James Beard Winner Rodney Scott Joins Global Chefs at Western Australia’s 2026 Pair’d Margaret River Region Festival

Pair’d unveils the 2026 wine and food festival program featuring Netflix’s Chef’s Table: BBQ star Rodney Scott, alongside 40+ wine-led experiences across Western Australia’s Margaret River Region

July 1, 2026 (Margaret River Region, Western Australia)Pair’d Margaret River Region has unveiled its 2026 program as tickets go on sale today for the four-day wine, food, music and culture festival taking place Nov. 19–22 in Western Australia’s world-renowned wine region, the Margaret River Region.

Now in its third year, Pair’d has established itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading destination food and wine festivals, presenting more than 40 immersive experiences across vineyards, beaches, forests and caves, and bringing together internationally recognized chefs, winemakers and artists.

The 2026 lineup is anchored by American pitmaster Rodney Scott, the James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Charleston, South Carolina, and star of Netflixs Chef’s Table: BBQ. Scott brings his acclaimed whole-hog barbecue tradition to Australia for a rare international appearance.

Scott will headline two signature festival experiences, including Burnt Ends & Friends, one of Pair’d’s most in-demand live-fire collaborations, alongside Burnt Ends’ Dave Pynt and a roster of international chefs including Matt Abergel, Larissa Goncalves and Ben Cross. He will also host An Evening with Pitmaster: Rodney Scott, an intimate opening-night dining experience alongside chef Morgan McGlynn.

Across four days, Pair’d 2026 will stage more than 40 curated experiences designed to showcase the Margaret River Region’s natural landscape and wine culture. Signature events include The Grand Tasting at Howard Park Wines, Nature’s Table in Tanah Marah Forest, Ngilgi Reverie in Ngilgi Cave, and Pair’d Beach Club at Meelup Beach.

Music and cultural programming continue to expand the festival’s global footprint, with Australian artist Isabella Manfredi headlining The Grand Tasting alongside international acts including Kruder & Dorfmeister and Boo Seeka.

Festival Director Hannah Pike said the 2026 program reflects the festival’s continued focus on immersive, place-based experiences.

“The 2026 program is about the art of the blend—from museum pours and fire-driven feasts to music in caves and sunset dining on the coast,” Pike said. “We continue to bring together chefs, musicians and winemakers who have a genuine connection to wine and place.”

Located approximately three hours south of Perth, the Margaret River Region is internationally recognized for its award-winning wineries, coastline, and culinary tourism offering.

Tickets are on sale now. With many events selling out within minutes in previous years, early booking is strongly encouraged.

Full program and ticketing information are available at pairdmargaretriver.com.


About Pair’d Margaret River Region
Pair’d Margaret River Region is Australia’s premier wine festival, celebrating the intersection of world-class wine, exceptional food, music and culture in one of the country’s most celebrated wine destinations.

Held annually across the vineyards, forests, ancient caves and spectacular coastline of Western Australia’s Margaret River Region, the four-day festival offers immersive winery experiences, long-table feasts, exclusive chef collaborations, live music and intimate tastings designed to showcase the region’s internationally acclaimed wine culture.

At its heart, Pair’d is a wine-led festival, with every culinary, cultural and destination experience thoughtfully curated to celebrate the wines, producers and distinctive sense of place that have made Margaret River one of the world’s premier wine regions.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit pairdmargaretriver.com.

About Tourism Western Australia
Tourism Western Australia is the Western Australian Government agency responsible for promoting the state as a world-class holiday and events destination. Through destination marketing, major events, aviation development and industry partnerships, Tourism WA inspires visitors from around the world to experience Western Australia’s extraordinary landscapes, unique wildlife, renowned food and wine, Aboriginal culture and unforgettable travel experiences.

From the pristine coastline of the Margaret River Region to the ancient landscapes of the Kimberley, vibrant Perth and the iconic Ningaloo Reef, Tourism WA showcases the diversity of Australia’s largest state while supporting a thriving visitor economy.

For more information, visit westernaustralia.com.

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