Foodie paradise: Tastes of Greater Geelong unveils biggest program yet

THE full program for this year’s Tastes of Greater Geelong has dropped, promising the food festival’s biggest event to date.

More than 100 events spread across 13 postcodes will be on offer throughout the festival, which kicks off tomorrow evening (Friday, June 21) in Little Malop Central, and runs until Sunday, July 14.

With the aim of showcasing the region’s best food, drink and venues, this year’s program is filled with special menus, themed dining events, outdoor experiences, celebrity chefs, interactive activities and masterclasses.

Deputy mayor and the city’s strong local economy portfolio chair, Anthony Aitken, said Tastes of Greater Geelong was set to feature the best in food, drink and hospitality that the region had to offer.

“We are showcasing a wide variety of culinary offerings that make our region one of the best food and wine destinations in Australia,” he said.

“There will be something for everyone at this year’s Tastes, from wine tastings, delicious desserts and medieval themed food to competitions, the tastiest seafood and winter warmers.”

Highlights from this year’s program include an exclusive farm-to-table experience with Masterchef alumni and plant-based cook Simon Toohey, a High Tea at The Davidson showcasing Indigenous flavours and a mussel tour cruise around Port Philip Bay with cooking demonstrations, a seafood lunch and wine tastings.

Throughout the festival, tasting trails will guide attendees to hospitality venues around central Geelong, while Valhalla Brewhall will host a Medieval Winter Fest on Saturday (June 22) featuring folk music and Viking dress ups.

On July 3, Chin Chin executive chef Benjamin Cooper will hold a masterclass and feed me feast, with a kid’s club edition designed for budding chefs aged 8-15 also on offer.

And, in celebration of Geelong’s UNESCO City of Design designation, the Arborist will also host a dinner and talk with architects about the design of the restaurant and the ash tree at the core of its build.

Mayor Trent Sullivan encouraged the community to enjoy the festival and explore all that is on offer.

“Our 13th Tastes festival will explore delicacies across the different corners of our region, with events from Corio, North Geelong, central Geelong and Belmont to Armstrong Creek, Ocean Grove and Portarlington,” he said.

“Go on a culinary adventure with friends, family and colleagues this winter and delight in local and international flavours, while supporting hospitality venues – you won’t regret it.”

To view the full festival program, visit geelong.link/tastes2024

Free printed guides are available from all event host venues, along with the Wurriki Nyal civic precinct in Mercer Street, Geelong.