ZUMBO AND TIBBALLS SET TO GET TASTE BUDS RACING AT ANNUAL WINTER CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

Mitchelton Wines and The Ministry of Chocolate will again partner to deliver the Mitchelton Chocolate Festival on the grounds of the iconic winery over the weekend of August 19-20.

Going bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event, the winter festival will again be headlined by celebrity chefs Adriano Zumbo, Deniz Karaca, Kirsten Tibballs and more, and will be held on site in Nagambie in the heart of the Goulburn Valley. The celebration of all things chocolate will also showcase the best in local wines and produce together with established, Melbourne-based chocolate companies.

The Ministry of Chocolate owner and head chocolatier Drew Maddison, said that the event would be another step up from last year’s incredibly successful event, expecting to attract more than 8,000 visitors over the weekend which would be a huge boost for local tourism.

“We’re proud to have established an annual culinary event during the normally quieter winter months, where visitors stay at local accommodation venues and use the event as an opportunity to explore the wider region and other local attractions.

“The grassy outlook of Mitchelton Wines will again be lined with colourful marquees brimming with mouth-watering treats and the best knowledge of all things chocolate and sweet. Guests will also have the opportunity to walk through one of Australia’s largest and rarely seen underground wine cellars.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Adriano Zumbo and Kirsten Tibballs back this year, as well as many more elevated chefs and industry leaders to be involved in this celebration of all things chocolate. We’ll also be holding the much-anticipated chocolate and wine paring classes in the iconic Mitchelton Tower.”

On the Saturday, the best chefs will compete for the Callebaut ‘Best Show Piece’ and on the Sunday, the Cacao Barry ‘Best Chocolate Entremet’. Competitors will plate and present their final culinary dessert to four esteemed judges who will adjudicate before the public announcement on the afternoon.

The family-friendly event is free to enter and will include an exciting Children’s Zone complete with jumping castle and petting zoo.

For more information on entering the dessert competition or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Drew Maddison on 0488 771 992 or visit www.mitcheltonchocolatefestival.com.au.