5 Great Reasons to head for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

Great wine? Check. Yummy food creations? Check. Good company? Check.

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has everything you need to guarantee an incredible day of fun and indulgence. Sample Australia’s world-class wines, meet chefs who can teach you some unique tips for the kitchen and relax.

This year’s Melbourne Food and Wine Festival runs from 20-29 March 2020, promising many opportunities for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Tip: for those who are travelling from out of town, you can snaffle a bargain on car rental at Melbourne Airport with DriveNow.

Here are five must-have experiences at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

A Celebration of Melbourne’s Food Icons

Monday 23rd March Spend an evening with the chefs that have shaped our industry, stood the test of time and continue to do amazing work as they discuss the Melbourne food scene. Hosted by Dani Valent at Hellenic Republic Brighton in Church Street, Brighton your panel will incluce Karen Martini, Teage Ezard, Raymond Capaldi, Geoff Lindsay, Donovan Cooke, Ian Curley, Michael Lambie, Stephanie Alexander and Andrew Blake.

A Farmhouse Feast

Saturday 21st - 28th March Escape the city to Werribee Park and the Lancemore Mansion Hotel, 30 minutes south on the Geelong freeway and experience sensory adventure as chef David Green takes you through three courses inspired by ingredients harvested at the property.

World’s Longest Lunch

Friday 20th March Enjoy a three-course feast with good company. This year’s party is in the hands of three chefs who shaped Melbourne dining, Stephanie Alexander chef and founder of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and chef-restaurateurs, Philippe Mouchel and Jacques Reymond. You’ll be dining with more than 1600 foodies in the Treasury Gardens, East Melbourne.

Take the Cake

Wednesday 18th - 25th March What's your favourite? This exhibition showcases Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book and the cakes made up in all their iced glory, revealing the depth to which these designs form part of Australia’s visual culture.

Attica Presents

Sunday 29th March Led by Attica Chef Ben Shewry in Shed X at the Queen Victoria Market, this free day long event consists of short, punchy talks from the likes of author and activist Bruce Pascoe and musician Adam Briggs, with high-energy performances followed by an opportunity to share a drink, mingle and talk. Pre-registration is required and lunch options will be available from late February (03 9823 6100).

BRIANNA PIAZZA