Farm Tour Fascination
The warm fine spring weather on the day was a far cry from the original tour date when the unseasonal heavy rains and February floods descended upon the region! Click here to find out more. Held at Vizzarri Farms in Koo Wee Rup, the tour encouraged local and Melbourne guests to have a hands-on experience of this fascinating vegetable.
The AAC welcomed the generous support of Cardinia Shire and local producers for the opportunity to engage and educate Melbourne and local food media representatives about the bounty of quality food and wine to be found within the region.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr George Blenkhorn and Business Development Officer Frances Grigoriou joined the tour and, together with fellow tour guests, were guided through the world of asparagus by Vizzarri Farms General Manager Sybrand Visagie and Tom Knox.
Local food and wine producers added their spoils to the asparagus harvest for Chef John Barbaressos (of Khans Hospitality Service at Cardinia Cultural Centre) and his team to craft a luscious lunch for the tour guests – sponsored by Cardinia Shire Council. The luncheon opened with a selection of barbequed asparagus spears drizzled with Haunted Gully olive oil, accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces and Europa and Jindi cheeses and Hope Farm breads and Cannibal Creek Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Mains options were: Chicken and Europa ricotta tortellini served on Red Gem potato mash accompanied with prosciutto wrapped local asparagus and a cream and Cannibal Creek Chardonnay reduction - accompanied by Cannibal Creek Chardonnay; Eye Fillet served with a duo of roasted Reds Gem potatoes and freshly grilled local asparagus finished with a Cannibal Creek Merlot jus accompanied by Cannibal Creek Merlot. The luncheon concluded with a selection of ‘Sweet Tooth’ items created by Will Gregory of award winning local business Pie Minister.
The Australian Asparagus Council wishes to thank the following organisations for their generous support of the Farm Tour.
Cardinia Shire Council, especially Mayor Cr George Blenkhorn and Business Development Officer Frances Grigoriou.
Khan’s Hospitality Team at Cardinia Cultural Centre, especially Chef John Barbaressos and Catering Manager, Kelly Fitzpatrick
Cannibal Creek Vineyard
Summer Snow Juice
Haunted Gully Olives
Hardings Orchards
Europa Cheese
Hope Farm Bakery
Red Gem Growers & Packers
Pie Minister