With ANZAC Day on a Thursday, many folks are taking the Friday off to make it a long weekend. If you haven't made plans yet but know you want to get out of Melbourne and breathe in some wholesome country air, be sure to make a stop in Castlemaine.
From Thursday, April 25 to Monday 29, a passionate gathering of chefs, cheesemakers, bakers, and food, wine, beer and cider producers of Mount Alexander Shire are getting together to showcase their finest wares. There's also an exciting program of special dinners, workshops, masterclasses, tours and tastings galore.
A highlight of the showcase are two special lunches, which celebrate the lifetime achievement of Ann-Marie Monda and Carla Meurs from one of the nation’s most iconic food producers, Holy Goat. After 25 years, these remarkable women will be making their last cheese in a few weeks’ time. Two four-course lunches at the Goods Shed on Sunday and Monday celebrate their achievements and showcase their exceptional cheese plus the produce from over a dozen local growers.
Other events in this four-day food and drinks festival include a beer and cheese pairing masterclass, a vermouth class, a honey and apiary tour, a free apple juicing experience, a Thai cooking class, a special cheese-making masterclass, jazz in the vines, sourdough experience and a pizza night in a historic store.
For the full program, check out the website. There's a lot to do and see – and taste!
