Wine & Cheese Fest

There's nothing quite like a Sunday spent quaffing top-notch wine and gorging on cheese. Throw the spotlight on local produce and you've got something even better.

Melbourne's indulgent culinary event Wine & Cheese Fest is returning in March for its 11th iteration, transforming Port Melbourne's Timber Yard into a cheesy wine-fuelled paradise. Running across two sessions from 11.30am–3pm and 3.30–7pm on Sunday, March 3, the event will celebrate some of the state's finest cheese, vino and other artisan goodies.

Chat to producers as you sip, swirl and snack your way through a parade of complimentary tastings; sit in on a couple of free cheesemaking or wine masterclasses; or even test your squishing skills in the day's grape-stomping competition.

The day's lineup is full of much-loved names and producers, from That's Amore, Schulz and BoatShed Cheese to Rob Dolan Wine, Dal Zotto and Red Hen Spirits.

There'll also be DJ sets and live acts providing the soundtrack to your epicurean adventures. Plus, the kids will also be entertained with face-painting stations and interactive games.

General tickets start from $60, which gets you 3.5 hours of tastings, and a festival glass and tote bag to take home. The latter should come in handy, too, given there'll be lots of products available to purchase to stock up that pantry and wine fridge. Up for some extra indulgence? Splash out on a $160 VIP ticket that gives you all-day access to the festival, a spot in the VIP room and entry to a wine-tasting masterclass.