Love&Co on the Darebin Homemade Food and Wine Festival

Returning for another year, the Darebin Homemade Food and Wine Festival showcases the very best in authentic homemade cooking. In today’s blog, Love&Co highlight a variety of lip-smacking events in our community you simply don’t want to miss!

Melbourne’s north is a vibrant and culturally diverse place, its community made up of individuals from all over the globe – each with their own culinary traditions and ‘secret’ recipes. In honor of our community’s shared appreciation for food and all that it represents, the week-long Darebin Homemade Food and Wine festival will play host to over 35 events in its exciting program. Running from May 26 – June 3, it’s the perfect way to see in winter with some hearty home-cooked food at locations across Melbourne’s north.

From seminars and hands-on workshops to unique wining and dining experiences, there’s something for every taste and skill level.

Meet the Makers

The Meet the Makers series is your chance to discover tricks of the (homemade) trade and learn how the very best creators of flavour work their magic. Whether it’s the north’s best passata or the finest espresso this side of Milan, you’ll discover the craft behind your favourite flavours on May 26th. Expect homemade wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, workshops, food and produce stalls, bars and music.

Homemade Marketplace

Northcote Town Hall’s Civic Square will be home to the Homemade Marketplace throughout the week, and is a chance for local producers to share their homemade creations. From chutneys and jams to spices and mouthwatering meals, you’ll pick up something that’ll shake up your kitchen.

Darebin Bake Off

Showcasing the north’s finest baking talent, the Darebin Bake Off gives the BBC a run for its money! A first for the festival, the competition invites locals to enter their cakes, sponges, slices, biccies and scones to be judged by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria. With cookbooks, vouchers and a trophy to be won, your tasty slice could be the winning bite. Enter here.

Zach Green’s Six-Course Degustation

One of the show’s major highlights this year is the special guest appearances from Zach Green. As one of Australia’s most exciting emerging chefs, Zach is the man behind Darwin eatery, Elijah’s. Zach is welcoming guests to Meeting Place on Saturday 2 Jue for a six-course degustation journey through Indigenous culture, stories and food.

Market on Kulin Nation

Another event hosted by Zach himself, Market on Kulin Nation is a free afternoon of food, art, live entertainment and an open-fire cooking demonstration. This year’s focus on the wonders of Indigenous cooking really pays homage to Zach’s foodie ethos.

Flavours and Stories

Fancy indulging in some flavour-packed Persian BBQ, Middle Eastern mezze and hearty Iraqi dishes while listening to stories from chefs? Discover how these talented foodies embarked on their journey to Australia, and how they came to find themselves creating joy with food on March 3.

Got a Secret to Share?

Have you got a wine recipe, family-favourite caponata, preserved olives or ajvar that’s just totally delicious? Submit your creations to be in with the chance to win great prizes – the deadline for submissions is Wednesday 16 May with winners announced at the Meet the Makers Showcase.