A taste of what makes Geelong great

AFTER 20 years working as a chef, I’ve never needed much convincing to head out for a good meal, especially during winter.

It is the season when menus get richer, flavours get bolder and a simple night out can turn into something memorable.

Running from Friday 19 June to Sunday 19 July, the 2026 Tastes of Greater Geelong program is packed with experiences that showcase what makes Greater Geelong one of the country’s most renowned food, beverage and hospitality destinations.

Now in its 15th year, this year’s festival has grown into something pretty special, with more than 70 events across the region.

No matter where you live, there are plenty of events to explore, spanning from Portarlington and Ocean Grove through central Geelong and the waterfront.

For those of us in Armstrong Creek and across the Barrabool Hills ward, there is plenty happening close to home.

“From Table to Gallery” is a standout, starting with aperitifs and canapes at Jeffies in Highton, before moving through a series of venues and finishing with an after-hours experience at Geelong Gallery’s “Discovering the Impressionists” exhibition.

If casual is more your style, “Warm Bowls and Cool Sips” at Highton’s Anh Chi Em hits the mark, with delectable slow-simmered pho. Warm up with big, comforting flavours and a drink to match.

In Belmont, Archive Wine Bar will host “Geelong in Focus – Chardonnay and Pinot Noir” masterclasses that dig into how our local wines stack up on the world stage.

Or, if you back your own palate, “Judged by Geelong: The People’s Wine Award” puts you in the hot seat to taste and score a lineup of local wines to crown this year’s winner.

Across the broader program, there are some highlights worth planning around.

“The Epic Harvest Feast” brings together First Nations flavours, fire cooking and storytelling in a powerful one-night experience, while “The Heritage Table”, hosted by Simon Toohey, celebrates Geelong’s historic spaces through seasonal produce, regional makers and local wines.

If you like your dining with a bit of theatre, “Velvet and Vice” transforms the old Geelong Gaol into a speakeasy-style night of food, wine and cocktails, which is about as far from a standard dinner as you can get.

There are also plenty of opportunities to get hands-on, from workshops like “From Soil to Sweet”, through to masterclasses that take you behind the scenes with the people who know their craft.

Importantly, there is a strong family element and the owners of our littlest taste buds are entertained with specialised events including tasting trails and mini golf.

What I have always loved about Tastes is the diverse range of events. You can go all out on a long lunch or a degustation or just grab something simple midweek and still feel like you are part of it.

As a former chef, I also know winter can be tough for hospitality businesses. Getting out, booking a table, trying somewhere new – it all matters more than people realise.

So here is my suggestion: open the program, pick a couple of events that catch your eye, lock them in and make a night of it.

Go with friends, take the family, or just back yourself and try something different. There is a lot to be proud of in our local food scene and this is the perfect time to get out and enjoy it.

To view the full program, visit geelong.link/Tastes2026

Cr Ron Nelson

Barrabool Hills ward,

City of Greater Geelong