Melbourne – Food & Wine Festival

The days are getting cooler, but the desire for delicious food and wine is heating up. Luckily for

you, Melbourne is the epitome of incredible autumn produce offerings. Here are our top picks for

treating your tummies in the city this month.

GET FESTIVE

Foodies wait all year long for the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, so you’ve arrived just in time for

quite a treat. The city hosts a swag of events, parties, dinners, workshops and tours. Some of the

adventure include exploring the flavours of Ned Kelly’s last meal, taking your pooch on a winery

tour or creating your own signature tea blend.

Check out the full schedule at melbournefoodandwine.com.au

PARK IT

These balmy afternoon aren’t going to stick around for much longer. Pack a hamper and take your

lover for a romantic afternoon in the park. For extra points, we’d recommend our Chandon Classic

hamper, with sparkling, gorgeous Riedel wine glasses, choccies and wild hibiscus flowers. Oh la la.

You can check out the full range – and purchase yours for your outing – at

docklandsprivatecollection.com.au/gifts

FLOAT ON

For something a little rowdier, soak up the last of the warm rays with a barbecue on the Yarra

River. And forget about organising it yourself – call in the expertise of local business Aqua Donuts.

The clever team can set you up with a Bluetooth music system, LED lights and built-in barbecue on

an inflatable, circular raft. You’ll get the set-up for two hours, and can take alcohol and up to 10

lucky mates.

Make sure you book before the season ends on April 30.

EXPLORE EAST

There’s no need to wander too far from your Docklands accommodation to get your fix of fresh

autumn produce. Our pick to start the weekend – or finish it off – is with a well-deserved cocktail

amid an array of tantalising flavours at Middle Eastern canteen, Mama Rumaan. Try Mama’s Old

Spice Rice with chicken, peas, slivered almonds and sultanas, add a side of Torshee – hot picked

veggies – and finish off with Mama Tatiana’s Knafeh. Trust us – the sweet cream pastry with

semolina, rose water, pistachio and sugar syrup is the stuff dreams are made of.

This one’s in prime position in the heart of the Docklands. Try to grab a spot on the outside terrace

for the ultimate lazy lunch.

NICE NOT NAUGHTY

Vegans – and sweet tooths – rejoice! There’s a new dessert bar in town. Make a beeline for

Brunswick Street’s latest offering, Girls and Boys – an exclusively vegan nod to the nostalgic Mr

Whippy days. Everything on the Fitzroy eatery’s menu is entirely plant-based, with no refined white

sugar. Treat your tastebuds to an orange and lavender mousse, matcha almond tart or a maca

fudge bars. Or, toast the lingering autumn sunshine with a coconut milk soft serve or gelati.

Check it out at 382 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.