The Good Food & Wine Show at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre once again proved why it remains one of Australia’s premier food and beverage eventsFrom the moment I arrived, the exhibition was buzzing with energy. One of the highlights was watching celebrity chefs demonstrate their culinary expertise, sharing tips, techniques, and inspiration that both home cooks and food enthusiasts could take away and try themselves. Loved watching Jess Lemon create some Raspberry Rose Petit Gateau. Jess has appeared on Masterchef and now runs workshops and has a bakery nd more.. I joined her on stage and took part in a mixing competition (sadly I was not quick enough – I do love my appliances) 🙂
Of course, the real joy of the event was the opportunity to taste an incredible variety of food and drink. The show floor was filled with artisan producers, gourmet food brands, boutique wineries, craft distillers, and innovative businesses showcasing their latest offerings. It was a wonderful opportunity to discover new products entering the market and to connect directly with the passionate people behind them.
Sometimes chefs decide to do something completely different as you can hear below from the music celebrity Chef Miguel Maestre is making.
I loved trying the naturally fermented and pre-baked pizza bases, hand stretched, no preservatives and they will keep for 3 months as vacuum sealed. From Based Pizza.
Among the many highlights were premium olive oils, artisan cheeses, handcrafted chocolates, gourmet condiments, specialty sauces, boutique wines, small-batch gins, and beautifully crafted rums. The quality and diversity on display reflected the creativity and innovation currently shaping Australia’s food and beverage industry. I sampled many cheeses from the cheese corner at the exhibition and loved trying something new to me which was Fresh Pecorino (tastes lighter than halloumi but along that flavour palette) and aged Pecorino from Gippsland Jersey both simply delicious. Meredith Dairy do an excellent Goat cheese and were very generous with their sampling. Georgio’s Artisan Cheese did some superb smoked Bococino and Mozzarella and stracciatella and Burrata. Grandvewe Sheep Cheese were very sophisticated and a must try.
The wine tastings offered an excellent opportunity to explore both established labels and emerging producers, while the gin and rum exhibitors demonstrated just how vibrant Australia’s craft spirits sector has become. Every stand seemed to offer a new discovery, making it impossible not to leave inspired. Check out Herbit Gin and Jimmy Rum, if you get the opportunity to visit Tommy and team at the distillery in Mornington it is worth the drive (but take a driver):-)
For many that know me I am a premium tequila drinker and I loved the array on offer at Clase Azul Mexico, and their distinctive Clase Azul Reposado bottle I can see I have to expand my Tequila collection for the varieties they had on offer to taste.
Events such as the Good Food & Wine Show are about much more than tasting and purchasing products. They provide a platform for producers to share their stories, educate consumers, and celebrate the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle, jar, and plate. I loved the lovely people at Crossray Infrared BBQ’s with their Chef Paul Burt who created some amazing fish pizza’s for us.
Some wines I liked and tried were from: Wine from Chile – Vic Millahue from Bodegas Platinum Fine Wines, Rutherglen wines came into play with Chambers Rosewood Vineyard displaying, Umamu and St Hubert’s – a winery I love in the Yarra Valley. Do let me know if you would like me to either join one of the winery trips I organise or I can plan a bespoke trip for you and your party.
Whether you are walking around alone or as I did took my friend The Pink Cook – Kate Smith out for a stroll and help me with the tasting this exhibition is so much fun for food and wine lovers. I need to say a big hello to my followers from Ironclad Co. who wanted a pic with me :-
It was a day filled with flavour, learning, inspiration, and plenty of memorable discoveries. The Good Food & Wine Show continues to be a must-attend event on Melbourne’s culinary calendar, and I am already looking forward to seeing what next year’s show has in store.
For more food, wine, travel, winery tours and lifestyle stories, visit Hold the Prosecco at www.holdtheprosecco.com. Do DM me if you would like to introduce me to your business or location.
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