A full celebration of authentic Italian food, drink and entertainment is coming to the region for the first time, with pizza, pasta, gelato, espresso, cannoli, bocce, Ferraris and more.
It will be a case of la vita e bella (life is beautiful) at the inaugural Italian Food and Vino Festival in Noosa from August 26 to 28.
The three-day festival will include a Ferrari Long Lunch, Aperol Bar and feature a delicious mix of food and drink, including from some of the best Italian restaurants in the region.
The festival invites food lovers to converge and celebrate Italian culture with the delicious culinary experience set against the backdrop of Noosa River.
Noosa Waterfront Restaurant Chef Andrea Ravezzani is the force behind the Italian Food and Vino Festival.
Mr Ravezzani has a burning desire to bring the best of his deep Italian heritage to Noosa and showcase what Australia’s Italian community has to offer.
Meeting his Australian wife Kerri brought him to Noosa and the gourmet love affair between the two countries began.
“We have carefully curated a deliziso mix of food and drink with overwhelming support from local, national and international businesses … to fill the belly and feed the souls of all our guests,” he said.
“We have authentic Italian delights on offer from the best Noosa restaurants including local favourites 250 Grammi, Trattoria Benati, Noosa Waterfront Restaurant and Bar and Ohana Dining to name a few. Trust me, you won’t be leaving hungry.
“Our friends at Segafredo will be on hand for all your coffee needs, and dessert lovers will be spoilt for choice with cannoli, tiramisu, panna cotta and gelato.
“Our partners at Heads of Noosa and Seabourne Distillery will ensure you don’t go thirsty either with their range of locally crafted beers, gin, and aperitifs, or you can experience excellent Italian wine or sip on Aperol cocktails at the Aperol Bar.
“We even have a delicious range of non-alcoholic options available from San Pellegrino. What more could anyone want, bellissimo!”
The official Festival Opening Party will take place at the Noosa Waterfront Restaurant and Bar on August 26.
The main event, Festival Day, begins from 11am on August 27 at Noosa Woods, with something for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
Roberto’s Piazza will be the beating heart of the festival providing a place to join with friends and family to eat and drink and delight in the live entertainment on the main stage.
The Ferrari Long Lunch will include a carefully curated four-course menu by Italian celebrity chefs and a three-hour drinks package including Ferrari Trento sparkling wine upon arrival.
The closing party on August 28 at Lucio’s Marina, Tewantin, will provide the “perfetto” way to end the weekend with roving canapes, drinks and dancing on the riverside.
Festival guests can also enjoy the ancient Roman game of Bocce while popular Italian chefs demonstrate their skills on the masterclass stage with Sunshine Coast Foodie Martin Duncan as emcee.
To purchase tickets for the Italian Food & Vino Festival, visit italianfoodandvino.com
