Cancel your plans, Perth, there’s an epic food and wine festival coming to the south west this winter and it’s going to be lit!
ICYMI last year, it’s called Cabin Fever and it’s quite possibly the best foodie event on the WA calendar. The ten-day festival features over 35 incredible events (think everything from cheese toastie battles to secret vineyard dinners) and runs from 13 to 22 July throughout the Margaret River region.
And to make things even more enticing, this year Cabin Fever has partnered with MINI so no-one has to be designated driver. If you're one of the first few to book into selected events you'll score a sweet ride to and from in a MINI Countryman. Just keep an eye out for the MINI Designated Drivers logo on select events, and book early for the best chance to nab a transfer.
Call your friends and get booking, you don’t want to miss this!
Enjoy Fondue By The Fire
In case you missed out on this event last year, your prayers have been answered because it’s back for Cabin Fever in 2018. Join Howard Park Wines and Cambray Sheep Cheese for your chance to cosy up by a crackling fireplace as you dip your stick into hot, cheesy fondue. You do not want to miss this!
Witness A Latte Art Smackdown
We love a good smackdown, and when it involves coffee our interest peaks more so. Watch some of our fave baristas from the region go head to head as they produce the best coffee art you’ve ever seen, battling it out for first, second or third place. It’s all going down at Yahava and there’ll be an MC, DJ and plenty of food and drink to go around.
Brush Up On Your Olive Oil Knowledge
If you believe olive oil is life (and it is) then you’ve got to get to the Ultimate Olive Oil Masterclass at Vasse Virgin. Tour the olive grove, sample allllll of the oils and put your knowledge to the test as you learn about how to choose and cook with good quality oils. Your ticket includes a glass of local wine or beer and nibbles.
Join In A Rustic French Feast
Don your stripes, red lippy and berets and head to Cape Mentelle for the most delightful Bastille Day celebration. You’ll get to enjoy their renowned wines as you devour course after gourmet course in their historic wine cellar. After lunch, join the crowd in a game of Pétanque (kinda like bocce) on the lawn.
Learn How To Pair Wine And Choc Once And For All
Our good friends at Cabin Fever say chocolate and wine equals a very good time and we are inclined to agree with them. Thanks to Margaret River Providore you’ll get the chance to join in on the ultimate wine and chocolate pairing masterclass for only 30 buckaroos. Avoid that FOMO and book now!
Devour Coffee Desserts, Cocktails And Cold Brew Spiders
Yes, your favourite drink from the 90s just got a facelift. Eagle Bay Brewing Co is whipping up cold brew spiders at Dark Matters. There’ll also be plenty of coffee-inspired desserts, canapes, gelato and cocktails, delish eats and DJ beats. We can't wait to try Burnt Ends Smoking Co's smoked coffee brisket sliders with ancho espresso BBQ sauce and Eagle Bay's Cacao Stout smoked beef cheek tacos.
Head To The Big Easy Bakehouse
The Big Easy Bakehouse will welcome a 1900s New Orleans theme so you can warm your cockles deep south style. With plenty of Cajun and Creole flavours to try, there’ll be old school classic cocktails going around, belly-warming brews and a live cabaret performance. Hot diggity!
Swing On At Fever Fest
Everyone’s favourite laid-back restaurant Swings Taphouse and Kitchen is throwing one helluva Cabin Fever celebration. Expect all of the long table feasting vibes with blazing fires, mulled wine on arrival, whole roasted wood fired pig, roast winter veggies and matched wine.
Say Cheese AND Cheers
Our friends from Cowaramup Brewing Co are throwing a beer and cheese tasting arvo. $30 will get you four craft ales paired with goodness from Yallingup Cheese Co. With only 30 tickets available, you’re going to want to get in quick!
Drool Over A Cheese Toastie Battle
Some of the best chefs from the Margaret River region will go head to head in a contest that’s going to be oh-so-hard to judge. You’ll get to sample all of the toasties and score a free pint or glass of wine along with your ticket. Does life get any better than this?
Get Lit With Brews And Bonfires
The Beer Farm is throwing the bonfire party of your dreams. Think seasonable beers, paddock to plate meats and local blues artists. Remember to pack your wellies in case it’s a bit muddy (and to look super legit)!
Make Like Jesus At The Last Supper
Whole wheel cheese, Yallingup wood fired bread, dessert feasting bar…we could go on but you’re probably already convinced to attend The Last Supper at Larry Cherubino Wines. This banquet-style dinner includes a delectable three course meal and wine for the total sum of $180. No, it won’t guarantee you entry into heaven, but who really cares when the offering is this good.
Bid Farewell To It All At Settlers
Cabin Fever will end with a bang thanks to the Settlers Tavern Carpark Collective all day festival extraordinaire. This free event will send you packing with all of the good vibes thanks to smoky BBQ eats, world-class wine, beanie-clad musos and killer craft beers. We’ll see you there!
Hungry for more? Head here to check out the full Cabin Fever line-up.
Image credit: Supplied
Editor's note: This article is sponsored by Cabin Fever. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make The Urban List possible. For more information on our editorial policy, please click here.