First course for foodie paradise at Kingston

SOME of Victoria’s best produce, food, wine, and beer will be on offer as part of Kingston’s first Food and Wine Festival.

The event in the Hepburn Shire will have a range of food and drinks as well as live entertainment and a community feel, with profits going towards the volunteer run Kingston Agricultural Society.

“We recognised the need to showcase the amazing produce we have in this region,” said committee member Rachel Yeo.

“We’ve tried to source our vendors within about 50 kilometres and we have a really nice mix of everything.

“We want to bring people into the region but also create a fun, family event for local people to attend.”

There will be plenty on offer for families, with face painting, art and craft activities, and circus performers.

The Kingston Showgrounds will be the backdrop for the occasion, featuring its heritage-listed grandstand, elm trees, and open grassed areas.

“It’s the right timing because coming out of COVID anyone who’s tried to put on an event in the last few years has struggled but we’re coming out of that now,” said Ms Yeo.

It is hoped the event will bring local produce to the forefront of people’s minds.

“I think that small farmers and producers get a bit lost in the conglomerate and it’s important to bring them to the forefront,” said Ms Yeo.

“It’s really nice to showcase and put them in the spotlight. It’s also just an opportunity to have fun.”

The Kingston Food and Wine Festival will take place on Saturday 28 October at Kingston Showgrounds.

Adult tickets start from $25 and children under 18 are free and can be purchased at kingstonfoodandwine.org.au.