The Eat.Taste.Central. spring celebration of the region’s wine, food and beverage options returns for the sixth year on September 23, running through October 24.
Entries had come from across Central Otago, campaign manager Anthony Longman said.
Chefs and venues had been designing and creating special dishes that feature locally and regionally sourced flavours and ingredients on the regional menu.
‘‘This gives plenty of options to inspire people to get out and explore over the month, which has always been one of our key goals for running the campaign,’’ Mr Longman said.
The full regional menu would launch online on September 1, with three categories of entries — burger and sandwich, pie, and main meal — each matched with a local wine or beverage.
The judging panel would select its top picks and award an overall winner at the end of October.
Food, wine and cultural events to take place during the campaign include a Weekend of Wine, and a pop-up exhibition of the Eden Hore High Fashion/High Country photographs.
‘‘It’s exciting to welcome back our favourite venues for another year, together with some new ones, and to see the wide range of food styles and experiences on offer,’’ Mr Longman said.
‘‘From the best of high-end restaurants and wineries to classic country hotels and burger bars — each one celebrating with us our world of flavour.
‘‘Through the campaign, we will celebrate the Central Otago landscapes and highlight the linkages between our growers, artisan producers, tour operators, hospitality venues, educators, and visitors.’’
