Head to Port Douglas for a special taste of the tropics

Port Douglas is always a tempting destination - but even more so when there is a food and wine festival happening.

I attended the Port Douglas Carnivale a few year ago and that event has now been complemented  by Taste Port Douglas, the seventh edition of which will be held from August 10-13.

Several of Australia's top chefs and hospitality talent have been lined up to visit Far North Queensland by organisers Spencer and Reina Patrick at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas resort.

Tickets are now on sale for culinary masterclasses, signature dinners and food experiences at tasteportdouglas.com.au.

Among the stars who will be in attendance are TV chef Massimo Mele from Grain of the Silos in Launceston and Peppina in Hobart; Adam D’Sylva from Lollo, Tonka and Coda in Melbourne; Guy Grossi from the Grossi Group; Ian Curley from The French Saloon and Kirk’s Wine Bar and Jerry Mai from Pho Nom and Bia Hoi.

Other big names will include journalist, author and TV presenter Matt Preston, star sommelier and wine writer Samantha Payne and restaurant industry legend Raymond Capaldi.

All will join forces with local producers and restaurants to dish up a culinary program of over 20 food- and drink-focused events.

“We are stoked to collaborate with Australia’s diverse and talented culinary community at Taste Port Douglas," says local star chef Spencer Patrick.

"They are the key ingredient to the festival's reputation as one of Australia’s most celebrated and dynamic gourmet weekends of the year. 

"Culinary events of this scale contribute to skill-sharing and fostering interstate relationships in the hospitality community, providing unique opportunities to connect key players to the region’s suppliers, growers and producers and a hungry audience of local chefs."