Hand-picked: Pair’d Festival

Western Australia’s newest homegrown event, Pair’d Festival, is a must-attend for all wine and food lovers. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a seasoned connoisseur, Pair’d offers a range of diverse events across the region, featuring special wine tastings, garden parties, nature-inspired dining, sunset gatherings, Michelin chef dinners, and bottomless brunches, to name just a few. 

Need a hand sorting through the bunch? Read on for our favourites ripe for the picking. 

Experience Meelup Beach like never before when the South West icon is transformed into the ultimate beach club with two incredible experiences.

The Beach Club Restaurant features a paired four-course shared feast crafted by Yarri’s own Aaron Carr and Michelin-starred seafood chef Nathan Outlaw. Or for a more relaxed vibe, the Beach Club Bar is a luxe open-air Beach Bar serving beachside bites, and a glass of Margaret River wine in hand (and add a reserved day bed for a little extra indulgence).

The weekend’s wine list, curated by sommelier Cyndal Petty, features a selection of the South West’s finest vintages, all set to the sound of live DJ and sax sets from Mark Turner & Perri Lee and Feel Estate, bringing the ultimate beachside vibes to the white sand.

Discover the next generation of the region’s winemakers with New Wave Gathering. Pouring bold drops and inventive blends that push boundaries, Skigh Wine will host a raft of fresh talent for you to explore throughout the evening.

The Pair’d Snack Bar will be open, featuring WA’s Chef of the Year Blaze Young and WA’s Emerging Chef of the Year Drew Dawson, plus street-style eats from Normal Van and Sons of Naples.

Your evening’s soundtracked by vinyl from Grant Smillie and Alex Dimitriades, plus wine masterclasses with Nick Ryan (The Australian) and Tom Parker Bowles offers a chance to level up your wine knowledge.

An indulgent four-course lunchtime feast beneath towering karri and marri trees at Tanah Marah. Nature’s Table is a feast for the senses with two of the region’s most celebrated chefs – Paul Iskov of Fervor and Jess Court of Glenarty Road serving a menu inspired by the Noongar story of the Emu Plum.

Wadandi-Pibulmun Cultural Custodian, Zac Webb will welcome guests and share stories throughout the event paired with an innovative soundscape and wine composition by Jo Burzynska.

A truly unique experience in celebration of the region. Wine on the Water is a two-hour stunning sunset canapé cruise across the picturesque Geographe Bay aboard the whale-watching catamaran Alison Maree and team from Clairault Streicker. Enjoy Head Chef Michael Talbott’s selection of sea-friendly canapés, perfectly paired with a guided wine tasting, showcasing Clairault Streicker wines.

Prepare your taste buds and lace up your dancing shoes. Apericena: Italian Party is a night of culinary extravagance with Chef Joel Valvasori and his acclaimed Lulu La Delizia crew bringing their Italian flair to Margaret River’s family-run gem, Mr Barval Fine Wines.

Enjoy Italian delights, like Mr. Barval’s elusive Nebbia, Spritzes and Negronis as the sun sets behind the breathtaking Boranup Forest.

Be among the first to sip Willespie Estate’s new chilled red Gamay and Gamay Rosé while Chef Melissa Palinkas of Young George (East Fremantle) brings the flavour, with house-made charcuterie and canapés designed to satisfy and surprise. Hooray for Gamay’s vibe is pure groove. DJ Gamma Ray takes the decks with her vinyl collection.

Bid farewell to Pair’d with a bunch of the region’s local legends at Busselton Pavilion. Chef Brendan Pratt is inviting a bunch of his chef mates to his kitchen, each presenting a signature dish full of local flavour that pairs perfectly with wines and beers from across the region.

Graze your way through the evening all while grooving to Shogun, Max Veenhuyzen and DJ Mandy B spinning vinyl.