Around The Region: Your guide to food and drink events happening this month

Beer hopping, paying respect to reds and a whole event dedicated to vanilla slice: bellies are sure to be full this month!

August events are rolling in, celebrating rich reds, crisp ales and sweet treats.

Here are some of the spotlight events happening across regional Victoria this month.

Keep up to date with the latest in food and drinks across regional Victoria here.

Bendigo Beer brings back Bendigo On The Hop

The team at Bendigo Beer have done it again, showcasing the brewery brilliance of central Victoria with one-day event Bendigo On The Hop. Who said winter was all about wine? Bendigo On The Hop makes a case for cold bevs during the cold season during this frothy festival. Going day Saturday 30 August, Bendigo On The Hop pairs some of the city’s best beer venues with Australia’s most illustrious independent breweries for a day of brewers in-conversations, tasting and live music. The walking festival covers The Rifle, Handle Bar, Hop Supply, Kombi Keg, Sound Music Bar and Bendigo Brewing among others, and features beers from Bells Beach Brewing to Bridge Road Brewers, Hepburn Springs Brewing Co. and so many more.

Where: Various venues across Bendigo

When: Saturday 30 August, 11am – 6pm 

The Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph takes over Merbein this month.

There is nothing quite as true blue as hoeing into the crispy puff pastry, custard sandwiched vanilla slice. The Australian pastry favourite is on show this month at the appropriately titled Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph. Bakers from across the land will lay down their best slice at Merbein to be crowned the ultimate award-winning vanilla slice. The event also includes live   entertainment, children’s entertainment and activities, vanilla slices to buy and try, wine tastings and market stalls. It’s a competition of the custard-filled creation and it’s all going down 16 August.

Where: Commercial Street, Merbein

When: Saturday 16 August

Wine and Wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary

In an unlikely pairing, wine and wildlife come together for two nights of winter fun at Healesville Sanctuary. Showcasing the best Yarra Valley produce across food and wine, the zoo and rehabilitation centre for wildlife will be opening its doors in the evening across Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August. Explore the wildlife as you sip and drink your way through the region’s best, or settle in under the teepees or near the open fires as you listen to live acoustic music. All proceeds from the weekend go towards the rescue and rehabilitation of injured wildlife. It would be rude not to!

Where: Healesville Sanctuary, Healesville

When: 30 – 31 August

The Dark Side of Wine returns to Rutherglen this month.

An appreciation for the deepest and richest reds of the wine variety returns to Rutherglen this month with their most ambitious program yet. Running over ten immersive days and nights from 8 – 17 August, The Dark Side of Wine welcomes Rutherglen’s vignerons and winemakers to open their cellars, stories, and secrets for an unforgettable celebration of wine, history, and sensory exploration. The diverse program ranges from a thrilling Muscat Murder Mystery, performers roaming through historic Rutherglen, dining with candlelit cask rooms, and chatting with the winemakers, there is a little something for everyone. 

Where: Various wineries in Rutherglen

When: From 8 August

Victorian Goldfields Railway rides with Ales on Rails

Victorian Goldfield Railway takes you on a journey back into the 1920’s with parlour carriages traveling through the countryside from Castlemaine to Maldon. Along the ride you will enter a world of decadence, sipping your way through a lightweight weight beer all the way to a rich chocolate porter. Lunch will be served at Maldon Hotel, topping off an indulgent train ride like no other.

Where: Victorian Goldfields Railway, Platform 3, Railway Station Kennedy Street, Castlemaine

When: From 16 August

Get your tickets to these foodie events now and discover more food events here.