Every Sunday. Sittings Between 2pm-5pm.

Tickets $79pp

Indulge in an unforgettable afternoon with our exclusive G&Tea experience at Grainery Lane Distillery. Perfectly tailored for milestone birthdays, baby showers, hens parties, or any special occasion, this delightful offering promises a sophisticated blend of fine spirits and gourmet treats.

Step into our charming venue, where you’ll be greeted with free-flowing Grainery Lane gin cocktails. Each handcrafted cocktail is meticulously paired with a selection of delectable bites, designed to complement and enhance the unique flavours of our premium gin. Our expert mixologists craft these exquisite cocktails using only the finest ingredients, ensuring a memorable tasting journey for you and your guests.

Relax and savour the elegant ambiance of Grainery Lane Distillery as you celebrate with friends and loved ones. The G&Tea experience offers the perfect balance of indulgence and celebration, making it an ideal choice for those looking to mark their special moments with style and grace.

Join us at Grainery Lane Distillery and raise a glass to good times, great company, and exceptional gin. Cheers to an experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Grainery Lane

I love foraging, I love growing and I want to make the very most of what I find and what I grow.

Preserving for beginners offers all the skills needed to preserve the taste of summer, the cool of winter and the red of autumn.

This class is jam packed with information and is focused on three methods of Food Preserving:

• Fermenting

• Dehydrating

• Boiling Hot Water Bath Method.

The Boiling Hot Water Bath Method is the most information heavy of the three hence I will spend 1/2 of the class on this method.

I will provide comprehensive notes on all three methods to you via email before the class.

In many preserving classes you are taught recipes but rarely are you taught the principles that underpin these recipes. Without an understanding of the principles, you are left always wondering if what you have done will last, if it is safe and safe to share. The notes I will provide you will include links to recipes, but the focus of this class is on understanding “how to preserve” “how to make that preserve safe” & “how to make that preserve last”.

Preserving is easy, that is why so many homemakers get involved, it is also very rewarding.

There is a great deal to learn initially and at first it can seem overwhelming, but once learned it is deeply gratifying, empowering and something of great value to share with others.

What you will learn:

• Acidity; its role in preserving, how to measure pH and what the pH of a preserve should be

• How to determine the acidity naturally found in raw ingredients

• Elevation; how elevation affects preserving times, how to determine if you are at elevation and how to adjust for elevation

• Raw Pack and Hot Pack method

• The role of sugar, salt, heat, time, and acidity

• How to sterilise jars and when not to pre sterilise jars

• How to accurately pack food into jars

• Preserving Organisations and their recipes

• How does the Australian Fowler’s method differ from The National Centre for Home Food Preservation

I will showcase a range of ferments, dehydrated foods including flowers, & preserves.

We will make: One ferment, One dehydrated food, One Preserve

This is a demonstration class with some hands on activities.

$250 pp

Join me if you can! Much huge care, Mara

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Village Dreaming

Sunday 19th January | Saturday 25th January | Sunday 2nd February | Saturday 8th February | Sunday 16th February 

We are thrilled to welcome our guests to a Picnic at the Truffle Farm in the stunning Daylesford Spa Country at the beautiful Truffle Treasures farm. This delightful farm is set in a pocket of the wombat state forest and surrounded by natural bushland. Overlooking our French Oak trees, where winter truffles thrive, you'll be transported to a world of indulgence and gourmet delights in this idyllic setting.

Bask in the summer light as it dances across the Victorian spa country landscape and feel the warmth of the sun as you savour this unique experience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while enjoying a gourmet picnic that promises to be both relaxing and rejuvenating.

Enjoy: A delicious picnic, prepared to showcase iconic local producers from the Central Highlands including delicacies prepared by Istra Smallgoods, Goldfields Farmhouse Cheese, Castlemaine Kitchen, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs Sparkling Mineral Water.

Cost: $85.00 per person

Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase at bar prices.

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Mineral Springs Truffles

• Istra Smallgoods

• Goldfields Farmhouse Cheese

• Castlemaine Kitchen

• Daylesford and Hepburn Springs Sparkling Mineral Water

Soak up the stunning beauty of the Pyrenees wine region every Sunday at Taltarni Vineyards, where live music meets award-winning wine. Nestled in the western reach of the Great Dividing Range, Taltarni's picturesque setting offers the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of relaxation and entertainment.

