Organisers of the Otway Harvest Trail were thrilled with the outcome of their inaugural 'A Taste of the Otways' lunch held on Saturday March 5th in the gardens at the beautiful Tarndwarncoort. Eighty five lucky guests were delighted with the fare of the Otways Harvest Trail, presented over 8 courses with wine and beers to match each course;

The Geelong Advertiser publishes a travel guide o the Geelong Otway Region - the Autumn 2011 edition includes a food & wine Special Guide with a feature on The Otway Harvest Trail and a focus on member Forrest Brewery Company.

The article can be read in an online version of the Geelong Advertiser Breakaway magazine.

Blazing a fresh harvest trail, Eve Fisher

In The Age Epicure of 22 February 2011, Eve Fisher writes an article "Hungry to educate the public, these producers are going back to their roots"

Read the full article title "Blazing a fresh harvest trail".

=== For Immediate Release, 21-Nov-09 ===

Four Seasons Full of Taste

From rolling hills and pastures to lush rainforests and world-renowned coastline; from Torquay to Colac to Winchelsea, Apollo Bay and everywhere in between; one of Australia's best up-and-coming gourmet regions is set to shine.

The Otway Harvest Trail, launched recently, covers wineries, food producers, restaurants, venues and accommodation throughout this rich and diverse region that is highlighted by its rich soils, clean and green farming practices, favourable cool climate and friendly people.

You'll see cellar doors, fresh markets, olive groves, berry gardens, creative restaurants using local produce and spectacular scenery that change and evolve with the four seasons.

With the support of Surf Coast Tourism and Otways Tourism, the Otway Harvest Trail promotes the Otway Hinterland as an exceptional wine, produce and food destination.

Otway Harvest Trail President and prominent local winemaker Dinny Goonan said the trail shows the richness of the hinterland. "We are aware that the beach is a primary draw card for visitors to the Surf Coast and Otway areas" Mr Goonan said. "However, many people - locals and visitors - are unaware of the fabulous food, wine and produce that is available in the Otway Hinterland."

Otway Harvest Trail Vice-President, Robin Culkin-Lawrence, who runs Birregurra Estate Olives, said one of the drawcards of the trail is the interaction with growers and producers. "It's a very personal experience where you get to meet and talk to the provedores who are passionate about what they produce and sell. We feel we are also doing our bit to reduce food miles by supplying high quality, locally grown produce in a way that is accessible to locals and visitors alike."

"It's about a conviction that the Otway Hinterland is capable of producing the remarkable. This conviction is driven by our unique combination of aspect, climate, soils, proximity to pristine rainforest and jewelled seas and the quality of the produce already available. Our goal is that one day the words 'Otway Hinterland' will evoke unique images in much the same way as Provence in France or Tuscany in Italy."

Start savouring the experience with the Otway Harvest Trail brochure available at Surf Coast Visitor Centres and Colac Otway Visitor Centres, or by visiting the Otway Harvest Trail website at otway harvesttrail.org.au.

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For more information, contact Dinny Goonan;