REVELLERS DESCEND ON REGIONAL VICTORIA

Celebrating Victoria’s quality local produce, wine and culinary talent, regional Victoria comes alive
with long luncheons, mountains of mushrooms, African safaris, hot air balloons and numerous other
wonderful, unique and fun events as part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival presented by The
Age (22 February – 8 March, 2008).

                       Regional World’s Longest Lunch – Friday 29 February

Gather your friends and join thousands of others to take part in the spectacular Worlds Longest
Lunch at one of 25 picturesque locations throughout regional Victoria on Friday 29 February. Each
beautifully laid table will be set in a unique, and often quirky, location with local provedores and
experts serving regionally produced food and wine proudly created by local chefs and winemakers.

Highlight World’s Longest Lunch locations include:

                     Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges – Yering Station, Yarra Glen

With its unique history and spectacular views over the Yarra Ranges, Yering Station is the ideal venue
for the Yarra Valley World’s Longest Lunch. Seated on the terrace, enjoy chef Colin Swalwell’s
delicious menu that incorporates wonderful local produce matched with wines from Yering Station
and other nearby vineyards.

                       Murray – Oscar W’s Wharfside, Echuca

Dine on the grand old Echuca Wharf overlooking the Murray River with 150 people enjoying a
regional feasting menu of local delicacies and oodles of delicious local wines.

                       Goldfields – Main Street, Ballarat

Set against the Victorian architecture of Ballarat’s main street, and in the shade of some
spectacular old growth trees, this Long Lunch table will run down the historic town’s main street. It’s
an event sure to stop traffic – quite literally! Ballarat’s most exciting chefs have united to present yet
another memorable feast and each dish will be matched with wonderful wines from the Ballarat
region.

                     Great Ocean Road – Bellarine Estate Vineyard, Bellarine

Enliven your palate with tastings from local producers, sip the wines that make the region famous
and feast on a sumptuous three-course lunch prepared by the head chef from Julian’s at the
Bellarine Estate Vineyard. Positioned beautifully overlooking the vines, the afternoon also includes
cooking demonstrations, a vintage vehicle display and roving local musicians add to the ambience.

                      Gippsland – Metung Pier

With the breathtaking Gippsland Lakes providing the jaw dropping backdrop, the Village Green will
come alive with shared conviviality at Metung’s inaugural World’s Longest Lunch. Seated at one
long table in this unique outdoor setting, you will be treated to culinary delights prepared by local
restaurateurs utilising the best of East Gippsland produce and complimented by some of the finest
regional wines – and an eclectic mix of entertainment will round off this exciting day.
And for those gluttons who want more than one Long Lunch, there will be plenty of other amazing
culinary adventures to be had across Victoria’s regions, throughout the Melbourne Food and Wine
Festival.

Juicy regional program highlights include:

                  Around the World in 80 Mushrooms (Sunday 2 March)

For something a little different, escape the city and take a magical mushroom tour within the
bluestone Great Hall at Goon Warra Vineyard. Get ready for take off with a mushroom terrine
containing six types of fungi, matched with Goona Warra Chardonnay. Other courses, inspired by
the cuisines of France, Greece, England and China (and matched with Goona Warra wines), will
include traditional Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelle, Tea Smoked Ocean Trout with Black
Shitakes and a Hot and Sour Fruit Soup with the mystical Cloud Ear fungi.

                       Out of Africa (Thursday 28 February)

Experience the wonders of Africa – at the Werribee Zoo! Your Out of Africa experience begins with a
journey in open-air vehicles across the expansive savannah, encountering African wild animals
along the way to your overnight accommodation in luxurious safari tents. A five-course menu
prepared by your exclusive chef will feature exotic African-inspired flavours matched with premium
Victorian wines. After the delicious dinner, cosy up around the campfire, learn African drumming,
then relax with wine and cheese as you watch the classic film 'Out of Africa' under the stars. Wake in
the morning to the sights and sounds of the magnificent savannah coming to life, while your chef
prepares a gourmet breakfast, before a special wildlife encounter completes this incredible oncein-
a-lifetime experience.

                      Vin et Lumiere (Thursday 28 February)

Dominique Portet's Yarra Valley vineyard will be transformed into a landscape of fantastical light as
part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. From illuminated hot air balloons at sunrise and spheres
of light lining the driveway, to a magical, light-filled marquee overlooking acres of beautiful green
vines. Dine at unique illuminated tables designed by the famous Guglielmo Berchicci through Slide
Design, Italy, as you enjoy the Yarra Valley's largest risotto prepared by some of Australia's best, with
Dominique's wines, of course. Proceeds will aid Step Ahead Australia.
For further information about these events or other fantastic regional Melbourne Food and Wine
Festival events visit www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au
For all media enquiries (including beautiful hi-res regionally focused images) please contact
Ellie Rolland, PR Manager, Melbourne Food and Wine
ph: 03 9823 6105 or e: ellie@foodfest.com.au