Discover the talent of local artists while enjoying the rich history of a region once dubbed “the natural garden of Victoria.” From gold mining in the 19th century to pioneering viticulture in the 1960s, Taltarni has been at the heart of the Pyrenees’ transformation into one of Australia’s most enchanting wine destinations.

Bring your friends, sip on exceptional wines, and let the music transport you in this unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

No booking required, just come to cellar door

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Moonambel Gap Olives

• Salt Kitchen Charcuterie

• Sommerfields

Presented by Woady Yaloak Historical Society

$110per person

Experience a unique culinary adventure as we take you on a journey along the stunning Ballarat to Skipton Rail Trail, including a picnic on the historic Nimmons Bridge.

Itinerary:

• 10am: Meet at the Courthouse Hotel, Smythesdale, to begin your journey.

• 11am: Enjoy complimentary canapés and a drink at the Scarsdale Hotel.

• 12pm: Arrive at Nimons Bridge for a picturesque picnic featuring a picnic lunch with locally sourced food, paired with two complimentary drinks.

• 3pm: Return to the Courthouse Hotel, Smythesdale, for live music, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere to cap off your day.

Immerse yourself in the flavours of the region and the beauty of this iconic landmark. Perfect for foodies and nature enthusiasts alike, this event promises to be a delightful celebration of local produce, stunning landscapes, and great company.

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Meredith Dairy

• John Harbour Quality Butcher

2025 marks 10 years since high school mates Hadyn Black and Darcy Naunton (aka the Ginger) took the leap and purchased one tonne of Shiraz grapes producing their first vintage under the wine label Black & Ginger.

They're teaming up with Barney's Bar and Bistro, the home of their new cellar door (opening 2025) for a relaxed and fun evening as they celebrate 10 years of winemaking. This special event is part of the 2025 Forage & Feast Festival in partnership with the Central Highlands Growers and Producers Hub. 

Dinner will feature matched wines, including back vintages, paired with a delicious menu crafted by guest chef, Fushy from Hamilton. The menu will highlight fresh lamb from Greenacres Biodynamics, bread by Blue Wren Bakery, eggs from Green Eggs, as well as produce from several other local growers and members of the Central Highlands Growers & Producers Hub. It’s a great chance to enjoy delicious food, great wine, and toast to a decade of Black & Ginger Wines.

Come along, share a meal, and raise a glass to the next 10 years!

Full Degustation + Matched Wines: $130 

Full Dinner Only (for non-wine drinkers and designated drivers): $100

Other drink options available, wines by the glass, beer and non-alcoholic. 

Places are super limited so get in quick! 

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Black & Ginger

• Greenacres Biodynamics

• Sher Wagyu

• Springmount Fine Foods

• The Mushroom Connectio

• Yendon Gourmet Tomatoes

Paint & Sip Sessions at Mrs Baker's Still House - Beginners Watercolour

Grab a friend and come for a relaxed afternoon of painting botanicals and sipping gin. Held at Mrs Baker's Still House, a micro-distillery 50min west of Ballarat. Whether you are new to watercolours or just looking to brush up on your skills these sessions are a playful way to create a botanical painting with drink in hand!

You will be guided through some watercolour painting techniques. Then given a choice of botanical prints, these are line drawings of different gin botanicals, to paint. Use the print as a guide and get playful. Develop your own style, whether it is realist or abstract, while you enjoy some of Mrs Baker's gins!

A fun afternoon for groups of friends, individuals or couples!
Capacity: 8 people.

What is included in the ticket:

• Gin tasting of Mrs Baker's gin range.

• Choice of prints to paint: Either, one A4 botanical print or, a set of three botanical cards.

• 1 x paint brush.

• 1 x watercolour palette.

• 1 x water jar.

• 1 x gin & tonic (or soda).

You will be able to purchase further drinks and painting prints on the day. And the gorgeous little cellar door will be open for bottle sales and further tastings of the Mrs Baker's gin & liqueur range.

EXTRA: If you would like to book a Grazing Platter ($30ea, serves 2-3 people) to enjoy on the day, these MUST be booked in advance. See contact details below. Please advise any dietary requirements.

