DELICIOUS: Sam Trimboli from La Piccola deli and his sisters Anna and Maria Trimboli show there is plenty of Italian food on offer for the upcoming Taste Riverina food festival.
A FOOD festival tailor-made for Griffith is just months away and local lovers of Italian cuisine have been urged to show their support.
The Riverina is joining with Sydney's Crave International Food Festival in October to present "Taste Riverina a Little Italy experience".
The month-long festival will see food and wine events with an Italian twist tantalising the tastebuds of residents across the region.
A cooking class with celebrity chef Dominique Rizzo is earmarked for Griffith among other yet-to-be announced events.
Head chef and owner at Sydney's Pendolino restaurant, Nino Zoccali, has also signed on to take part in the celebrations.
Riverina Regional Tourism is just one of the parties behind the production and executive officer Linda Tillman said the idea of Taste Riverina had exploded since its conception just over a month ago.
"The Riverina is home to some fantastic primary producers and food venues and Taste Riverina will help to promote and celebrate them, and cement the region's reputation as a quality food, wine and primary produce area," Ms Tillman said.
"Our program to date includes a grand opening event, Italian cooking and cheese making classes, Italian themed lunches and dinners, wine events, farm tours and more.
"It is going to be big, and a major event for the Riverina region that we hope to continue in future years."
Sam Trimboli from La Piccola Grosseria and Italian Deli said Griffith was not just about great food but also the hospitality that went with it.
"We're very lucky to have food within our area that has been around for generations," Mr Trimboli said.
"The culture and history is what brings people to Griffith."
Events will also be held in Coleambally including farm tours.