The Wānaka A&P Show’s new ‘NZ Life & Leisure Local Larder’ space will highlight top food and drink producers at this year’s show.

Billed as the ultimate destination for food lovers, it will offer show-goers a chance to taste some of the best artisan cuisine, both from the Upper Clutha and further afield, and meet the producers behind them.

Wānaka A&P Show general manager Jane Stalker told the Wānaka App the producers had been hand-picked to feature “a really nice mix of producers”.

They include Taste of the Alps, Cardrona Distillery, Kiwi Artisan, Stir Tea and more.

Another major drawcard of the Local Larder is chef and restauranter Peter Gordon (ONZM) who is travelling to Wānaka to provide two cooking demonstrations each day.

Whanganui-born Peter has cooked for world leaders including Barack Obama and Angela Merkel, and he has eight cookbooks and numerous award winning restaurants to his name.

Jane said Peter’s morning demonstrations (10.30am) will focus on restaurant-style dishes and in the afternoon demonstrations (1.30pm) Peter will teach show-goers how to use the best of what’s in their fridge or vegetable patch.

"Peter Gordon’s the ‘godfather of fusion cuisine’—he’s got a way of taking fresh, local ingredients and turning them into something delicious,” Jane said. 

“Whether you’re a keen home cook or just love good food, his live demos are going to be a real highlight."

The Wānaka A&P Show - one of New Zealand’s biggest agricultural, pastoral and community events - will return to the Wānaka Showgrounds and Pembroke Park on March 7-8.

It will feature traditional drawcards like the equestrian, livestock and home industries events and family-friendly favourites like the Farmlands Farmyard, Rural Village and the entertaining Jack Russell race.

The NZ Life & Leisure Local Larder area will be located near the A&P Show office and it will be open from 8.30am-5pm on both show days. 

For further details see A&P Show in your Wānaka App.

PHOTO: Supplied