Indulge in cheese and wine tastings from boutique Australian producers at this annual one-day festival presented by Artisans Bend.
Wine and cheese are two of life’s greatest culinary pleasures, making Melbourne’s upcoming Wine and Cheese Fest an unmissable event for anyone that loves the iconic duo.
Returning for its ninth iteration, the beloved event will take over the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne for a whole cheesy day, celebrating the best cheese producers, wine and cider makers and other small goods producers. Dedicated to everyone’s favourite double act, the festival – presented by Artisans Bend – arrives next weekend, on Saturday February 26. This year the day will be split into two sessions, the first from 12pm to 4pm and the second from 4pm to 8pm.
The key takeaways
- Artisans Bend presents Wine and Cheese Fest on Saturday 26 February.
- Taking over the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne, the event will celebrate some of the state’s finest cheese, wine and artisan producers.
- The festival also features masterclasses, live music and DJs, a kid’s zone, the famous Grape Stomp Comp and a long list of tantalising exhibitors.
Keep up with the latest local food and booze news here.
Converting the iconic Port Phillip location into the best and coolest wine and cheese delicatessen, the mouth-watering event is brought to life with vibrant entertainment and 50 of the most delectable vendors – with a strong representation from boutique local producers and select cameos from top international purveyors.
Across the day, you’ll be able to taste your way through all the cheese, charcuterie, other delicious bites available while sipping rich wine from some of the best producers in the region and further afield, as well as purchase your favourites to take home once the day is done.
Best to arrive with an empty stomach, especially with the likes of Artisans Bend, That’s Amore Cheese, Cannoleria, Frencheese, Long Paddock Cheese, The Cheese Rebels, Salami Shack, BoatShed Cheese and Springmount Fine Foods, among many others.
As for the wines, you’ll find producers like Dal Zotto Wines, Chirping Bird Winery, Rob Dolan Wines, Eddies Cider, The Prosecco Van, Newbridge Wines and Mount Avoca Winery.
All your favourite cheese-filled dishes will be available throughout the day, complemented by the beverage of your choosing.
Keeping the good vibes flowing beyond the bounty of flavours and sensations, there will also be DJ sets and live jazz, cheese masterclasses, producers readily available to chat, a dedicated kid’s zone and an opportunity for you to get your feet dirty at the day’s favoured grape stomping competition. One for the brave, competitors who stomp the most grape juice have the chance to win some great wines to take home.
View this post on Instagram
All attendees will receive a branded Wine and Cheese Fest tasting glass, entry to free masterclasses and all tastings from festival vendors.
For those that like their festivals with a side of indulgence, VIP tickets are on offer which gets you all-day access, a Museum Wines Masterclass, a VIP room overlooking the festival, as well as three stunning Riedel glasses.
We’re pretty much on board with anything dedicated to the fromagerie and vino, but a whole festival? We’ve died and gone to heaven.
The festival takes place on Saturday 26th February from 12pm – 8pm at The Timber Yard and tickets start at $49 for the general public. Head here for tickets and more info.