Melbourne to celebrate food and wine in style

Putting together your 2026 food calendar?

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival returns next year with a Greek-themed "World’s Longest Lunch", a Cake Picnic and some top culinary talent heading to Victoria. 

The festival will run from March 20-29 with events being held across the state. 

"There is so much to be excited by in the 2026 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, presented La Trobe Financial,” said Anthea Loucas Bosha, CEO of Food + Drink Victoria, the not-for-profit parent company behind MFWF and a very keen promoter of the event's sponsor. 

“I’m thrilled that the 2026 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival program features an incredible special events program with 170 events across Melbourne, alongside our regional special events program, bringing 26 events to towns and regions across Victoria.

"Our final weekend has us back at Fed Square, where Melbourne’s best bakers and patissiers will be on show at our fourth and supersized Baker’s Dozen. 

"For 10 days in March there will be nowhere better to eat and drink in the world."

The party kicks off with the return of "World’s Longest Lunch" (above), celebrating Melbourne's Greek community. 

This sees 1,600 guests sitting down to a three-course meal, across more than 600 metres of table.

"The 2026 program includes guests making their way to Melbourne from Mexico City, Manila, Chiang Rai, Valetta, London, New York City, Singapore, Paris and beyond," says MFWF creative director Pat Nourse. 

“They’re cooking in fine-dining restaurants and in pubs, serving food on china plates on damask cloths, and straight out of restaurant windows, doing it savoury, sweet, spicy and everywhere in between." 

For details and ticket sales visit mfwf.com.au. 

All change for Taste Great Southern

One of Western Australia's leading culinary festivals, Taste Great Southern, will return in 2026 with new dates and a refreshed program. 

To run from Thursday, March 5 to to Sunday, March 8, the festival will once again spotlight the flavours, people, culture and landscapes of the Great Southern - one of Australia's most remarkable, and remote, food and wine regions.

The 2026 festival will shift from its traditional May slot to early March - a move designed to align with the region's peak seasonal bounty and offer visitors a more immersive experience.

“For over 20 years, Taste Great Southern has created vibrancy and excitement in the region, injected millions into its economy and supported local businesses by highlighting the many world-class wine and food offerings found throughout the Great Southern,” said WA Tourism and Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby MLA.

“With a refined program and a new date set to take place during Albany's Bicentenary, next year's festival will not be one to miss, making it the perfect reason for visitors to plan a road trip and explore the Great Southern region."

Organisers explained the date change.

“With an abundance of late-summer produce, including an array of seafood and the beloved Albany rock oysters, longer golden evenings, and generally warmer weather, March is the perfect time to explore the Great Southern,” said festival director Erin Molloy of AHOY Management.

“The new timing also gives travellers the opportunity to enjoy a food-filled regional escape ahead of the busy Easter period - when the calendar's a little clearer, and the landscapes are still bursting with energy.”

Held annually since 2004, the festival brings together award-winning chefs, winemakers, producers, artists and storytellers. I've attended and it is a great event. Events span Albany, Denmark, Mount Barker, Frankland River, Katanning, and Porongurup. 

Returning favourites on the 2026 program include the much-loved Tides of Taste at Maitraya Private Retreat, which will feature a fresh line-up of top homegrown and visiting chefs, along with a re-imagined coastal feast celebrating land and sea. 

Also making a comeback is the Denmark Wine Hop, where guests can journey between cellar doors to sip and savour the best of the region in one afternoon.

The full program, featuring returning favourites and exciting new additions, will be released later this year at www.tastegreatsouthern.com.au.