Top chef set to sizzle at Gourmet Escape

• Heston Blumenthal arrives in WA for 2013 Margaret River Gourmet Escape

• Joins dozens of other food and wine stars for expanded festival

• Funded by Royalties for Regions through Eventscorp's Regional Events Program

One of the world's most recognisable chefs has arrived in Western Australia as the headline name for this weekend's Margaret River Gourmet Escape.

Tourism Minister Liza Harvey today joined British chef and television star Heston Blumenthal to officially launch the three-day event, which kicks off in Margaret River on Friday.

"Last year's inaugural Margaret River Gourmet Escape exceeded all expectations, and this year will see even more satellite events and a larger capacity at the Gourmet Village at Leeuwin Estate Winery," Mrs Harvey said.

"As well as Heston Blumenthal, visitors to the Gourmet Village on Saturday and Sunday will be able to see and hear the likes of Rick Stein, Alex Atala, Sat Bains, Shane Osborn, Tetsuya Wakuda and Adriano Zumbo.

"This year's expanded program of satellite events includes indulgent long lunches, a pop-up beach BBQ restaurant, exclusive dinners, wine tastings, masterclasses and much more - all promoting the Margaret River wine region and Western Australia as a world-class food and wine destination.

"This event feeds into the State Government's goal of increasing the value of the State's tourism industry from $7.5billion in 2012 to $12billion by 2020."

The Margaret River Gourmet Escape gives premium producers from across the State the opportunity to display their products to an international and national consumer and trade audience.

"The high profile of Gourmet Escape and the media attention it generates, thanks to the likes of Heston Blumenthal and Rick Stein, provides a massive boost to WA's reputation as a food and wine producer and culinary destination," the Minister said.

"This event already rates among the best food and wine festivals in the Asia-Pacific region, and ticks all the boxes in terms of bringing social and economic benefits to WA's towns and regions."

       Fact File

• 2013 Margaret River Gourmet Escape runs from November 22 to 24

• Tickets are still available through Ticketek

• For more information visit http://www.gourmetescape.com.au/

Minister's office - 6552 5900