Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 2025: A Feast for the Senses
Get ready to savour the vibrant flavours of Melbourne! The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, running from 21 to 30 March 2025, is set to once again celebrate the city’s culinary and cultural treasures. Whether you’re a passionate foodie, a wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a unique experience, this festival is not to be missed.
Here’s a look at what’s in store, from innovative dining experiences to hands-on workshops that bring together world-class chefs, local producers, and exciting new trends.
When is the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2025?
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival will run from 21 to 30 March 2025
Food and Wine Festival Melbourne 2025
Signature MFWF Experiences You Can’t Miss
World’s Longest Lunch & Brunch
Two iconic events return to dazzle your taste buds:
- The World’s Longest Lunch (21 March): Set in an idyllic Melbourne location, this three-and-a-half-hour feast offers gourmet dishes served at beautifully set communal tables.
- The World’s Longest Brunch (23 March): A progressive dining experience with multiple stops along a scenic 1,500-metre walk. Think fresh coffee, indulgent pastries, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Both events showcase the artistry of Melbourne’s top chefs, celebrating the city’s reputation as Australia’s food capital.
Our Selection of Must-Attend MFWF Events
1. Semi-Automatic Wine at Hope St Radio
When: 25 March
Discover a multisensory journey combining fine Victorian wines, live poetry, and percussion. Hosted at Hope St Radio, this event pairs exquisite local wines with performances by poet Mahmood Fazal and percussionist Rohan Rebeiro. Every sip and sound intertwine, creating an unforgettable evening.
2. Comedy Wine Tasting Dinner
When: 25–26 March
Good food, great wine, and lots of laughs—what could be better? Hosted at Morris House, this dinner combines the wit of comedians Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh with wine insights from expert Jordy Veltheer. Featuring a curated menu and perfectly paired wines, this evening is a delightful blend of flavour and fun.
Related reading: 10 Top Comedy Shows Melbourne: A Guide to Laughter in the City
3. SoCal to South Yarra: Gracias Madre x Lona Misa
When: 21–29 March
This collaboration between Los Angeles’ Gracias Madre and Melbourne’s Lona Misa highlights the best of plant-based Latin cuisine. Enjoy a creative menu crafted by visionary chefs Diana Briscoe and Pamella Tomio, with a cocktail to kick off your culinary adventure.
4. A Ligurian Feast by Alta Trattoria
When: 23 March
Chef McKay Wilday brings the Ligurian coast to Melbourne with this four-course feast. Expect traditional Italian dishes like trofie al pesto and coniglio alla Ligure, paired with premium Ligurian wines for a truly authentic experience.
5. Sips & Snacks: An Interactive Culinary Experience at Taxi Kitchen
When: 23 March
Over three hours, you’ll engage in hands-on activities such as oyster shucking, wine blending, and cocktail crafting, all while savouring delicious canapés and signature drinks inspired by your creations. Each station offers a unique learning experience, coupled with insightful tips on reducing food waste. Leave with a goodie bag filled with exclusive treats, ensuring the flavours continue at home.
6. Omurice! Motokichi Yukimura at Ishizuka
When: 27–29 March
Join renowned chef Motokichi Yukimura from Kyoto’s Kichi Kichi for an extraordinary three-night omurice pop-up at Ishizuka during the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Known for transforming simple eggs and rice into a culinary masterpiece, Motokichi-san’s omurice has captivated food lovers worldwide. This exclusive event offers guests the chance to experience his culinary artistry firsthand in an intimate setting, complemented by a superb kaiseki menu crafted by Ishizuka’s executive chef Katsuji Yoshino.
7. Toyo Eatery and Inato Take Over Serai
When: 27 March
This March, Serai welcomes renowned chefs Jordy Navarra from Toyo Eatery and JP “Jepe” Cruz from Inato for an exciting culinary takeover. Both chefs are celebrated for their innovative takes on contemporary Filipino cuisine, with Toyo Eatery recently named the Tatler Dining Guide’s restaurant of the year for 2024. Inato, despite being newly opened, has quickly gained acclaim for its unique approach to Filipino charcoal cooking.
Beyond the Plate
Believe it or not, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival isn’t just about eating—it’s about celebrating the culture, stories, and passion behind every dish.
From hands-on workshops like cocktail mixing and oyster shucking to exclusive dining experiences with chefs like Hiroyasu Kawate of Tokyo’s two-Michelin-starred Florilège, the festival fosters a deeper appreciation for culinary craftsmanship.
Practical Tips for Festival-Goers
- Tickets: Events often sell out quickly, so plan and book ahead!
- Getting There: Most venues are accessible via Melbourne’s trams or bike-friendly paths. Parking may be limited, so consider public transport.
- Weather Ready: Many events are held outdoors, so check the forecast and dress accordingly. Refunds aren’t generally available for weather disruptions.
- Cashless Payments: The festival supports cashless transactions, so bring a card for food and beverage purchases.
Melbourne’s Culinary Spirit
Whether you’re exploring new cuisines, indulging in wine tastings, or learning from top chefs, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival offers endless ways to celebrate your love for food and drink.
Mark your calendar for 21–30 March 2025, and get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure!
Explore the full program of events here.
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
