“Set amidst a sea of sunflowers, Fall Flavours will run over ten days and will feature the best in fresh Island produce and experiences,” explains Lee Gauthier, CEO of Tourism Charlottetown. “Charlottetown will once again act as the primary host for the festival, with Direct to the Source Product Experiences, Interactive Taste Workshops, a Dine Around the Island Program and a selection of Signature Events created exclusively for the festival taking place in communities across the province. Prince Edward Island is set to capitalize on the growth in culinary tourism and Fall Flavours is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase all the island has to offer.”

“The Government of Canada is pleased to work in partnership to strengthen the tourism industry on Prince Edward Island,” stated Senator Michael Duffy on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “The Fall Flavours 2009 is a unique event and a wonderful addition to the tourism experiences offered on Prince Edward Island as it provides new reasons to come and visit this beautiful Island.”

Come and experience one of the many Interactive Taste Workshops like Cheese Lovers Paradise or Morning with a Chef. The Culinary Institute of Canada will offer a variety of culinary bootcamps featuring Kidz R Kookin', Seafood 101, Chocolate and Wine, and Thrills on the Grill. As well, The Best of Chef At Home with Chef Michael Smith will be hosted at the Culinary Institute. These are just a taste of the education opportunities in store during the festival.

“Travelers commonly seek local culinary experiences as a way to learn about the location they are visiting,” said Tourism Minister Valerie E. Docherty. “The Fall Flavours Festival provides this experiential opportunity during PEI's peak harvest season. Tourism PEI is interested in supporting festivals and events that create new tourism opportunities, particularly those that generate an economic spinoff that benefits communities across our Island.”

Another great way to experience Prince Edward Island is to get your hands dirty at one of the many Direct to the Source Product Experiences such as Pick and Press at Wintermoor Orchard, or a Lobster Lovers Feast. These events begin on Friday September 25 and run straight through to Sunday, October 4.

“From tip-to-tip Prince Edward Island is full of fresh, local flavours,” describes Chef Michael Smith. “We're basically a giant farm surrounded by sandy beaches, floating in the ocean, the perfect place to visit and experience food at its very best!”

Select restaurants across Prince Edward Island are also getting into the spirit of Fall Flavours by participating in our Dine Around the Island program. This program will feature 22 select restaurants, where their chefs and food artisans will create Table D'Hote menus that will offer a unique and interactive dining experience. All menus will showcase PEI products and producers, with wine pairing options.

All inclusive hotel packages are available online at www.fallflavours.ca. These packages offer a One Stop Shopping Experience. When visitors book by September 18th they will receive a complimentary 0.8L Paderno Pot – and the opportunity to attend an Exclusive VIP Reception hosted by Chef Michael Smith. Booking must be made online at www.charlottetowntickets.com or by calling Prince Edward Tours direct at 1-877-286-6532.

All of the culinary activities can once again be purchased a la carte and will range in price from $14.00 - $213.00, plus taxes and service fees. For more details visit online at www.fallflavours.ca or call the Bell Aliant Festival hotline at 1 800 955 1864.