A food and wine lover’s dream awaits in East Gippsland this winter.
From June 20 to July 20 2025, the East Gippsland Winter Festival returns with a smorgasbord of food and wine experiences designed to entice foodies, wine connoisseurs and beer lovers from across Victoria and beyond.
With a diverse offering that celebrates the best of the region, the fifth annual instalment of the East Gippsland Winter Festival features a month-long program of incredible culinary experiences – alongside live music, luminous art, spectacular projections, natured based adventures, workshops, wellness experiences
and more.
Whether you’re feasting under the stars, savouring seafood dishes floating amongst the Lakes Entrance Fishing Fleet, sipping local wines beside an open fire, or tucking into a long lunch on an old trestle
railway bridge, this is a winter escape for those who prefer their adventures with a side of culinary delight.
Festival director Adam Bloem says the festival’s home grown food and wine experiences have become a powerful connector in the festival experience:
“East Gippsland is full of hidden gems – producers, chefs, winemakers, brewers and distillers, who are deeply passionate about the region and the products they make,” Mr Bloem said.
“The winter festival allows visitors to connect with locals and to directly support small regional producers and venues.
“We invite visitors to come and see ‘How We Winter’ in East Gippsland and experience the region’s warm hospitality first hand.”
Experiences are booking up fast, with some favourites already sold out, so don’t miss your chance to experience East Gippsland’s finest.
Enjoy this selection of the festival’s food and wine highlights:
– Boatshed Food and Wine Winemakers Evening; Friday, June 20, Lakes Entrance – Enjoy the waterfront location of the Boadshed while savouring a seven course menu paired with seven exceptional wines.
– Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch; Friday, June 27, Nicholson – A unique dining experience in the most picturesque of locations – on the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge.
– Chai Blending Masterclass; Saturday, June 28, Lakes Entrance – Step into a sensory journey where spice meets soul.
In this immersive three-hour masterclass, you’ll learn the art of blending herbs and spices in perfect harmony, guided by the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda.
– Inverno ~ Second Serving: Guy Grossi x Sodafish Winter Feast; Saturday, July 12, Lakes Entrance – After last year’s sell out success, renowned chef, restaurateur, author and TV personality, Guy Grossi, returns to East Gippsland to team up with Sodafish owner and chef Nick Mahlook for another special Winter Festival collaboration lunch ~ Inverno, Second Sitting.
– Dunetown ~ Barrel Room Launch Dinner with The Long Paddock; Sunday, July 20, Marlo – Head to Sailor’s Grave’s epic new location Dunetown for the launch of their Koelschip and Barrel Room with an exclusive 20-person beer dinner
featuring The Long Paddock.
The afternoon will feature four courses crafted by The Long Paddock with
each paired with four barrel-aged beers from the Sailors Grave Brewing cellar, showcasing the depth of its brewing practices and providing a chance to explore more traditional and non brewing techniques.
Make a weekend of it and attend Deep In The Weeds the night before.
To discover more of this year’s festival program visit the East Gippsland Winter Festival website.
