Western Australia�s (WA) food and wine industry has boomed in recent years. Offering a selection of fine produce including boutique wine and beer, chocolate, cheese and truffles, WA�s gourmet offerings are sought after by foodies from around the globe.

The 2010 WA truffle season is underway, with one of the world�s most expensive edible commodities in demand from chefs from Australia around the world.

Manjimup�s Wine and Truffle Co (www.wineandtruffleco.com) is Australia�s largest truffle producer and has received many awards and accolades for it�s sought after edible fungi.

Known as black diamonds due to their value, WA truffles are exported to countries in Europe and Asia and have put the South West town of Manjimup on the epicurean global map.

Prestigious restaurants including the award-winning Quay in Sydney, Vue Du Monde in Melbourne and French Laundry in the Napa Valley (US) use WA�s exceptional quality truffles.

Food fanatics will flock to the Perth Hills on July 31 and August 1 for the annual Mundaring Truffle Festival, which celebrates WA�s thriving truffle industry.

Located a three-hour drive south of Perth, the Margaret River Wine Region has become the ultimate smorgasbord of wineries, boutique breweries, unique accommodation and restaurants overlooking sweeping vineyards, towering forests and surf breaks.

Attending ATE this year, the team from Australia�s South West (www.australiassouthwest.com) is more than happy to tell you some insider tips about their piece of paradise.

The region�s famous wines and outstanding regional cuisine are matched only by their magnificent place of origin. Envied throughout the world for its Mediterranean climate, pristine environment and nutrient-rich soils, the Margaret River Wine Region has ideal grape growing conditions.

Producing just three per cent of Australia�s grapes, the region is responsible for making more than 30 per cent of the nation�s premium wines, which is testament to its exceptional quality.

With more than 90 cellar doors and in excess of 200 vineyards, Margaret River�s scenic countryside is dotted with a mixture of quaint family owned boutique wineries alongside big estates and art galleries. Some of the original Margaret River wineries still in operation today include Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate, Cullen, Clairault and Xanadu.

Those who enjoy a drop of a different variety will not go thirsty in the Margaret River Wine Region, with the emergence of award-winning boutique breweries. Bootleg, Bush Shack, Colonial and Duckstein Breweries offer a range of beers from traditional pale ales and pilsners, through to ginger or chocolate flavoured beers.

Tourism WA Media contact: Sarah Monahan Media & PR Manager � Destination 08 9262 1710 / 0423 881 272 sarah.monahan@westernaustralia.com