Around the Region: Strawberries and grapes are on the menu this month

From finding your own picks to entering the behind the scenes of makers, November is a juicy month for food festivals.

Nothing signals warmer weather quite like the vibrant red hearts popping out from under leafy vines. That’s right, strawberry season is upon us with a bunch of picking spots open for families to treasure hunt through the vines for the juiciest and sweetest strawberry selection. Add to that the dark rich delights of the cherry and you have the start of a fruit salad! That’s exactly what Bacchus Marsh are celebrating this month, whilst on the Peninsula, tucked in Timboon and beneath the Macedon Ranges you’ll find events dedicated to the squeezed grape variety.

Explore the highlights to the food event calendar below.

Keep up to date with the latest in food and drinks across regional Victoria here.

BACCHUS MARSH STRAWBERRY AND CHERRY FESTIVAL

WHEN: 14 – 16 NOV

WHERE: VARIOUS VENUES, BACCHUS MARSH

The beloved Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Festival returns, signalling the start of Victoria’s rosy red strawberry and cherry growing season. The region invites visitors to indulge in the freshest fruits of the region, picking their own delicious finds. Bacchus Marsh will be activated with carnival rides, live entertainment, and delectable treats from food trucks, with the bustling Main Street becoming a corridor for a festival market with makers markets also on display. The event is capped with a lively firework display on Saturday night.

 

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PENINSULA VINEHOP FESTIVAL

WHEN: 22 NOV

WHERE: VARIOUS VENUES, MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Explore seven stunning Mornington Peninsula venues as you take in the best offering of over 30 local craft legends. From wineries, breweries, cideries and distillers, drink your way through the Peninsula, and soak in the day with live music, DJs, food trucks, and an unbeatable festival atmosphere. The Briars is your base for the day as the Festival Hub with DJ John Course, bars, food and bus transfers available. There are shuttle buses for easy travel between four venues with pick-up and return from Seaford, Mornington and Rosebud. Hop on and enjoy the festivities.

 

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BUDBURST MACEDON RANGES WINE FESTIVAL

WHEN: 15 – 16 NOV

WHERE: VARIOUS VENUES, MACEDON RANGES

Budburst is back for another fruitful weekend. Go beyond the cellar door, sip rare wines you won’t find anywhere else, and meet the passionate people who craft some of Australia’s most exciting cool-climate wines in this once-a-year opening. Over two festival days, more than 20 winemakers across more than 15 Budburst venues will open their doors, to offer wine tastings, varied food and entertainment offerings, while sharing their stories. From established icons to hidden gems, Budburst is all about connection – between the makers, the wines and you.

 

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GRAZE THE DAY

WHEN: 22 NOV

WHERE: TIMBOON AMPHITHEATRE, TIMBOON

Graze the Day is a signature event in picturesque Timboon, the gourmet hub of the 12 Apostles Coast and Hinterland. Both a festival and a showcase of the region’s finest artisan producers, creators and talent, Graze The Day will fill your bellies and your cups, literally and metaphorically. The entertainment comes from globetrotting folk duo, Pierce Brothers, along with a lineup of local music makers, and producers. Suneden will also jump on. With children’s activities, Indigenous culture and stalls, it’s a family affair!

 

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Explore more amazing food spots and events here.