A winter of warming food and wine in Ballarat

Winter is finally here, and whether you love it or hate it, you’re going to have to live it.
This year’s Ballarat Winter Festival will provides visitor with a whole lot of experiences to beat the winter blues including a series of food-related events set to entice and delight the palette, warm the soul and satisfy the belly.
Here is our guide to a winter of culinary delights in Ballarat, sure to keep you fuelled throughout the chilly season.
The Ballarat Potato Festival (June 30)
We’ve got the perfect excuse for you to carb load! Experience the potato in various forms and watch as the produce of the region is put under the spotlight as part of the Ballarat Potato Festival. The one-day event will showcase the versatility of the spud, stimulating all of your senses with a range of innovative, wholesome and starchy creations.
The Salumi and Charcuterie Festival (July 21)
Enter into a grazing platter of meaty delights at the inaugural Salumi and Charcuterie Festival. Serving up sausages, salami and all the cold cuts in the world, as well as a delicious selection of local craft beer, this promises to be a meat-and-beer-lovers’ delight!
The Red Series (July 28)
Ballarat and the surrounding region is known to produce some of the state’s most stunning wines and is home to several James Halliday five red-star rated wineries. The Red Series Wine Festival will showcase the wine offerings of the Grampians and Pyrenees regions, allowing you to experience the top drops and warm up with some award-winning vino.
The Pie Competition
Which eatery is going to take out the gong for Ballarat’s best pie? Don’t miss your chance to eat your way around town and experience the mouth-watering pies on offer. The winner of the pie competition will be announced at the Western Bulldogs clash at Mars Stadium in Ballarat, so make sure to devour as many pies as you can lest you miss out on the winning pastry!
The newest eats
Several new hot spots have opened up in Ballarat over the last few months, bringing a range of flavours and food experiences to the city. While you’re visiting, experience the new Bromley-owned Pub with Two Names for an eclectic pub offering; dine in at Moon and Mountain for some contemporary Asian eats; get your brunch on at The Hydrant Food Hall; or book a spot in advance and enjoy the fine-dining experience that is underbar. All the locals are raving about these new foodie spaces, so it’s definitely worth incorporating them into your winter itinerary.
For more places to wine and dine during the Ballarat Winter Festival, visit ballaratwinterfestival.com.au