Celebration of fine food

ONE of Tasmania’s premier summer events, Festivale, will celebrate the very best Tasmanian food and wine, beer, cider and spirits, arts and entertainment this weekend.

The 31st Festivale has been moved forward a week to prevent a clash with other summer events which affected last year’s attendance.

Festivale chairman David Dunn said it was estimated the three-day event that starts today in Launceston’s City Park generated about $5 million of economic impact.

He said surveys had found about 80 per cent of patrons were Tasmanian, 17 per cent from interstate and 3 per cent international.

About 60 per cent of patrons lived within 20km.

As well as fine food, people will have a “joyous” selection of wines to choose from.

Vintage Tasmania wine educator Curly HaslamCoates said the quality and diversity of the wines entered in a Festivale stallholders competition had been outstanding.

Varieties judged included pinots, riesling, chardonnay, rose, shiraz, cabernet and sparkling wines.

“It was a really strong year with wines from the 2008 vintage forwards,” she said.

“Overall it was a joyous selection.’

Festivale is run by an independent committee and receives $40,000 sponsorship from the Launceston City Council.