The annual Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, this year taking place from 4th to 13th March, is now in its 24th year and continues to increase in popularity.  The festival was first held in 1993 with a modest program of 12 events dreamt up by Peter Clemenger.  Fast forward over twenty years and it has grown to host over 200 events annually.

Food and wine lovers from throughout Australia and the world flock in to indulge in more than 200 events across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Three of our Victorian Ultimate Winery Experiences members will be hosting events for this year's festival; Tahbilk, Fowles Wine and Montalto.  Details of these fabulous events are below.  Why not attend all three?

Regional World's Longest Lunch

Tahbilk, Friday 4th March 2016

Join co-hosts Tahbilk (2016 Halliday Wine Companion's 'Winery of the Year') and Mitchelton as they collaborate with regional food guru Jillian Hayes to create a food and wine pairing unlike anything offered before.  In this magical setting experience a three-course culinary feast, with wines from the host vineyards and revel in the entertainment provided by acclaimed Italian soprano Stefanie Ballamio.  This event is just one of twenty four Regional World's Longest Lunches.  Click here for details.

Wild Feast

Fowles Wine, Saturday 5th March 2016

Grab your tweed and join Ladies who Shoot their Lunch to experience the fun and flavours of a traditional hunt feast through delicious dishes, and garden games.  Get your aristocrat on because they'll be celebrating the fun and flavours of the 'Downton Abbey' era.  Featuring produce poached from across the region, you'll be dining on game and old breed meats, competing in traditional garden games, swaying to the sounds of rag time jazz, parading in a 'Fashions on the Field' competition and scooping exclusive lots at our charity auction.  Lord it up with 'The Lady' at the Cellar Door.... Are you Game? Click here for details and tickets.

Autumn Harvest Long Table Lunch

Montalto, Sunday 6th March 2016

Produce is king at Montalto, so over a period of just 14 weeks the team are trying to grow and make just about everything for the long table lunch. A designated Melbourne Food and Wine Festival garden bed has been set aside, where seeds are being planted and herbs, vegetables and fruits are being raised especially for the event.  What is harvested will dictate what the Chef creates to excite the palate and nourish the body.  If they can’t grow it, it will be sourced locally and prepared on the estate. You can follow the progress on social media, or drop by the estate and have a look for yourself. So book in the first weekend in March 2016 to join Montalto for an autumn harvest feast overlooking the vineyard at vintage. Click here for more details and tickets.