The Taste Riverina Festival was typically held each year in October throughout the region, including Leeton and Griffith, but it has now been extended. 

The idea is to use Taste Riverina as a marketing tool and to not have the same crowd going from event-to-event in just the one month. 

Communities can now host events whenever they life and collaborate with other towns all in the name of promoting their wares and bringing more visitors to the area. 

Leeton Shire Council’s acting manager of communications and marketing Brent Lawrence views the concept as a game-changer. 

He said with the idea would allow for a broader scope of events to be held and they wouldn’t be restricted to just one month of the year. 

“There’s now a year-round focus so people can focus on a variety events,” he said. 

“Visitors or residents in town won’t have to miss one event because they want to attend another. 

“It’s a good opportunity for anyone thinking of holding an event to tie it in with the Taste Riverina brand as well. 

“The idea is to use the brand more as a marketing tool for the whole region.”

SHOWCASING local food, wine and beer, and other agricultural experiences, Taste Riverina holds events throughout the year in cities and towns across the region.

From long lunches, degustation dinners and tastings, to cooking classes, farm forages and other outdoor events, the idea is to discover, celebrate and enjoy all the region has to offer.

So, what does this all mean for Leeton and its Taste Riverina events? 

The main one of the calendar for Leeton over the past two years has been the Chill and Grill event in Mountford Park. 

This concept brought together a variety of producers and residents were then able to sample their wares, enjoy an afternoon in the sunshine, hear from top chef Paul West and take in entertainment. 

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Mr Lawrence said the Chill and Grill was still pencilled in for October this year and it was the time of year which suited the established event. 

“Going forward in 2019 we’ll be looking at other events we can be holding throughout the year under the Taste Riverina banner,” he said. 

“There’s plenty of ideas kicking around.”

Are you interested in hosting your own Taste Riverina event?

Leeton shire organisations, businesses or producers are first encouraged to make contact with Mr Lawrence, who has all of the information handy on how to get started.

A registration page through Taste Riverina’s website is also available.