AGRITOURISM business Food I Am has taken out the top gong at the Inland Tourism Awards on Saturday night.
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The gourmet cooking school, which was established three years ago, took first prize in the "excellence in food tourism" category on the basis of innovation and professionalism in the field.
"It was really nice recognition for the last few years.
The judges also praised the Wagga business for its promotion of Riverina produce.
Food I Am principal Tania Sibrey said she was "thrilled" to receive the award.
Ms Sibrey now has a ticket to Sydney where she will compete as a finalist at the NSW Tourism Awards in November.
"It was really nice recognition for the last few years," she said.
"It's the first time we've entered into any awards program."
It's a massive coup for Food I Am, which has recently moved into larger facilities at Springvale to cope with increased class sizes.
Ms Sibrey said she saw a wedge in the tourism market to build a cooking school that brings well-known Australian chefs to Wagga to use the ingredients of the Riverina.
"I felt there was a gap missing in the market for these food-based experiences," she said.
"We offer something completely different."
Winners were announced from 21 categories at the 11th annual event in Griffith, which sees finalists from across the state. Two other Wagga finalists - the Stone the Crows festival and the Regenerate Youth Festival - both won a bronze award in events categories.
The Stone the Crows festival for grey nomads attracted about 1000 people for its second event this year, while more than 400 youths turned out for the Regenerate Festival in April.
Inland Tourism Awards chairwoman Tracey Valenzisi said all entrants demonstrated professionalism and innovation in their field.