SUMMER IN SOUTH GIPPSLAND Eat and Drink in South Gippsland

South Gippsland is fortunate to have a wide array of eateries, wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries dotted throughout our villages which are comfortably nestled between rolling hills and a pristine coastline.

Summer in particular, is a picturesque season that provides a perfect backdrop to any eat and drink experience. Journey with us as we travel through the natural beauty that is South Gippsland.

Choose your starting point. For the sake of this article, we begin in the small but bustling township of Loch. Home to an award-winning winery and distillery, the town will surprise and delight. Indeed, our region is known for its wide variety of vineyards and breweries that produce some of the regions finest beer, spirits and wine. The lush green landscape produces a variety of wines with cool-climate characters and full fruit flavour. From a medium-bodied Pinot Noir to a floral Riesling, there are a number of award winning and notable wineries scattered around the region.

Spirits in South Gippsland are also known for their unique flavours, which often incorporate local botanicals like strawberry gum, juniper and lemon myrtle. A tasting paddle will help you find the perfect drop to take home and share with family and friends.

Travelling toward the heart of the region, you’ll encounter a couple of breweries with big taste. Traditional ales, barrel-aged sours and wild fermented beers are just a sample of what’s on offer here in South Gippsland. The region is ideal for growing the unique produce required for crafting such an iconic taste.

As you travel along the sunny countryside, paddocks of produce line the winding roads of your South Gippsland adventure. Known for highquality meats, the many local pubs, cafes and restaurants dish up all kinds of cuts on beds of mashed potato, fresh greens and roasted root vegetables. The fresh fruit and vegetables also make for tasty plates, snow peas, potatoes, asparagus and pears are just some of the delicious staples to come from the rich soil of the region.

If meat doesn’t take your fancy, keep travelling toward the east where you encounter the elegant flavour and delicate texture of some of the region’s finest fromages. Dairy being the second largest industry in South Gippsland means it’s only fitting that the region is home to unique and flavoursome cheeses. From internationally awarded blues to highly celebrated cheddars, the cheese scene is full of variety. Paired with wine or home-made quince paste, the region’s dairy produce is not to be overlooked.

Finish your journey along the coast where you’ll discover seafood in all its freshness and variety. Make your way to Foster if its shucked oysters you desire or journey the ten extra minutes to Toora for the ultimate seafood plates. Many townships dish up seafood with their own unique spin. Meeniyan serves an authentic Plea Trei (Cambodian smoked salmon) while Venus Bay pulls fresh baked scallop pies from the oven. A little taste of the southern coast can be found in all corners of the region.

Summer in South Gippsland is the perfect time to embark on your next food and drink adventure. From spritzy wines to aromatic flavours, the season tantalises the senses for a whole three months of sunshine and celebration. So, what are you waiting for? The flavour of South Gippsland awaits you.

For more information, please visit www.visitsouthgippsland.com.au or download the latest issue of Eat. Drink.Gippsland at www.visitgippsland.com.au/eat-drink-gippsland-guide

Enjoy nature as you have a bite to eat

■ Roll out a picnic rug at Van Cleef Reserve, Venus Bay.

■ Enjoy a packed cheese plate at Mount Nicoll Lookout

■ Peel prawns along the seaside at Walkerville beach

■ Grab some meats from a local butcher and fire up the BBQ at Sagasser Park, Toora

September 2024

The Tidal Seafood Festival was recently held in September and once again the festival celebrated the local culinary scene and the community’s fishing industry.

The festival included a blessing of the fleet, cooking demonstrations, fishing clinics, and industry information stalls. There was a large food court area with a bar, wine and craft beer tastings, as well as live music and entertainment.

Plenty of fun for the family with a huge kids’ area with various activities and games, along with market stalls.

The profits from ticket sales will be shared with the local SES and CFA for improvements and new equipment.

by Doug Pell