A new food and drink festival is coming to Castlemaine to entice food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike with a diverse array of workshops, master classes, tours, tastings and more.
Running from Thursday April 25 to Monday April 29, the Mount Alexander Tastes Showcase promises a unique experience celebrating the shire’s exceptional food and drink producers.
The owner of Castlemaine’s Shedshaker Brewing, Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns, said the showcase would feature a variety of activities designed to engage and delight visitors and locals.
“From community fruit picking to creative collaborations, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culinary culture of the region,” Jacqueline said.
A highlight of the showcase is a special lunch to celebrate one of Victoria’s most iconic food producers, Holy Goat, who have called time on their award-winning production of goat’s cheese.
Hosted at The Goods Shed in Castlemaine, adjacent to the train station, the space will be transformed into a dynamic, inspired room with visual, verbal and delicious tributes to the iconic cheeses of Holy Goat.
Led by chef Alex Perry of acclaimed Bar Midland, the event is a collaboration with chefs, cheese merchants, farmers, winemakers and brewers from the Mount Alexander Shire to produce a Holy Goat inspired four-course lunch with matched beverage pairing.
“Holy Goat have left an indelible legacy on cheese production and farming standards in Australia as well as inspiring others to consider all aspects of ethical production, animal husbandry, regenerative land management and production without compromise,” Alex said.
“We love the Holy Goat team and their amazing organic goats’ cheeses, having enjoyed them for two decades, and we look forward to honouring their contribution to local food manufacturing and farming,” he said.
Other producers and venues participating throughout the four-day showcase include Boomtown Wines, Duang’s Thai Cooking Class, Harcourt Cider, Long Paddock Cheese, Maldon Bakery, Warral Honey, Foret Pastis, Sprout Bakery, Shedshaker Brewing, Maidenii Vermouth, Golden Nugget Restaurant, Harcourt Valley Winery and Growing Abundance.
“The Mount Alexander Shire is renowned for its rich culinary heritage and commitment to sustainable, locally sourced produce,” Jacqueline said.
“The Tastes of Mount Alexander Showcase is just one of the many ways the shire celebrates its unique food and drink culture. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.”
For more information about the inaugural event follow Mount Alexander Tastes on Facebook and Instagram.
