Melbourne Food and Wine Festival to serve up local events

THE Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is again spreading beyond the big city next year, with several events to be held in the Geelong region.

The 10-day festival, from March 21 to March 30, 2025, will include more than 200 events across Victoria.

Locally, the lineup includes:

Five cocktails to try before you die, Anther Distillery, March 22 – Join cocktail history buff Sebastian Reaburn for a curated selection of drinks that have stood the test of time. Perfect for anyone curious about cocktails, history and gin

An Enchanted Orchard Evening, Tuckerberry Hill Farms, March 21 – Enjoy a two-course dinner at Tuckerberry Farm, accompanied by acoustic tunes, chats with farmers and a guided stroll through the orchard

Taste of Geelong, Epic Taste Experiences, March 21 – Held at Federal Mills, this dining experience is a celebration of local produce crafted by acclaimed local chefs and talented culinary students. Diners will meet artisan producers, hear their inspiring stories and learn about the origins of their food

The You Yangs Feast: a lamb and gin barbeque, Rothwell Distillery, March 22 to March 30 – A six-course barbecue dinner paired with botanicals and cocktails by head distiller Tim Smith

The Q Train x Merne Express, Q Train, March 24 – Hop on board the Q Train for a three-hour degustation, travelling along the historic Bellarine Railway from Drysdale to Queenscliff

Botanicals of Geelong and The Bellarine Dinner, Songbird and Anther, March 27 – With their powers combined, Songbird and Anther will be presenting a delectable menu, pairing libations to each of the four courses

The Hidden History of Geelong and The Bellarine, Anther Distillery, March 28 – Storytelling meets cocktail tastings at this unique event celebrating the hidden tales that shaped the Geelong region, and

Forage to Feast, TARRA Queenscliff, March 29 – Go on a guided walk with TARRA’s executive chef and his team, and learn how ingredients such as saltbush and kelp are foraged and incorporated into the TARRA menu.

More events are expected to be added in the coming weeks.

“For 10 days in March there will be nowhere better in the world to eat and drink,” Food & Drink Victoria chief executive officer Anthea Loucas Bosha said.

“I’m looking forward to raising a glass and eating something delicious with all the people who flock to Victoria.”

Anyone interested is advised to book early, as most events are expected to sell out.

For more information and the full 2025 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival program, head to melbournefoodandwine.com.au/program