By KATRINA BRANDON
THE best of Gippsland’s produce will be on show this Saturday (October 18).
Featured at the Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland festival at the Leongatha Railway Precinct, attendees will be able to see the best of what Gippsland has to offer.
“It is literally an unapologetic celebration of the best food, wine, drinks and music talent going around that just happened to come from Gippsland,” the festival’s organiser, Dan Sims said.
“This festival is all about shining a spotlight on the incredible talent that we have in this region, and to how they stand, not only on their own, but alongside some of the best in the state, dare I say nationally… bugger it, I’ll say globally.”
The Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland festival is divided into two sessions: Eat and Drink, and Play.
Throughout the day session, people will be able to wine and dine with local producers, followed by “play” in the afternoon, featuring local artists.
Beyond the feasting, the program features intimate producer talks, giving festival-goers the chance to hear directly from the people behind the product. Food and wine writer and restaurant critic Kara Monssen will lead foodie conversations, quizzing the festival’s chefs and producers, while acclaimed wine writer Max Allen will explore current top drops and drink trends with winemakers from Bass Philip and The Wine Farm as well as distillers and brewers.
Nearing closer to the day, Mr Sims said he was excited for what could come from the festival.
“We can’t wait to bring Eat Drink Play Gippsland to life,” he said.
“This isn’t just a festival – it’s a celebration of the region’s incredible producers and the amazing food, wine, and craft they create. From the Railway Precinct to the surrounding towns, every part of the festival shines a light on Gippsland’s bounty, giving locals and visitors the chance to taste, explore, and fall in love with the region again and again.”
Backed by the state government’s Regional Events Fund, Eat Drink Play Gippsland champions the region’s remarkable food, wine, and cultural talent through its innovative dual-format festival. The collaboration unites South Gippsland Shire Council, Destination Gippsland, and Wine Gippsland with Chair of Wine Victoria and seasoned festival producer Dan Sims (Pinot Palooza, Mould Cheese Festival), and local entertainment specialists The Hills Are Alive Group, founded by fellow Gippsland natives Aidan and Rhett McLaren.
Elsewhere across the weekend, Ella Hooper brings her acclaimed Linda Ronstadt tribute to Meeniyan Town Hall on Friday evening, presented by the Lyrebird Arts Council. Then on Sunday, the celebrations spill into neighbouring towns with bonus events including Porchetta & Pinot at Trulli, Banh Mi and beats at Fleet Wines, and Movida and cider festivities at Gurneys.
For more information, go to: https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/eatdrinkplay
