After a successful pilot program last year, Drink Victorian is coming back this June to 100 of Melbourne’s best bars, pubs and restaurants. Venues will highlight local drinks, giving you the opportunity to try some of the best wine, cider, beer and spirits from around the state. This time, there’s also a special events program that will showcase and celebrate Victoria’s vibrant drinks industry. Drink Victorian will run from June 1 to 30.
Drink Victorian
This program is an initiative from The Victorian Drinks Alliance, a collaboration between beverage producers and Food + Drink Victoria. It’s all about pairing Victorian experiences and food with a complementary local drink. It also aims to connect and strengthen bonds between hospitality venues and winemakers, distillers and brewers.
“There are many things that inspire pride and passion among Victorians – be it the footy, live music, world class restaurants – and Victorian drinks should be on that list,” said Anthea Loucas Bosha, co-chair of the Victorian Drinks Alliance and CEO of Food + Drink Victoria.
Influential CBD venues and beloved neighbourhood watering holes will take part in this campaign. There’s also a special events program for you to check out.
Highlights include:
Brewers’ Brunch at Molly Rose
When: 11am, June 25
Cost: $117
Head to Molly Rose and brew a limited-release beer with the help of Molly Rose brewer and founder Nic Sandery. Learn how to match beer with food and enjoy a hearty brunch of modern Australian eats with southeast Asian flavours. When your beer is ready, head back to the venue to enjoy a free pot.
Celebrating Victorian Chardonnay and Seafood at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters
When: 6:30pm, June 24
Cost: $185 for four-course dinner with matched wines
Pair Victorian seafood, like Yarra Valley trout roe or a classic bouillabaisse, with Victorian chardonnay.
Beechworth Bitters at Parcs
When: 3pm, June 21
Cost: Free, but registration is required
Learn all about making bitters, or amari, with the help of Michael Ryan, chef and owner of Procenance restaurant in Beechworth. He’ll share how Victorian botanicals can add the perfect balance of bitterness and complexity. Pair your tasting with snacks from Parcs.
Mac Forbes x Aru
When: 1pm, June 25
Cost: $266 for a four-course menu with matched wines
Head to Aru for a lovely Sunday lunch. Pair their signature dishes, like dry-aged duck and claypot broken rice, with Rieslings, chardonnays and pinot noir from Yarra Valley winemaker Mac Forbes.
Find participating venues and the full list of events here.