From June 20 to July 20, the East Gippsland Winter Festival returns with a smorgasbord of food and wine experiences designed to entice foodies, wine connoisseurs and beer lovers from across Victoria and beyond.
With a diverse offering that celebrates the best of the region, the fifth annual instalment of the East Gippsland Winter Festival features a month-long program of incredible culinary experiences – alongside live music, luminous art, spectacular projections, natured based adventures, workshops, wellness experiences and more.
Whether you’re feasting under the stars, savouring seafood dishes floating amongst the Lakes Entrance Fishing Fleet, sipping local wines beside an open fire, or tucking into a long lunch on an old trestle railway bridge, this is a winter escape for those who prefer their adventures with a side of culinary delight.
Festival Director Adam Bloem says the festival’s home grown food and wine experiences
have become a powerful connector in the festival experience:
“East Gippsland is full of hidden gems – producers, chefs, winemakers, brewers and distillers, who are deeply passionate about the region and the products they make.
“The Winter Festival allows visitors to connect with locals and to directly support small regional producers and venues.
“We invite visitors to come and see ‘How We Winter’ in East Gippsland and experience the region’s warm hospitality first hand.
“Experiences are booking up fast, with some favourites already sold out, so don’t miss your chance to experience East Gippsland’s finest.”
FOOD AND WINE HIGHLIGHTS
– Boatshed Food and Wine Winemakers Evening; Friday, June 20, Lakes Entrance – Enjoy the waterfront location of the Boadshed while savouring a seven course menu paired with seven exceptional wines.
This is an opportunity for lovers of food and wine to experience delicious East Gippsland food while learning more about the famous Rutherglen wine region.
– Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch; Friday, June 27, Nicholson – A unique dining experience in the most picturesque of locations – on the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge. A special long-lunch collaboration between Albert & Co, The Long Paddock, and the Nicholson
General Store – especially for the East Gippsland Winter Festival.
Celebrating local food, wine and craft beer, guests will enjoy lunch and live music while perched 50 metres above the Nicholson River with spectacular views up and down the river. This one is not to be missed.
– Chai Blending Masterclass; Saturday, June 28, Lakes Entrance – Step into a sensory journey where spice meets soul.
In this immersive three hour masterclass, you’ll learn the art of blending herbs and spices in perfect harmony, guided by the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda.
Stay on for the ‘HIGH ON CHAI’ Supper, a surprise spread of sweet and savoury delights—all infused with exotic herbs and spices.
– “End of an Era” – Wine Tasting of early East Gippsland Wines; Saturday, June 28, Nicholson – A journey into the evolution of styles and varieties in a frontier wine area of Victoria, with an accompanying explanation by Nicholson River Winery’s winemaker and owner, Ken Eckersley.
– Embers and Echoes – Fireside Feast;
Saturday, June 28, Paynesville – A five course menu showcasing the region’s best produce enjoyed beside crackling fires, captivating sounds of Ally Row, and East Gippsland’s dark skies offer the perfect backdrop to come together, connect and celebrate the magic of winter in East Gippsland.
– Indian Degustation; Friday, July 11, Paynesville – Experience six layers of dishes inspired by the traditions and flavours of traditional “British-Indian” restaurants and balti houses at the stunning Pier 70 restaurant on Paynesville’s picturesque waterfront.
– Inverno ~ Second Serving. Guy Grossi x Sodafish Winter Feast; Saturday, July 12, Lakes Entrance – After last year’s sell out success, renowned chef, restaurateur, author and TV personality, Guy Grossi, returns to East Gippsland to team up with Sodafish owner
and chef Nick Mahlook for another special Winter Festival collaboration lunch ~ Inverno, Second Sitting.
– Bancroft Bay Distillery Bottomless Cocktail Brunch; Saturday, July 19, Paynesville – a unique bottomless cocktail brunch at the stunning Pier 70.
For two indulgent hours, enjoy unlimited cocktails crafted with Bancroft Bay Distillery’s signature spirits – including gin, vodka, and agave – served with a whimsical twist in teapots and poured into charming vintage teacups.
Pier 70 will be dishing up a brunch menu that’s just as impressive as the view.
– Dunetown ~ Barrel Room Launch Dinner with The Long Paddock; Sunday, July 20, Marlo – Head to Sailor’s Grave’s epic new location Dunetown for the launch of their Koelschip & Barrel Room with an exclusive 20-person beer dinner featuring The Long Paddock.
The afternoon will feature four courses
crafted by The Long Paddock with each
paired with four barrel-aged beers from the Sailors Grave Brewing cellar, showcasing the depth of our brewing practices and providing a chance to explore more traditional and non brewing techniques.
Make a weekend of it and attend Deep In The Weeds the night before.
– Sourdough Workshops; June 20, 21, 28, 29 and July 19 and 20, Raymond Island – jump on the ferry at Paynesville to a beautiful lakeside location on Raymond Island to be a part of a small class learning the skills required to start your own sourdough bread-making journey.
2025 sees a line up of annual favourites and new, exciting events added to the program,
full of unique art, culture, food, nature and wellness experiences.
