Be rid of the winter blues with a dash of red (wine) at Margaret River’s Cabin Fever weekender festival.
We know West Aussies just got out of having cabin fever being cooped up within four walls due to that dreaded C-word (COVID-19), but it’s time to have a bout of cabin fever again. This time for the right reasons.
The annual South West flavour-packed winter festival – Cabin Fever – is back! Treat your taste buds at a myriad of foodie events across the Margaret River region from Friday, July 24 until Sunday, July 26.
Following last years’ trend, many events have sold out already, but that does not mean you can’t still grab a spot. Here we list the events that still have tickets left so get booking that weekend down south stat!
Atypica: Alternative Varietal Tasting
The Margaret River region is famous for producing Cabernet and Chardonnay, but there are other drops worthy of your palate. Head to Happs Wines from 2-5pm on Friday the July 24 for a tasting of these tasty alternatives from several Margaret River producers. This is the perfect time of the day for an adventure into lesser-known wine styles; right after lunch and before dinner!
Location: Happs Wines, 575 Commonage Rd, Quindalup WA 6281
Beer School
Beer School – seriously, could this be the best school out there? Join Eagle Bay Brewing Co’s head brewer as he discusses the basics of brewing and guides you through a special tasting of six beers paired with six snacks. You’ll get to go behind the scenes where all the beer magic happens with a brewery tour and do a Q&A at the end. There are some super exciting beer concoctions being launched for the winter season so you’ll get an exclusive sample first hand!
Location: Eagle Bay Brewing Co, 236 Eagle Bay Rd, Naturaliste WA 6281
Gin + Snacks
Treat yourself on a journey with gin where you get to taste a range of Wise Distillery gins. Flavours are anything but basic with gin essences such as mandarin, pink and organic. All made in house, paired with delectable snacks while you’re guided through by the Wise team. There’s an amazing view and a cosy fireplace so you might find leaving on a cold winters day hard. Choose between either a 3-gin flight + snacks ($30) or a 5-gin flight + snacks ($50).
Location: Wise Wines, 237 Eagle Bay Rd, Eagle Bay WA 6281
Fondue by the Fire
You don’t need to be in the Swiss Alps to get your hands on cheese fondue. Snuggle up with delectable wines and cheese fondue that’ll melt your heart by heading to Howard Park. Bunker down by a roaring fire, on the couch or by a wine barrel and indulge in two of the best gifts to days Down South – cheese by Cambray Sheep Cheese and wine by Howard Park. Purchase fondue for two or four, grab a glass or bottle wine and enjoy!
Location: Howard Park, 543 Miamup Rd, Cowaramup WA 6284
Mystery Beer Launch
Rocky Ridge Brewing Co has lined up a mystery beer launch to fuel your love for interesting brews. Better yet, they have brought friends onboard – two Perth powerhouses – to create a beer based off an all-time favourite dessert dish! Their Busselton venue will throw open its doors over the weekend for a celebration of this new mystery brew with a courtyard market, burger van and live music at sundown. Rock up, grab a table and some beers, and sit back to enjoy some live music by local South West legends.
Location: Rocky Ridge Cellar Door, 10 Marine Terrace, Busselton WA 6280
Find out more details on the Cabin Fever Weekender festival.
Feature image: Kelsey Knight on Unsplash
Related reads: Go Slow With The Fork: An Introduction To Margaret River’s Slow Food Scene
See more: Western Australia travel
