalumba. The two will compete wine for wine over a five-course degustation menu encompassing the finest Hunter Valley produce and designed by the Chez Pok Restaurant team. The Wine Wars event is priced at $120* per person and accommodation starts from $244* per night in a Vintage Room including full breakfast. For bookings visit www.peppers.com.au/guest-house or phone 02 4993 8999.

PALM COVE, NORTH QUEENSLAND: Battle at the Beach

The tropical setting of Peppers Beach Club & Spa will transform in to a battle ground for the 'Wine War' event between winemakers from Wirra Wirra in South Australia's McLaren Vale region and Vasse Felix from Margaret River in Western Australia on 27 June. For $149* per person, enjoy a great evening of entertainment for wine buffs and enthusiasts alike, with a three-course menu designed by renowned Executive Chef Thomas Ege, with two masked wines poured for entrée, main and dessert. Rates start from $244* per night in a Spa Suite. For bookings visit www.peppers.com.au/beach-club-spa or phone 07 4059 9275.

GOLD COAST: 'Cooke in the Kitchen' – Seaduction welcomes Donovan Cooke

Seaduction Restaurant chef Steve Szabo will welcome renowned international chef, Donovan Cooke on 18 July to team up for a five course degustation menu. Having completed his apprenticeship under the masterful Marco Pierre White, Donovan Cooke joined some of the world's greatest restaurants including The Savoy Hotel in London and La Cote St Jacques in France and the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Derby Restaurant - he is now Executive Chef and part owner of The Atlantic in Melbourne. The evening costs $99* per person (not including wine) and promises to be a highlight for the Gold Coast dining events calendar. There are also plenty of options to spoil yourselves with an overnight stay in a luxurious Soul Surfers Paradise apartment. To book call 07 5635 5746 or email events@soulsurfersparadise.com.au, or for more information visit www.seaduction.com.au

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS: Southern Highlands food trail

Enjoy a gourmet encounter in Bowral just an hour's drive from Sydney at the Peppers Craigieburn Southern Highlands food trail event on 8 and 9 August. You'll be introduced to the best of the region on arrival, with drinks hosted by one of the neighbouring wineries (with a special offer just for the occasion). A Food Trail Map of the region is included for self drive discovery and our friends at Food Path are organising a hosted tour of the Southern Highlands trail. The weekend includes a dinner inspired by regional produce with matched wines and breakfast each morning for two plus accommodation in an Elms Win Room from $508* per night. For bookings phone (02) 4862 8000 and further information visit www.peppers.com.au/craigieburn