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Mrs Baker’s Still House

• Meredith Dairy

Every Saturday during Forage & Feast.

Enjoy a guided VIP wine tasting with local produce and a behind-the-scenes look at how the famed 'Langi Shiraz' is produced.

Minimum 6 persons $50pp includes current and back vintage icon wine tasting with paired lunch.

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Mount Langi Ghiran

Available every Saturday morning during Forage & Feast
5am - 10am
Maximum 4 participants per date

Each participant will become part of the sourdough secrets workshop.

But there’s a catch…

If you want to think like a baker you knead to work like a baker so class starts at 5am

Be apart of our daily bake, learning our secrets to sourdough over 5 hours

Tickets include

• 5 hours of a baker’s life

• Breakfast included

• Coffee

• 1x loaf of bread

$220pp

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• The Turret Bakehouse

• Sunnybank Farm

• Salt Kitchen Charcuterie

• Inglenook Dairy

Every Monday Lunch throughout Forage & Feast Festival.

Indulge in a long lunch on Mondays at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s 2 Chef Hat Lake House Restaurant throughout the Forage & Feast Festival.

A multi course a la carte menu allows you to explore various dishes, most inspired by the Lake House’s own regenerative farm, Dairy Flat ( just minutes from the flagship restaurant).

Make it a real farm to table experience with a complimentary guided tour of the beautiful Dairy Flat Farm prior to lunch.

We now produce wine, cider, honey, olive oil , pesticide free vegetables, fruit, herbs and of course all our sourdough and baked goods from our beautiful farm.

Your 45 minute tour, commencing at 11.30am comprehensively covers all our regenerative practices and offers insights into our learnings.

You may meet our bakers and probably run into our guinea fowl, geese, peacocks, alpacas and British White cows from our friends at Brooklands Regenerative Farm.

Please select “farm tour” when making your Lunch Reservation, and please note: Your selected restaurant reservation time will still apply.

Every Sunday. Sittings Between 2pm-5pm.

Tickets $79pp

Indulge in an unforgettable afternoon with our exclusive G&Tea experience at Grainery Lane Distillery. Perfectly tailored for milestone birthdays, baby showers, hens parties, or any special occasion, this delightful offering promises a sophisticated blend of fine spirits and gourmet treats.

Step into our charming venue, where you’ll be greeted with free-flowing Grainery Lane gin cocktails. Each handcrafted cocktail is meticulously paired with a selection of delectable bites, designed to complement and enhance the unique flavours of our premium gin. Our expert mixologists craft these exquisite cocktails using only the finest ingredients, ensuring a memorable tasting journey for you and your guests.

Relax and savour the elegant ambiance of Grainery Lane Distillery as you celebrate with friends and loved ones. The G&Tea experience offers the perfect balance of indulgence and celebration, making it an ideal choice for those looking to mark their special moments with style and grace.

Join us at Grainery Lane Distillery and raise a glass to good times, great company, and exceptional gin. Cheers to an experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Grainery Lane

An opportunity to try 7 of Risa’s favourite premium small batch off menu sakes & wine producers from Japan alongside a tasting menu of small courses prepared specifically for the Sake utilizing the best our region has to offer.

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

The Mushroom Connection / Inglenook Dairy / Mt Franklin Organics / Otoole Honey / Morningswood Farm / Sher Wagyu / Tuki Trout Farm 

Soak up the stunning beauty of the Pyrenees wine region every Sunday at Taltarni Vineyards, where live music meets award-winning wine. Nestled in the western reach of the Great Dividing Range, Taltarni's picturesque setting offers the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of relaxation and entertainment.

Discover the talent of local artists while enjoying the rich history of a region once dubbed “the natural garden of Victoria.” From gold mining in the 19th century to pioneering viticulture in the 1960s, Taltarni has been at the heart of the Pyrenees’ transformation into one of Australia’s most enchanting wine destinations.

Bring your friends, sip on exceptional wines, and let the music transport you in this unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

No booking required, just come to cellar door

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Moonambel Gap Olives

• Salt Kitchen Charcuterie

• Sommerfields

At Dairy Flat Farm we focus on slow fermented sourdough baguettes and loaves. We utilise only small-scale millers and growers of non GMO grains and often incorporate herbs, flowers and vegetables from our regenerative farm in associated viennoiserie.

