ATTENDANCE at Wagga’s BMW Food and Wine Festival was bolstered by out-of-towners enthusiastic to tantalise their taste-buds with local produce.
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Diners travelled from far and wide to experience the annual event and sample the best the Riverina has to offer.
Despite early grey skies, the marquee event was deemed a success and labelled a significant driver of the city’s tourist activity.
Borambola Wines owner Tim McMullen said he met with, and served, more tourists on Saturday than he had at any past Food and Wine events.
He described it as a “sign of things to come” for Wagga’s growth.
“This is the way you put our city on the map and have it recognised as a premier destination for beautifully produced food and wine,” he said.
“I’ve been chatting to some customers from Western Sydney who came here today specifically for the event and they are thrilled with what they’ve witnessed.
“Just like we give people a taste of our food, we’re also giving them a taste of Wagga.”
Stall holders showcased more than 100 local foods and 200 wines.
The highly-anticipated Restaurant Challenge also drew a crowd, where five of the top local restaurants vyed for the 'Golden Plate' award.
Wayne Brooks was among the tourists experiencing Wagga’s Food and Wine Festival for the first time.
He and his partner Susie drove from Shepparton on Friday night to indulge on the Riverina produce at the weekend.
The foodie-enthusiast said he could see himself moving to Wagga in the not-too-distant future.
“It’s just a great atmosphere and there’s so many nice people to strike up a conversation with,” he said.
“It seems like for its size, Wagga and the region really overcompensate with the amount of fresh food and produce on offer.
“It’s certainly the kind of place I could see myself starting a family.”
A percentage of the proceeds from the event will go to the Riverina Cancer Care Trust – the main beneficiary of the Wollundry Rotary Club fundraiser.
Rotary head and festival chairman Tim Barter echoed that feeling of success.
“It’s just been thoroughly fantastic,” he said.
“We’ve had lots of people in here and everyone is enjoying themselves.
“At this stage we’re looking at between five and six thousand visitors which is just a great result.”
Mr Barter said visitors were buzzing about what the city had in store.
“A lot of people come to Wagga for this,” Mr Barter said.
“It’s given people a chance to see the city.”