The 2025 edition of Forage and Feast - a collaborative event from Central Highlands Growers and Producers Hub, which puts our region's producers in a well-deserved spotlight - is from 13 January to 16 February 2025.
The festival spans a number of municipalities, offering a wide range of unique experiences which allow our regional producers to show their passion for their craft - and some of our community's most celebrated businesses are participating,
On every Saturday throughout the festival, Mount Langi Ghiran winemakers will host a Premium Tasting Tour. Attendees will enjoy a guided VIP wine tasting accompanied by local produce, and a behind-the-scenes look at how the winery's celebrated 'Langi Shiraz' is made.
Tours will be held on January 18, January 25, February 1, February 8, and February 15, from 10am to 5pm.
On Sunday February 9, Pomonal Estate will host a brunch event at which you'll get to sample the region's finest produce. From 9am to 11am, join the celebration of locally-sourced flavours on Pomonal Estate's curated menu, which features ingredients from valued local producers such as Blue Wren Bakery, Lakeview Organics, Bellellen Grampians Organics, Kerries Kreations, and Five Ducks Farm.
Saturday February 15 is your chance to celebrate a decade of winemaking magic with Black & Ginger. It's been 10 years since Hadyn Black and Darcy Naunton (AKA 'the Ginger') threw caution to the wind and began their business, producing their first vintage Shiraz.
Black & Ginger are teaming up with Barney's Bar and Bistro, the home of their new cellar door (opening 2025), for a relaxed and fun evening featuring matched wines (including back vintages), paired with a delicious menu crafted by guest chef, Fushy from Hamilton.
The event will be held Saturday 15 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Grampians Estate is one of the region's premier boutique wineries, renown for its elegant cool-climate shiraz and sparkling shiraz. As part of Forage and Feast, the winery is offering the chance to participate in a masterclass of tasting; attendees will compare some of the Estate's finest sparkling shiraz vintages - some dating back to 2004 - with its current vintages, along with other well-known brands.
The masterclass will be held Sunday 26 January from 11am to 12.30pm at Grampians Estate.
"Forage and Feast offers such a special opportunity to showcase our region's culinary identity," says Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong. "It stimulates tourism, feeds back into our local economy, and provides a platform for our brilliant local producers to find new admirers."
