Make sure that 24 to 27 May 2012 at the CTICC in Cape Town is diarised as South Africa’s biggest “Good Food & Wine Show” makes its mark on the social calendar as the quintessential authority of all things gourmet. This event, set to astound thousands of visitors with the latest trends from around the world, boasts an impressive line-up of award- winning celebrity chefs, workshops and tastings.

Big name chefs including Buddy Valastro, star of the smash TLC hit reality television show, The Cake Boss; winner of MasterChef America, Whitney Miller; Michelin star, Italian heart throb Giorgio Locatelli; Food Network’s Spice Price of India, Reza Mohammad and celebrity chef, Ariana Bundy who has cooked for Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman; Brad Pitt and Madonna; will bring their fresh ideas and flamboyant personalities to a wide variety of interactive workshops, tastings and book signings.

New for 2012, are the VIP packages which will enable visitors to enjoy the Good Food & Wine Show in style. The VIP pass includes: fast track entry into the Good Food & Wine Show; admission into the MTN VIP lounge, including canapés and beverages; a Show guide; meet ‘n greet opportunity with one of the visiting celebrity chefs’ and the opportunity to download the chefs’ recipes onto your mobile right there at the Show.

Look out for the delectable and therefore hugely popular Lindt Chocolate Appreciation Theatre - which has doubled its seating capacity for 2012  and a new addition to the show - the Foods from around the World Theatre, in association with Food Network, DSTV and Spekko rice, offering a tasting of different dishes from around the globe.

The show isn't just about decadence. Keeping in mind the importance of food in good health, it has added a “Good for You” Theatre, where leading celebrity chefs, including Ariana Bundy will showcase delicious, healthy recipes and industry specialists will be hosting workshops illustrating how small changes in your diet and lifestyle can prevent and cure a number of different illnesses in children and adults without the need of medication.

The Slow Food Market has joined in to showcase the finest food artisans that South Africa has to offer. Showcasing the interactive approach to their craft, speciality food producers will show visitors how they make speciality sausages; artisan breads and the finest pestos.

South Africa’s finest wines will be available for tasting and purchase and a Fine Brandies Emporium together with a Whisky Village in association with Whisky magazine.

The search will also be on for South Africa’s leading bartender, who will represent South Africa at the World Cocktail Championships last this year.

It’s also children’s foodie heaven, so make sure you bring the whole family. With interactive hands on cooking classes for children. Now CBeebies’ favourite making-man Mister Maker is packing up his craft box and bringing some special making magic with food to South Africa when he makes his first arty appearance at the Good Food & Wine Show.

It's the real thing and the countdown has officially begun to the country’s biggest food extravaganza.

For full Show details and to book visit, www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za.