Pro hosts food celebration

As the first day of the Western Australia Margaret River Pro 2025 came to a close, the spotlight in the VIP marquee shifted from the surf to the region’s acclaimed food and wine.

Guests were treated to a first taste of Pair’d Margaret River Region 2025 – set to take place from 20 to 23 November.

The special event brought together a vibrant cross-section of stakeholders, including local producers, winemakers, chefs, creatives, tourism operators, and accommodation providers.

Guests enjoyed a collaborative feast catered by Supper Road under the culinary direction of Jason Beste, alongside some of the region’s top chefs: Travis Crane (Voyager Estate), Evan Hayter (de’sendent), and Mal Chow (Chow’s Table). Each dish was paired with wines from Cullen, Xanadu, and Vasse Felix.

The evening also reflected on the success of the inaugural 2024 Pair’d program.

“The Margaret River Region is world-famous for its gourmet wine and food, and Pair’d plates it all up in a festival of flavour that showcases the best of the region through a broad variety of unique and exciting events,” Anneke Brown, Managing Director, Tourism WA said.

“Tourism WA has proudly supported the Western Australia Margaret River Pro for many years, and with high-level stakeholders from across the world in the region for the Pro, it was the perfect opportunity to offer a sample of what they can expect at Pair’d 2025, and entice them to return this November for the main event.”

This year’s festival will present over 30 curated events across four days, promising rare vintages, Michelin-starred chefs, live music, and breathtaking settings.

Eagle Bay Brewing Co’s Margarita Wallace said the brewery team were excited to once again be the official beer partner for the event.

“This partnership is very special to us – celebrating our backyard through curated experiences that showcase the region’s food, drink, spaces and landscapes,” she said.

“Our locally made beers will be pouring all weekend long.”

It was also announced last week that the region would host The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards in November.

Taking place on November 19, the awards will celebrate outstanding vineyards around the world that combine exceptional wine, food and visitor experiences.

“Welcoming The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards in Margaret River is a proud moment for WA and reflects our growing global profile as a leader in premium tourism and hospitality offerings,” Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said.

The Pair’d program will be announced soon. For more info, visit pairdmargaretriver.com.