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Friday 27 April 2012

Prepping for the Good Food and Wine Show



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This is a guest post that I did for the Good Food and Wine Show blog.  Fairly basic, it outlines some pointers for folk to get the best out of attending the show.  I drew from experience as both an attendee and also having worked on a stand in 2011. The blog in its original context can be found here.

It's that time of year when Winos and Foodies start getting excited about the good Food and Wine Show coming to their respective state capital city (Tasmania excepted).  Starting with Melbourne (June 1-3), then Sydney (June 22-24), Perth (July 13-15), Adelaide (October 12-14) and then finally Brisbane (November 9-11).  The shows are an excellent opportunity for the wine lover to get to see new and exciting releases from some of Australia's top wineries.
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Now, whilst the temptation may be there to avail of the samples on offer, here are a few handy tips you can take on board to get the most out of the experience.

Plan - keep an eye out for which producers are exhibiting via the GFWS website, and on the day pick up a program that will show you which stand they are located on.
  
Prioritise - Work out which exhibitors you'd like to see first, some of them bring limited stock and popular wines sell out fast.  Some exhibitors have the odd bottle of something special - a brand new release or a premium label - that it might pay to get in early to taste and buy!

Eat something - Seriously, it pays to have a good breakfast inside you to start the day well, and ensure you take a lunch break - pick up something from one of the exhibitors.

Comfort – You’ll be on your feet for a while, wear something comfortable.

Courtesy – Be considerate of those around you, no barging or jostling – there’s normally plenty to go around and everyone will get a pour.

Enjoy – most importantly - it’s a great day out and you’ll get to meet some great producers with fascinating stories and wines.  Take a bottle or two home to remember your day by, and if there’s something that really took your eye, buy a case – most of the exhibitors will be able to take orders and send on cases to you at home so you don’t need to carry it.
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Be great to hear your top tips for enjoying the show, add them to the comments below.

Competition: 
The Competition that ran to win tickets to the Melbourne GFWS is now closed and the winner has been notified.

10 comments:

  1. Good work Mr Vinsomniac, these are wise and worthy words to keep in mind when tasting wines at such an event. I compiled a few dos and don'ts of my own from last year's event to add to the list... http://www.thewinepunter.com/?p=844

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  2. To avoid carrying your purchases around all day I suggest you bring a back pack for storage
    RuthIe Galway

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    1. Congratulations Ruth, yours was deemed the winning entry. Tickets are on their way...

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  3. Wish I was gonna be down in Melbourne then, Stu! I'll pass this on to some of the Melbourne peeps.

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  4. There is nothing worse than multiple bags over your shoulders - bulky and exhausting. So we take along a collapsable shopping trolly and we all put our purchases (and coats/bags) in there. It's the only way to travel....and taste!!

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  5. Before banning the use of my midget helpers that would carry my purchases and the like, I now bring my Alpaca, Gavin, who helps carry the load.

    That way I'm free to indulge my every whim. ;)

    mb

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    1. Why thank you mb for this insightful comment. I'll keep an eye out for your Alpaca :)

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  6. Bring a trolley and water, I find it's easier than lugging your freebies around. Water is handy to have as you may be parched from walking around and need to have a drink between tastings.

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  7. Bring CASH! Otherwise you'll waste time queuing at the ATM. Also bring a whistle or a small instrument to attract attention or wear something bright so you can find your friends because it gets very crowded and it's especially easy to get lost when you're a shorty like myself.

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    1. Great tip. You need to email me JIC you're the winner (as per the instructions above).

      Thanks

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