Awaken your senses with a six day winter wine and food extravaganza in Victoria’s Alpine High Country this July.

The 2007 Mountain Fresh Festival will return to Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham from 12 -17 July for a second season, bringing the best in alpine food, wine and good times above the snowline.

Delicious regional food and sensational cool climate wines from the Alpine Valleys will be presented in special events across the mountain’s cafes and restaurants and in a series of master classes.

Learn how to slow roast local duck with Michael Ryan of chef’s hat winning Range Restaurant, take part in the making of a French cassoulet with Patrick and Julia from Poplar’s Bistro or embark on a gourmet road trip from Hotham to Dinner Plain taking an easy ride in the 5 Star 4WD, enjoying a four course lunch with matching wines at the mountain huts along the way. 

For something more casual, sample a few local beers at ‘Quarter Time at the General’ while watching footy on the big screen. The kids don’t miss out either with their own cooking class, activities and entertainment at a number of venues.

Take some time to taste your way around the Alpine Valleys as the region’s winemakers and foodies gather to showcase their wares at Hotham Central for the Taste Alpine event on Saturday 14 July.

Festival highlights include the grand opening BBQ and cruisey blues with Lee Rosser at the Snowbird Inn, foodie films at the Onsen Retreat and Spa, a winemakers dinner at Zirky’s featuring Porepunkah’s artisan wine and food producers, cooking classes, a European style Winter Feast, wine and beer tastings, gourmet pizzas, a lazy sparkling brunch and the “Strike Gold” finale, tying in an array of quirky gold mining history films with some gold-inspired local produce.

So head to the hills this winter from 12-17 July and savour the village-like atmosphere of Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham where you can enjoy some great food and wine, mountain style.

Mountain Fresh Festival - on everyone lips this winter…..literally!

Pick up your festival program now from regional visitor information centres or go to www.mountainfresh.com.au