The event, which is tipped to inject up to $1.3 million into the region, was launched at Marrocka Emu Farm overlooking The Rock in the Lockhart Shire. 

Speaking at Ian Marston’s property on the Olympic Highway Taste Riverina chairman Craig Sinclair said the Riverina was the food bowl of NSW if not Australia. 

“Marrocka Emu Farm is an example of how we can diversify and have that paddock to plate experience that the Riverina is known for,” he said. 

Mr Sinclair said Taste Riverina would feature some 30 events spanning across 11 different town. 

“Last year we had 35,000 people come to Taste Riverina and 30 per cent of those people came from outside the region,” he said. 

He told the gathering at The Rock it was time to showcase the entire area and it was estimated that the visitors to the region spent in the vicinity of $1.3 million. 

Visitors were encouraged to take in the cider, beer, food and wine and also test and expand their skills at the various cooking and “how to” demonstrations. 

Lockhart Shire mayor Rodger Schirmer commended the organisers of Taste Riveraina and said it was a coup to see the event launched at The Rock. 

“This is a tremendous avenue to let people know how important the Riverina is in terms of cultural and food diversity,” he said. 

Retiring Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli said it was important to make the place where you live interesting. 

“I would encourage people who live here to travel around and participate in these events,” he said. 

Mr Piccoli said the event was excellent for visitors but also a chance for locals to learn and enjoy the local region. 

He said it was the perfect time to continue shining the spotlight on the Riverina and all of its diversity in terms of food and wine.