We are declaring March the ultimate month for foodies in Melbourne. And if (like us) you’re a lover of eating and drinking local delights in style, in the best city in the world, than Harveast is a must-attend event for you and your family this weekend.
In conjunction with Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Harveast is back on Sunday 25th March for a day of exploring and feasting in Ringwood, rounding up our best producers, the most creative sommeliers and renowned chefs.
This free community weekend event incorporates a Producers Market, Tasting Laneway, Beer Garden, Chef and Wine Master Sessions and live entertainment, all showcasing foodie talents from the eastern region of Melbourne.
Curated by Australian food and wine experts, over 60 local producers will be on show for the one day festival, which means you’ll have the opportunity to have a great day of delicious fun, and to take home your new favourite finds at cellar door prices.
Head into Town Square to meet local producers and suppliers, sip wine and hear from special guests including Shane Delia, Tom O’Sullivan (from Abacus), Travis McAuley (from Jimmy Grants) and Charlie Carrington (from Atlas Dining). There’s also going to be Bakery Hill whisky masterclasses and a wine tasting experience with Banjo Harris Plane.
Our top picks of the Harveast Program
Meet the Producers
Come and meet over 30 local and regional makers, growers and producers. This market is your one-stop shop for the region’s best seasonal fare, with a focus on artisanal and small-batch products. Wander the stalls, chat to producers and be inspired by the sights, tastes and aromas of the market. Just be sure to bring your shopping basket.
TIME: 10am – 5pm
LOCATION: Melbourne Street, next to Ringwood Town Square
Wine Tasting Laneway
Curated by the Cellar Door, this event lets you stroll through Civic Place while you taste the best wine, spirits and cider from the Yarra Valley and surrounding regions, including Coobe Farm, Oakridge, Rob Dolan, Hargreaves, Coldstream Brewery and more. Register at the Harveast Information Marquee to receive your wristband, glass and tasting booklet and enjoy the flavours and aromas as you smell, sip and spin your glass. Then, markdown your favourites to purchase from the Harveast wine store at Cellar Door prices.
TIME: 10am – 5pm
LOCATION: Civic Place, next to Ringwood Town Square
Little Garden Patch
It’s not all for the big kids! Make Harveast a family affair and enjoy a wide variety of fun, educational activities to entertain your little ones. Head down to our Little Garden Patch where kids can find their green thumb with workshops on seedlings, soil and sprouts. Start your seedlings in a paper cone to plant at home or decorate a recycled plant pot before planting a little sprout to watch it grow. There’ll be a host of wholesome activities to keep them entertained.
TIME: 10am – 4pm
LOCATION: East Mall, Level 2, outside H&M
Thai Alley BBQ Pop Up
Get a taste of Thai at the pop up BBQ from Thai Alley. With traditional Thai BBQ meats, Som Tam (papaya salad), Green curry and Massaman. Enjoy the authentic flavours as you explore Harveast.
TIME: 11:30am – 5pm
LOCATION: In front of Thai Alley, Ringwood Town Square, Level 3
PRICE: $2.50 – $13.90 per item
David Moyle In Conversation
Richard Cornish hosts David Moyle in conversation, discussing all things food and wine, as well as David’s latest project Longsong, and his Hobart eatery Franklin. David grew up in Port Fairy, on Victoria’s south-west coast and is adamant about using locally-grown produce, that very much dictates his menu.
A strong advocate for utilising locally grown produce, learn about what inspires him when curating new tastes and flavours. Then it’s your turn to fire the questions with a Q&A session.
TIME: 1pm
LOCATION: Town Square Stage, Ringwood Town Square, Level 3
Hunky Dory Potato Cake Appeal
Hunky Dory are putting their support behind the community and raising much needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. During Harveast $1 from every potato cake sold will go straight to the charity. Help support this amazing appeal by enjoying Australian grown and produced potato cakes.
TIME: All day
LOCATION: Hunky Dory, Ringwood Town Square, Level 3
PRICE: $1.30 per potato cake
#HARVEAST2018
Harveast is a free event, no bookings are required to attend, however some of the Masterclasses do require booking fee payments. See the Eastland website here for a full schedule run down.
If you plan on travelling to the event and require accomodation, I highly recommend SAGE Hotel Ringwood, which is located on the corner of Maroondah Highway at the Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood.
Parking is available on site with the Ringwood Train Station, bus interchange and a taxi rank all located immediately adjacent to Town Square.
For any other event enquiries, please call 03 9847 5751 during business hours.
This post is brought to you by Kate & Co and Eastland.
