Event Details
This is your opportunity to step into the culinary heaven you see on our TV show – Italian Food Safari. On our Victorian High Country Italian Gourmet Food Safari we join the extended families as they celebrate the Italian culture they brought to this incredibly beautiful part of Australia. We journey into the King and Ovens Valleys where many Italian families settled initially as tobacco farmers. Plus we’ll have a day in the very pretty Kiewa Valley with two fabulous food experiences.
The lush soil and high altitude is now perfect for growing Italian varietal wines such as prosecco, nebbiolo, sangiovese, pinot grigio, dolcetto, arneis and barbera…Join us and taste these wonderful styles of wine that match so well with food. Meet many of the winemakers who are really putting these areas on the map.
Plus we will have a walk through pine forests and forage for pine mushrooms with Angelo Bonacci – the king of Fungi in Myrtleford, and we’ll visit chestnut and walnut groves, explore the gardens of private estates and the kitchens of great cooks.
You will have an exceptional week of luxurious accommodation in country Victoria (Lancemore in Milawa) combined with “kiss on both cheeks” warm Italian hospitality, countless “money can’t buy” experiences including making our own pasta at a cooking school, enjoying time with 3 generations of food and wine loving families, al fresco lunches at long tables in the clear country air, visits to Italian winemakers in the King and Ovens Valleys, feasts prepared by legendary chefs, visits to producers, and much more…all with a backdrop of those lovely mountains – the beautiful Victorian High Country at its best.
Host: Maeve O’Meara
RB –
Dear Maeve, Thank you for a truly amazing journey through the High Country tasting the best food and wine. I enjoyed it immensely and commend you on your attention to detail and the care of your fellow travellers. Maybe I will be able to join you with Jan on another adventure in this wonderful world of ours.RB.
MG –
“It was fabulous, actually it surpassed my expectations! Not only delicious, delicious food and wines but the very personal experiences of families and traditions and the welcomes we received that we could not have got on our own. Accommodation was great, big rooms and good breakfasts…….I will certainly recommend this trip to friends. Many thanks for all the organisation!”
CG –
Thank you so much for organising this magical tour. I totally enjoyed everything. I was particularly impressed with the level of organisation and planning that ensured an unforgettable experience for all of us “on Safari”. Meeting the farmers and winemakers on their properties and homes, and learning how they grow their produce and the challenges they face was the highlight. They are all passionate, visionary, amazing people. Thank you also to Franca for her warmth and knowledge, and Peter for his smooth driving and calm presence at the wheel.
An unforgettable week of fun, friendship, adventure, learning, and “la dolce vita”.
MS –
“A quick note to say thank you so much for a wonderful time on the Victorian High Country safari.
We all loved it soo much and my glowing ‘ravings’ to friends since my return plus Instagram & Facebook posts while travelling, have 2 friends interested in possibly joining me in 2020 for a repeat experience. Lucky us….
Maeve, it was a joy to travel with you. All the delightful producers we were able to meet and talk with was such a privilege, something you could never see travelling as an individual or with friends. You have built a fabulous network of contacts. Every one was so passionate about their products and willing to share their stories, their talents and their lives with us. Your ‘sister’ Franca is delightful and a wonderful ambassador for herself, her family and the High Country area. A blessing for us to share so much time with her and her family.”
SH –
“Thank you SO MUCH for an amazing week of great food, divine wines, very interesting excursions and terrific company. It was most enjoyable…. “