Words by Anthea Riskas Images supplied
The historic town of Garfield has gathered the best of West Gippsland producers for a day of food, drink, fun and festivities.
Sunday March 5th has been marked in the diaries of rail trail townsfolk for months, as they prepare to welcome you to the inaugural West Gippsland Railtowns Food and Wine Festival!
Organisers suggest you have a very light breakfast, before hopping on the V-line train that will deliver you straight to the centre of the tiny town of Garfield.
Here it’s a short stroll to the festival entrance via the pub car park, where you’ll be directed to acres of lawns, overlooking the lush, green hills that Gippy is famous for.
All ticket holders will receive a commemorative glass tumbler on arrival, that you can use to taste the offerings from wineries such as Krooked Row Wines, Fleet, Silverwaters and award-winners Cannibal Creek.
Not a fan of vino? No worries, you can still fill your glass with cider from Cheeky Rascal and Eddie’s or for the sober-curious, Etch Sparkling will be providing non-alcoholic refreshment.
In addition to wetting your whistle, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for dining choices with food trucks serving up everything from woodfire pizza to seafood, arancini to Mexican dishes, grazing boxes, homemade gelato, donuts and loads more.
Don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping bags and your esky to fill with local produce to take home and enjoy for weeks to come.
Expect to find locally grown olives and olive oil, jams and preserves, farm-fresh eggs, ethically sourced cuts and smoked meats, and butter, cheeses and milk from Jersey Dairy Co. and Millgrove Dairy.
And if that’s not enough, there’s a curated range of local and handmade stalls, lawn games and live music!
It’s going to be a big day, so bring your pals, your picnic rug, some chairs and find a scenic spot to settle in for a big lunch, an early dinner, and whatever snacks you can jam in between.
Pro-tip: Pre-book your tickets online via the link below to save $10 per adult, rather than paying on the day.
THE DETAILS
What: West Gippsland Railtowns Food and Wine Festival
When: 5 March
Where: Garfield
Cost: Adults $20 online, people under 18 years FREE, tickets sold at
the gate $30, parking by gold coin donation
Tickets: HERE
We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
