Visit Castlemaine this March to discover the epicurean delights of the region. Enjoy great cafes, restaurants, wineries and producers only 1 hour from Melbourne. As part of the 20th anniversary of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Taste of Gold celebrates food and wine in Mount Alexander.

From March 4 to 18 visit Castlemaine to discover our epicurean explosion. Join us for celebratory dinners, hands-on workshops, family friendly festivals and special events.

The Mount Alexander Shire is home to an extraordinary range of food and wine producers including artisan bakers, gourmet biscuit makers, preserves and jams, apiarists, cheese-makers, boutique coffee, handmade puddings and craft ciders. The area is home to over 40 wineries producing acclaimed hand crafted wines. The variety of wines is phenomenal – from shiraz and sparkling, to cabernet and chardonnay, merlot and malbec, rose and riesling with an assortment of French and Italian styles rounding out the varietal palette.

Local eateries have exploded with 6 restaurants recognised by The Age’s 2012 Good Food Guide. Available cuisines range from quality yum cha, authentic Italian pizza, tapas, French inspired bistro and an Austrian coffee house. The local  patisserie produces what Epicure writer Richard Cornish describes as the “best croissants in the country.”  

Great wine, fresh produce, sensational pastries….no need to say anything more! Come to Castlemaine this March to see what the fuss is all about – you won’t be disappointed!