Forage & Feast: A Celebration of Central Highlands Bounty

If there’s one festival that truly captures the essence of the Central Highlands, it’s Forage & Feast. Running from January 13 to February 16, this festival is a tribute to the resilience and ingenuity of local producers, celebrating the finest food, wine, and artisanal craftsmanship of the region. Thanks to legends at Commerce Ballarat, we had the absolute pleasure of immersing ourselves in this indulgent, nature-driven experience, and we can confidently say it’s an event not to be missed.

A Stay at RACV Goldfields Resort: The Perfect Base

Nestled in the heart of Victoria’s gold rush landscape, the RACV Goldfields Resort provided an idyllic retreat for our Forage & Feast adventure. From $329 per night, we were treated to a spacious Resort Room surrounded by the tranquil Australian bush. The experience began with a beautifully presented two-course Forage & Feast-themed dinner at Three Founders, paired with exceptional Michael Unwins wine.

Between events, we found ourselves indulging in the resort’s many amenities—from scenic walking tracks to the 18-hole golf course. The onsite ArtHouse gallery was an unexpected delight, featuring stunning works by local artists. With Daylesford and Ballarat just a short drive away, this resort is the perfect launch pad for the festival’s many activities.

Read our full writeup about RACV Goldfields Resort here.

Mount Langi Ghiran: A Premium Wine Tasting Experience

One of our absolute highlights was the Premium Tasting Tour at Mount Langi Ghiran, held every Saturday during the festival. This VIP experience offered an in-depth look at the process behind their famed ‘Langi Shiraz.’ We savoured both current and back-vintage wines, expertly paired with local produce. The combination of a knowledgeable guide, breathtaking vineyard views, and truly outstanding wine made this an unforgettable experience. At $50 per person, it’s an absolute steal for any wine enthusiast.

Long Lunch at Lake House: A Culinary Masterpiece

Mondays at the Forage & Feast Festival meant one thing—an indulgent long lunch at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s two-hatted Lake House. The multi-course a la carte menu showcased the best of their regenerative Dairy Flat Farm produce, from fresh herbs to artisanal baked goods. Before the meal, we took part in a guided tour of the farm, where we met the charming residents—alpacas, geese, and even British White cows. The food was sublime, and the experience of seeing where it all came from added an extra layer of appreciation.

Read our full writeup about Lake House here.

Little Hampton Farm: A Berry Lover’s Paradise

Our visit to Little Hampton Farm was a step into a storybook—where blueberries and strawberries tasted like they belonged in Wonderland. Nestled by the Wombat Forest, this picturesque farm offered an intimate, hands-on tour guided by owners Narelle and Simon, a highly entrepreneurial duo whose passion for sustainable farming is truly inspiring. We explored their organic vegetable garden and orchards while learning about their sustainable farming practices. The highlight? A delightful afternoon tea with freshly brewed coffee, made on Simon’s sleek La Marzocco machine, and a tasting of their produce. We left with a tub of their seasonal berries, the sweetest we’ve ever had.

For those looking to extend their stay, Little Hampton Farm also offers stunning onsite accommodation, providing a serene retreat surrounded by nature. Find out more here.

Forage & Feast is more than just a food and wine festival—it’s a journey through the Central Highlands, a chance to connect with passionate producers, and an opportunity to indulge in world-class culinary experiences. Whether we were sipping Shiraz at Mount Langi Ghiran, indulging in a farm-to-table feast at the Lake House, or savouring sun-ripened berries at Little Hampton Farm, this festival is a love letter to the land and its people.

If you’re looking for a way to experience the very best of regional Victoria, make sure Forage & Feast is on your calendar. We know we’ll be back next year—hungry for more. Find out more here.