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East Gippsland is set to tantalise taste buds with the return of the East Gippsland Winter Festival, running from 21 June to 21 July 2024. Now in its fourth year, the festival promises a month-long celebration of the region’s culinary creativity, offering a diverse range of food experiences that cater to all tastes and ages.
Highlights of the Festival
The festival kicks off on the winter solstice and features over 100 events spread across East Gippsland. Highlights include:
- Bancroft Bay Gin Tasting High Tea (22 June): Indulge in bottomless G&Ts, cucumber sandwiches, scones, and canapés with a stunning view of Bancroft Bay. The event includes a guided tasting with Bancroft Bay Gin Founder, Craig.
- Nazeema Kerala’s Indian Cooking Class (22 June – 16 July): Learn about the spices and flavours of Kerala cuisine from Chef Nazeema, enjoy lunch, and take home a signed copy of her award-winning book.
- Hot Honey Winter Feast (28 June): Tambo Valley Honey hosts an evening showcasing the versatility of honey in various dishes, drinks, and remedies.
- Woolshed Lamb Feast by the Lake (30 June): Enjoy a unique Sunday Lamb Roast at the Forge Creek Lamb wool shed, overlooking Gippsland Lakes, prepared by Chef Stuart Derham.
- Tinamba Hotel Feast at La Riva (5-6 July): Dine at the cliff-top mansion La Riva on Eagle Point Bluff, with options to book a helicopter ride home for an unforgettable night.
- Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch (7 July): Experience dining 50 metres above the Nicholson River, enjoying spectacular views and exquisite local produce.
- Winter’s Harvest – A Farmer’s Feast (12 July): A grazing-style feast featuring local meats, seafood, vegetables, and desserts, showcasing the best of East Gippsland’s produce.
Family-Friendly Activities
The festival aligns with the Victorian school holidays, making it perfect for a winter getaway. Families can enjoy a food truck festival at a free outdoor cinema, various farmer’s markets, cooking classes, and marshmallow roasting.
East Gippsland’s Best on Show
Throughout the festival, the region’s top restaurants and eateries will be serving up incredible local produce. Must-visit spots include the newly opened EAST Handy Store, the hatted SARDINE, Albert & Co, Long Paddock, Northern Ground, and Sodafish.
Raise a Glass
Wine and beer lovers will not be disappointed with offerings from celebrated local wineries and breweries such as Sailors Grave Brewing, Lightfoot Wines, Nicholson River Winery, Tambo Wines, Wyanga Park Winery, Logan’s Micro-Distillery, and Bancroft Bay Distillery.
A Celebration of Resilience
Festival Founder Adam Bloem highlights that the festival, originally established to boost the region post the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, has grown into a significant event celebrating the resilience and spirit of the East Gippsland community.
For more details on the festival program and updates, visit the East Gippsland Winter Festival website.
