- For full coverage of the 2014 Margaret River Gourmet Escape, click here.
The Mail were lucky enough to attend the opening of the 2014 Gourmet Escape and it is safe to say, we weren't disappointed.
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Driving up to Leeuwin Estate, guests were greeted and directed to head to the far end of the property, towards the forest lined edge.
Parking in a field, we began to wander up a dirt track led by fairy lights into the depths of the woods, where a candle lit building awaited, known this year as the Safari Club where the Feast in the Forest events will take place.
With champagne and wine flowing, generous servers walked among the guests, offering handmade treats, from octopus to oxtail, satay sticks to pork sliders and everything in between.
Near and far laughter could be heard as guests enjoyed the fine food and beverages on offer and more than anything, enjoying the company present with a number of people eager to meet their food heroes.
Wardandi traditional owner Josh Whiteland conducted a welcome to country ceremony before the event was declared open for the weekend.
Guests were informed that 2013 saw 33,000 beds booked in the region over the weekend, 95 000 glasses of wine were consumed and with the 10.5 million dollar direct economic impact the Gourmet Escape had on WA last year, the bar for this year has been significantly raised.