Yorkshire Food Finder has been tasked with creating a bespoke 12-hour tour of Yorkshire’s best bites for the renowned International Wine & Food Society (IWFS).
The unique February 20th trail, which will pack in two food producer visits, two meals with tutored tastings and a host of cocktails and ciders, has been organised by Yorkshire Food Finder founders Sue and Aidan Nelson for the 80-year-old society, which has more than 130 branches in 30 countries across the world.
“We couldn’t believe it when the society called out of the blue and told us they wanted us to organise their special visit to Yorkshire,” says Sue. “We are delighted that they felt we were the right tour guides for the job.”
Up to 22 IWFS trailblazers will be taken on a 9am to 9pm food trail around Yorkshire, starting at Shepherds Purse Creamery with lunch at The Star Inn at Harome and a cider and cheese pairing led by Shepherds Purse founder Judy Bell. After lunch, the foragers will be treated to an orchard and cider press tour at Ampleforth Abbey and pre-dinner cocktails back at The Star, followed by a three-course menu cooked by top chef Andrew Pern that showcases the produce enjoyed on the day ““ all topped off with a tutored wine tasting.
“This is the first trail in our packed 2014 schedule and it’s a fantastic way to kick start our season,” said Sue. “The fact that the world’s most prominent wine and food society want to make a special trip here proves the extent to which people are interested in Yorkshire’s fantastic producers and hospitality. Yorkshire has truly become a gourmet destination.”
Stephanie Shepherd from the IWFS said its members were very excited about the opportunity to meet the faces behind some of Yorkshire’s famous foods.
“It’s the first time we have used Yorkshire Food Finder and we’ve found them a pleasure to work with,” she said. “It is a busy schedule, but the sort of thing our members are well used to!”