All-new Manjimup Truffle and Wine Festival, the replacement for the Truffle Kerfuffle, goes ‘off with a bang’

The last-minute replacement for Manjimup’s famous Truffle Kerfuffle has been labelled a “resounding success” by event organisers. The Manjimup Truffle and Wine Festival was an all-new event which replaced the Kerfuffle after it was cancelled in April because of COVID rules. The festival, which was held from Friday, June 24, to Sunday, June 26, drew thousands of event-goers from across the State to Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and surrounding areas. The festival featured numerous sold-out events, including gourmet dinners, truffle hunts and wine tours at acclaimed venues such as Truffle Hill Wines, Hidden River Estate, Ampersand Estates, Tall Timbers Manjimup, Pemberley of Pemberton and Stonebarn Estate. Truffle Hill Wines owner Stuart Hutchinson said visitors turned out in droves and were excited to celebrate the Lower South West’s truffle industry. “The festival went off with a bang, we had thousands of people come down,” he said. “The weather gods certainly put on the sunshine for us which created a fantastic atmosphere among all the patrons. “Although people were disappointed to not attend the Truffle Kerfuffle, they were stoked that there was something else for them to do in the region, and be able to support local venues and accommodation providers.” Popular TV chefs Alistair McLeod from Ready, Steady, Cook, Laura Sharrad from MasterChef, and Anna and Jordan Bruno from My Kitchen Rules were also a major part of the weekend. On June 25, the Manjimup Farmers Market reported its biggest market to date in terms of stalls and attendance figures. The Manjimup Truffle and Wine Festival was supported by the Manjimup and Pemberton Chambers of Commerce, Southern Forests Food Council, South West Development Commission, Shire of Manjimup and Tourism WA.