Friday 25 July 2014

New Truffle Tour a Feast for Foodies

Foodies visiting the Margaret River Region can now uncover the mystique of one of the world's most elusive and celebrated gourmet delicacies – the truffle.

Fuelled by a growing demand for gourmet tourism and paddock-to-plate experiences, Margaret River-based tour company 'Go In Style' has launched a new luxury truffle-hunting tour – the first of its kind in Western Australia.

The fully inclusive day tour operates out of the Margaret River Region, taking guests on a day trip to nearby Oak Valley Truffle Farm in Manjimup followed by a decadent truffle-themed lunch at Watershed Premium Wines in Margaret River.

Tour guests travel in luxury transport through picturesque countryside via the heritage town of Nannup to Oak Valley Farm near Manjimup in the Southern Forests region – renowned as prime truffle country.

Guests experience first-hand how truffles are grown, harvested and processed, and learn about the history and operation of Oak Valley Truffle Farm.

The tour includes a guided walk with a specially trained truffle-hunting dog and its handler, to witness how they find and harvest the truffles amongst 75 hectares of spectacular oak and hazelnut trees.

Tour company owner Peter Norris said that there has always been a certain level of intrigue around the subject of truffles.

“People are fascinated by truffles - particularly their rarity and expense, which is part of how the tour concept came about; the aim is to demystify the humble truffle,” said Mr Norris.

“It is also a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful Southern Forests region to people who are staying in the Margaret River Region – and ties in with the Southern Forests Food Council's current 'quality food' campaign for Manjimup and surrounding areas,” he said.

Geoff Barrett, Chairman of Oak Valley Truffle Farm and Managing Director of Watershed Premium Wines advised that he was thrilled to be involved in such a unique initiative.

“Oak Valley is truly an exceptional truffle farm; we are delighted to be a part of Go In Style's truffle tour. Within 6 – 7 years, Oak Valley will be the single largest truffle producer in the southern hemisphere - with an anticipated annual harvest of 15,000kg (15 tonnes),” said Mr Barrett.

“Moreover, to end with lunch at Watershed Premium Wines is a truly iconic Margaret River experience – Watershed has been named Western Australia's Winery of the Year by Ray Jordan, and is the first WA winery in history to be a finalist for the prestigious NSW Royal Agricultural Society President's Medal,” said Mr Barrett.

“The Oak Valley Truffle Tour provides an ideal opportunity to showcase Watershed's award winning wines and outstanding dining to our target market,” he said.

The Oak Valley Truffle Tour runs all year round and can be booked directly or via the Margaret River Visitor Centre on +61 8 9780 5914, www.margaretriver.com or via email welcome@margaretriver.com.

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