Discover something new this winter

TASTES of Greater Geelong returns later this month, and the region will come alive for a month-long celebration of local food, wine and hospitality.

Running from 19 June to 19 July, more than 70 businesses are taking part in this year’s program, demonstrating just how strong our local hospitality scene has become.

Whether you like the sound of indulging in a decadent degustation, sipping local wines by the coast or gathering with friends around a fireside feast, there are plenty of standout events to choose from.

Highlights include From Table to Gallery: A French After Hours Journey, where guests are chauffeured between venues before enjoying an exclusive after-hours experience at Geelong Gallery’s Discovering the Impressionists exhibition.

Alternatively, Velvet and Vice transforms the 19th century bluestone walls of Geelong Gaol into a decadent speakeasy experience celebrating the region’s best food, wine and cocktails.

The Bellarine Peninsula features prominently throughout this year’s program, with experiences ranging from winery tours and long lunches through to workshops and cultural experiences.

The strong lineup at Farm My School Bellarine immediately caught my eye. What James McLennan and the team have created in Drysdale continues to go from strength to strength.

This year’s program includes everything from farm tours through to workshops with 2026 Tastes Ambassadors Darren Purchese and Cath Claringbold.

The events offer a chance to see first-hand how food, education and sustainability can come together in a practical and inspiring way.

The Taste of Country Bush Foods Discovery Workshop is another local standout, offering participants the opportunity to learn about native ingredients, their cultural significance and flavours that have been part of this landscape for thousands of years.

The Bellarine’s wineries are also making the most of the festival.

Scotchmans Hill is opening its doors for behind-the-scenes winery experiences and intimate dining events, while favourites such as Leura Park Estate, Oakdene and Jack Rabbit are offering plenty of opportunities to settle in with good food and local wine.

The Bellarine Provedore Tea House Launch gives a nostalgic nod to the past with scones with cream and jam, savoury treats and bottomless cups of locally sourced leaf tea.

Meanwhile, our gluten-free friends are in luck with My Bellarine Kitchen’s gluten free high tea in Ocean Grove.

If you are up for a bit of fun, Flying Brick Cider House is hosting Toe the Line – a 90-minute line dancing class followed by Texan barbecue with bubbles on arrival.

Clairbeaux brings back its annual Bastille Dinner, complete with French cuisine, a live piano accordionist and an optional Chariot du Fromage cheese selection.

While the lineup is outstanding, what I enjoy most about Tastes is that it encourages us all to get out and try something new this winter – a season that can be tough for hospitality businesses.

Behind every event are local business owners, chefs, producers and staff who continue to invest in creating memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike.

It is this combination of great hospitality, passionate local operators and unique visitor experiences that continues to put the Bellarine on the map.

In fact, Ocean Grove has been named a finalist in the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards, while Portarlington is a finalist in the Small Tourism Town category.

Both towns have worked hard to build vibrant communities and visitor experiences, and it would be fantastic to see them recognised.

I encourage everyone to show their support by casting a vote at surveymonkey.com/r/NMHHCYH

To view the full Tastes of Greater Geelong program, visit geelong.link/Tastes2026

Cr Trent Sullivan

Leopold ward,

City of Greater Geelong