For its third year bringing a program of natural wines and sustainable, artisan produce to Sydney, Rootstock will once again be setting up within the iconic walls of Carriageworks come November. Maintaining a dedication to sustainable practices and organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, Rootstock stands as one of the most unique food and wine festivals in the country, and will be building upon its already enormous success (it grew from 3,500 visitors to 13,500 in two years) to provide a platform for good food, good wine, and important discussions about both.
Top farmers, chefs, producers, winemakers, and an engaged audience will come together to help celebrate progressive food and wine practices in Australia over the weekend of 26th and 27th November. The result: a rich, energetic showcase of food, drink, and ideas, with each night even bringing in some parties curated in collaboration with “Italo Disco” founders Maurice Terzini (Icebergs/Dolphin Hotel) and Giovanni Paradiso (Fratelli Paradiso/10 William St).
The first Rootstock event in Sydney brought thousands of the hungry and thirsty to Leichardt’s Italian Forum for Australia’s first celebration of natural wine and artisan produce, whereas the second event outgrew the space and moved to its current home in Carriageworks, where around 13,500 people explored showcases including Australia’s largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander installation on indigenous produce and farming.
“We’re excited to present the return of Rootstock Sydney at Carriageworks for its third year” said Carriageworks Director Lisa Havilah. “This world-class event is an opportunity for visitors to engage first-hand with some of the best chefs and creative leaders in the food and wine industry, from around the country”.
One big difference for Rootstock’s wine showcases is that the grower-producers are required to attend their respective stall and connected with the public to foster a richer dialogue and better understanding of the many natural wines which will be present. There will be an upward of 200 wines to taste, along with an increased focus on natural farming with some wines shown only produce from naturally-farmed vineyards. This wine festival aspect of Rootstock will be split into two sessions per day and will be ticketed.
On the other hand, the food market will be free-to-attend, this year sparked by a collaboration with Carriageworks Farmers Market with a focus on native food and produce along with ethnic-Australian foods from minority groups and Rootstock’s popular orange wine and sake bars. Several new stalls dedicated to varied wine styles and fermented beers have also been added to the program for this year.
Discussion will be a big part of Rootstock, with producers, chefs, educators, writers, sommeliers, and more taking part in a diverse range of topics around food, wine, and agriculture. There will even be a feature on Georgian winemaking and culture.
The aforementioned parties will take place each night. Saturday will feature a group of unique winemakers tasked with showcasing their connection to their own cultures, while Sunday night will feature chefs like Duncan Welgemoed and Analiese Gregory who will be slow-roasting Australian produce over coals.
Rootstock Sydney
Where: Carriageworks
When: Sat 26th and Sun 27th November 2016
More Info: rootstocksydney.com.
Images supplied and used with permission.
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