Christmas is no longer creeping up on us slowly. Instead, it's charging at full force – and we're not mad about it. Especially since the Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Edition will be taking over the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from December 4-6. The three-day affair brings together artisan producers, local businesses and cult-favourites.
At the heart of the action is The Festive Kitchen, a 120-seat theatre where celebrity chef Miguel Maestre, Kirsten Tibballs – AKA the Queen of Chocolate – and The Great Australian Bake Off judge Darren Purchese will share festive recipes, baking tips and entertaining ideas. Hosted by former The Great Australian Bake Off contestant Elliot Styche (The Singing Baker), there’ll be plenty of live cooking and baking demonstrations to help create your own Christmas spread.
Want to get hands-on? Head to The Cooking School for masterclasses with familiar faces from The Great Australian Bake Off, including Anirban Chanda, who’s opening a bakery with Indian and native Australian flavours, as well as chefs Miguel Maestre and Darren Purchese. Our tip: sessions are designed for pairs, so bring a friend.
Get your Christmas gift shopping done with a choice of everything from wine and cheese to puddings and premium homewares. Wine lovers can sip their way through Australia’s finest drops at the Wine Pavilions, or test their tastebuds with three mystery wines at Wine Selectors Secret Sips.
Kids get their own slice of the action at Little Bakers Corner, where they can decorate festive treats to enjoy and take home. There’s also the Chef Meet & Greet, offering the chance to say hello to favourite chefs and bakers, snap a photo and get a cookbook signed. Now that’s a very tasty way to kick off the festive season.
The Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Edition is at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from December 4-6. Find out more and get your tickets here.