Beechworth is preparing to serve up a feast of mouth-watering
local fare with the return of the annual Harvest Celebration
on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May.
Now in its 15th year, the event is a gourmet’s dream, highlighting
the renowned wine and produce of this blessed region at one of
the most glorious times of the year to visit.
On Day One of the Harvest Celebration, Saturday 17 May, Bridge
Road Brewers is presenting a Beer Breakfast. Local vignerons
of the Beechworth Wine Region will open their cellar doors
to visitors. This is an opportunity for wine-lovers to visit
some
of the premier boutique wineries of the North East. Throughout
the day and evening Beechworth’s famed restaurants and
eateries will feature special menus offering fine local produce
wines. Round off the day at the Gala Harvest Dinner at The Pines
at La Trobe @ Beechworth. To secure your booking, phone (03)
5720 8050.
On Sunday 18 May the Harvest Celebration showcases local
produce. Huge marquees in the centre of Beechworth’s Historic & Cultural
Precinct will transform the area into a giant smorgasbord all
day from 10am to 5pm.
Local temptations will include venison, lamb, apples, pears,
chestnuts, walnuts, preserves, jams, relishes and pickles,
olive oils and table olives, bread, cakes and pastries,
lavender and
saffron products as well as fortified and table wines,
boutique beers and cordials.
The Harvest Celebration Presentation Stage will be hosted by
actor and comedian, John Walker and will feature demonstrations
by talented local chefs, expert tips on cooking chestnuts, pretzel-making,
the word on organic wines and having fun baking bread and pastries.
This year’s children’s program has been expanded
with entertainment throughout the afternoon including the return
of the popular dough-making workshops and sand art activities.
Also back in 2008 is the Street Full of Scarecrows for the third
year running. Prizes will be presented to the best scarecrows
on the Presentation Stage during the afternoon.
The inaugural Beechworth Harvest Celebration was held on
Mother's Day Weekend in 1994 as a one-day event aimed
at showcasing
the diversity and quality of food and wine being produced
in the
region. Fifteen years on, the Celebration is an eagerly anticipated
event on the Beechworth calendar and has gone from strength
to strength attracting up to 5000 visitors to the weekend’s
activities.
