Dive into a week of all things Italian at A Taste of Italy Griffith!
Stroll down the main street of Griffith, a bustling vibrant city in the NSW Riverina, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into an Italian piazza, with numerous Italian cafes serving coffee, pizza, local wine and house-made gelato, and warm, friendly locals who welcome you with a smile.
Around 60% of the population claim Italian ancestry, and the influence is strong in the region’s local cuisine, wineries and family names.
Celebrating these rich traditions is what A Taste of Italy Griffith is all about. The week-long festival runs from 19-25 August, and showcases the remarkable Italian food, wine, culture and heritage of the region.
Opening image: La Piccola Grosseria. Image: A Taste of Italy Griffith.
Italian heritage
The Riverina is famous as a fertile agricultural region and is known as the ‘food bowl’ of Australia, with an abundance of fresh, high-quality produce. Much of this is thanks to the skills and dedication of Italian migrant farmers.
The first Italian migrants arrived in the 1900s and brought their viticulture, market gardening skills and passion for food and cooking to Griffith. Many hailed from the Veneto region, and came to work on the area’s irrigation network.
In the 1930s, many more Italians, primarily from Sicily and Calabria, made the journey. Their farming success stories brought another wave of Italian migration to the area post war.
This Italian influence remains strong in Griffith’s renowned fresh produce, grapes, wines and restaurants. Traditions like salami making, preserving olives and sauce days are practised enthusiastically to this day with a great sense of pride.
At A Taste of Italy Griffith there is a huge range of events where you can experience the city’s vibrant Italian culture, through cellar door and dining experiences, live music, sidewalk sales, salami-making competitions and more.
Tours and tastings
Throughout the seven-day festival, local cellar doors will be open for tastings and specialised experiences with Italian varietals. Stop in at the family-owned Calabria Wines, Harvest HQ or Piccolo Family Farm for nibbles and tastings, or pop into Aisling Distillery for a drop of their award-winning whisky.
Learn to make gnocchi the traditional Italian way with an in-depth gnocchi making workshop led by local Gloria Salvestro, who will share insider tips and tricks to help you master the art of creating perfect gnocchi at home.
At Berton Vineyards, you can explore the art of wine blending with their knowledgeable winemaker. Sip and graze while you immerse yourself in the world of winemaking and unlock your inner winemaker in a friendly and relaxed environment.
Discover some local gems on an exclusive walking tour of Griffith with Bella Vita Tours, or rummage at the Saturday Sidewalk Sale on Banna Avenue for a bit of retail therapy.
There is no shortage of Italian eateries in town to go wining and dining, with live Italian music popping up throughout the week.
A wonderful weekend
There are plenty of exciting events happening across the Saturday and Sunday, including festivals, long lunches, winery events and dinners.
On Saturday, Griffith Italian Festival at Yellow Tail Park offers fun for the whole family with traditional Italian cuisine, lively performances and warm hospitality.
Festa della Salsicce – Festival of the Sausage/Griffith Salami Festival – is a staple event of the week, with locals vying for the title of best homemade salami. While the long lunch event is already sold out, there are plenty of places to try local gourmet smallgoods, including free tastings at La Piccola Grosseria – with a complimentary espresso for every customer that walks in.
Enjoy the annual “La Tavola Lunga” at De Bortoli Wines. This event has been an integral part of the De Bortoli family heritage since their founder Vittorio first put down roots in the Riverina in the early 1900s.
Ferragosto at La Scala is a dinner event inspired by the family’s Venetian heritage. This authentic Italian three course meal will feature Italian staples like hand-made pasta and slow-cooked meats, with a delicious range of artisan gelato and dessert. And, of course, a selection of the regions local wines to compliment the menu.
If your mouth is watering, then A Taste of Italy Griffith is certainly a celebration not to be missed, with something for everyone to enjoy. These events and plenty more offer an unforgettable week of Italian culture, food and fun in the heart of Griffith.
Booking is essential for most events. Visit atasteofitalygriffith.com.au for event information and to secure your tickets. For even more to explore in the region, check out visitgriffith.com.au.
For our top recommendations on nature experiences, festivals and gourmet offerings in Griffith, click here.
Travel to Griffith
Rex flies to Griffith. Book your tickets here and check out the route map below.
