The Meeniyan Garlic Festival is back and better than ever, celebrating the region’s high-quality garlic and produce with food, wine, music, arts, and crafts on Saturday, February 18th. This year, the festival will feature 15 garlic growers from across Victoria, offering locals and out-of-towners the chance to taste and enjoy over two tonnes of garlic.
In addition to live music, cooking shows, and free activities, the festival will also feature two new food and wine events to showcase the Gippsland region. The Festival Kitchen will host renowned chefs Alejandro Saravia, Gerard Phelan, and Maria Stuart, as well as produce heroes Penny Woodward, Julie Weatherhead, and Helen Wright.
The Gippsland Wine Academy is a new addition to the festival, featuring a sommelier team led by Matt Jensen and a selection of 40 wines from 10 award-winning wineries. The Garlic Institute will also be on-site, with expert growers sharing their secrets of success.
The festival will also host the inaugural Australian Garlic Awards, conducted by the Australian Garlic Industry Association and recognizing excellence in garlic grown across the country.
Event Ambassador and Food and Beverage Ambassador for Gippsland, Alejandro Saravia, is excited to share his passion for the region’s coast and farming lands at the festival. According to festival Founder and Chair David Jones, “The return of the festival is an exciting time for garlic lovers and for the town of Meeniyan. We showcase the quality of South Gippsland produce, our superb garlic and showcase the best of the region.”