This workshop includes hands on tuition in and introduction to slow fermentation, sourdough baking, shaping and moulding.

Also included is a private tour of the Dairy Flat Farm vineyard, orchard, olive grove & productive herb & vegetable gardens which supply the Lake House kitchens.

Participants will also receive recipe cards, a sourdough starter, banneton basket, Dairy Flat apron & tote to take home with them.

$295pp

Join us on Sunday, 9th February, from 9am to 11am for a special brunch celebrating the finest local produce from the Grampians region. Our curated menu features ingredients from valued local producers such as Blue Wren Bakery, Lakeview Organics, Bellellen Grampians Organics, Kerries Kreations, and Five Ducks Farm. Experience the best of what our region has to offer, from paddock to plate.

Perfect for those who appreciate fresh, locally sourced flavours!

Cost: Order from the menu on the day.

Bookings via email or phone number

e: info@pomonalestate.com.au

M: 0448 983 248

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Blue Wren Bakery

• Lakeview Organics

• Bellellen Organics

• Five Ducks Farm

• Kerries Kreations

Dinner and Show - $70pp

+Booking fees

Odessa at Leavers Hotel is excited to be part of The Forage and Feast Festival, A taste of summer in the Central Highlands.  

We will be adding the sounds and tastes of the Solomon Island to the night with a feast fusing local produce from our region with our neighbours twist.

plus the Incredibly talented Charles Maimarosia will launch his album  Hote' Hote' 

Charles Maimarosia is an extraordinary singer, guitarist, panpipe player and storyteller, originally from the Solomon Islands and now based in Melbourne. He is renowned for being a musician of important custom knowledge, drawing equally on traditional and contemporary musical styles.

The award-winning artist has come a long way since growing up in the remote Pipisu village of Malaita. He went on a world tour for over a decade with globally recognised panpipe orchestra Narasirato, acting as their frontman, choreographer, and songwriter. Since launching his solo career, his music is making a buzz on international stages, including performances representing Australia and Solomon Islands at the G20 Summit in India and performing at WOMADelaide. He has toured widely in Australia as well, including shows at the National Folk Festival 2024 and the Blue Mountains Music Festival.

Charles will perform his new album Hote’ Hote’. The album features songs inspired by Are’ Are poems and stories, with a focus on preserving ancient cultural heritage. Be ready to be taken on a journey that shares the wisdom of his ancestors and the culture and spiritual essence of Charles’s homeland.

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Red Duck

• Eastern Peake Winery

Sunday 19th January | Saturday 25th January | Sunday 2nd February | Saturday 8th February | Sunday 16th February 

We are thrilled to welcome our guests to a Picnic at the Truffle Farm in the stunning Daylesford Spa Country at the beautiful Truffle Treasures farm. This delightful farm is set in a pocket of the wombat state forest and surrounded by natural bushland. Overlooking our French Oak trees, where winter truffles thrive, you'll be transported to a world of indulgence and gourmet delights in this idyllic setting.

Bask in the summer light as it dances across the Victorian spa country landscape and feel the warmth of the sun as you savour this unique experience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while enjoying a gourmet picnic that promises to be both relaxing and rejuvenating.

Enjoy: A delicious picnic, prepared to showcase iconic local producers from the Central Highlands including delicacies prepared by Istra Smallgoods, Goldfields Farmhouse Cheese, Castlemaine Kitchen, Daylesford and Hepburn Springs Sparkling Mineral Water.

Cost: $85.00 per person

Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase at bar prices.

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Mineral Springs Truffles

• Istra Smallgoods

• Goldfields Farmhouse Cheese

• Castlemaine Kitchen

• Daylesford and Hepburn Springs Sparkling Mineral Water

Every Saturday during Forage & Feast.

Enjoy a guided VIP wine tasting with local produce and a behind-the-scenes look at how the famed 'Langi Shiraz' is produced.

Minimum 6 persons $50pp includes current and back vintage icon wine tasting with paired lunch.

Featuring Central Highlands Growers & Producers…

• Mount Langi Ghiran