Once a festival with a handful of events, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival has grown enormously, expanding into a state-wide celebration in March with over 300 events across Victoria.
Food and wine lovers emass in their hundreds and thousands to fill Melbourne’s laneways, restaurants, basements and rooftops. Those fond of eating and drinking in regional areas can have their share of the festivities too, with an absolute smorgasbord of delicious culinary and locally produced delights being served at a number of events throughout Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo
BALLARAT
Food and Wine are Getting Married Saturday, April 1
Celebrating the marriage of local food discovered on the Goldfields and regional wine, this event includes a five course meal, five wines and speeches from the Head Chef and multiple winemakers. There will be delicious cuisine and dancing all night long, with tickets tipped to sell fast!
It’s all about the bubbles… a celebration of sparkling wine Sunday, April 2
Discover the diversity and versatility of the celebratory wine, and the sparkling delights of the Victorian region. Paired with the wines will be regionally focused dishes, chosen to match the taste and texture of the bubbles to make a delightful combo.
Regional World’s Longest Lunch – Creswick Friday, March 31
The Salt Kitchen Soiree Saturday, April 1
Who could say no to an afternoon of canapes, charcuterie, spit roast and sparkling wine? Think courtyard canape soiree meets lively afternoon fiesta, with unlimited sparkling and wines and a suckling pig spit roast to seal the deal. A delight to the palette, the afternoon will see you enjoying the variety of flavours, with various Salt Kitchen meats, pates and terrines served with all the obligatory pickles, relishes and chutneys.
Regional Worlds Longest Lunch Friday, March 31
GEELONG
Canvas to Plate – April 6-7
Geelong Gallery and Firecracker invite you to a moving feast inspired by works of art. Guests will be served locally sourced fare in three separate Gallery spaces including the permanent collection of works by Fredrick McCubbin, Eugene von Guerard and Fred Williams among others. Gallery Director Jason Smith will also be hosting as he joins you to reflect on highlights of the collection.
Regional Worlds Longest Lunch- Inverleigh – Friday, March 31
Tastes of the Trail – Saturday, April 1
The annual Taste of the Trail event is back for another afternoon of culinary delights, and celebrations of the flavours and flair of the beautiful Bellarine. With a decadent menu featuring delicious regional food and wine put together by the team from Annie’s Kitchen, the event sells out quickly!
The 10K Gourmet – Friday, April 7
In honour of the Bellarine Peninsula’s rich and diverse bounty, all delicious food and wine served will be grown and crafted within 10km of our Jack Rabbit Vineyard. The five courses will include just-caught seafood, succulent lamb, and local goats cheese and will all be paired with the the cool-climate wines of the Bellarine.
Regional Worlds Longest Lunch Geelong – Friday, March 31
BENDIGO
Blues Tram and Underground Banquet – Friday, March 31-April 2
Board the Bendigo Blues Tram, a restored 1920s charter tram, and enjoy local food and drink! Beginning with a beverage at ‘Rocks’ before boarding the Blues Tram for an up close and personal performance by one of Victoria’s finest contemporary blues artists. After returning to the restaurant, carry on with a feast of six shared savoury dishes and desserts.
Regional Worlds Longest Lunch Bendigo – Friday, March 31
Written by Meg McNeel. For more information visit the website. All images sourced from venues.