The Margaret River region is Australia's 'Must-Visit Food Region' according to Australian Traveller magazine, which announced the results of its People's Choice Awards at a gala night at Pier One Sydney Harbour on Monday 30 November.

The region beat tough competition from Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley and Yarra Valley to claim the top spot in the award category, voted on by 4,000 magazine readers. Margaret River also claimed third place in the 'Best Wine Region' category.

The Australian Traveller team cited the annual Margaret River Gourmet Escape event, as well as the region's prevalent 'farm-to-fork' mentality as central to its success.

"Margaret River's 'food movement' is awakening the gourmand in all of us with an incredible array of fresh produce showcased on menus across the region. But perhaps the best place to experience it is at the weekend farmers' markets where you can sample and stock up on hand-crafted cheeses, fresh olives and olive oils, gourmet breads, and the region's signature fresh-caught marron and highly prized black truffle. However, the bee's knees of epicurean events, the Margaret River Gourmet Escape, is a delightful round-up of all things delicious in the region and a date to mark in the diary."

Your Margaret River Region Chief Executive Officer Pip Close welcomed the award and emphasised how Gourmet Escape is helping to raise awareness of the region's food and wine.

"We are absolutely delighted to receive this accolade from such a large cross section of Australian travellers. This is an exciting sign of the Margaret River region's growing status as the country's hottest foodie destination."

"Gourmet Escape really helps to shine a spotlight on our outstanding food experiences and has encouraged many new visitors to come and fall in love with the region; from influential chefs such as Marco Pierre White and Heston Blumenthal, to tourists from all over the world. The fact that the event takes place across a number of beautiful locations shows people that the Margaret River region is a place where you come to enjoy world class food and wine against a backdrop of exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity."

Ms. Close was also keen to praise the collaborative approach of the region's food producers and chefs.

"When we were speaking to the visiting chefs during Gourmet Escape, it became clear that the relationship between our the region's farmers and our chefs stands out as unique. The geographical proximity of our producers to those who are preparing the food means that great bonds are formed, and the quality of what reaches our plates is consistently high. It is fantastic to see how this dedication is now helping to motivate people to visit the region."

The Margaret River region's latest award follows a win in the 'Outstanding Region in Australia' category at the 2015 delicious. Produce Awards.

For the full list of winners head to australiantraveller.com.

For more information on Your Margaret River Region, visit margaretriver.com. 

Tags: Margaret River, Western Australia, australian traveller, Restaurant Australia, gourmet, gourmet escape