The Penny-Savers Guide to the 2017 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

For 25 years Melbourne has hosted the event that exhibits all of its most culinary talent in one place with a smorgasbord of things to see and do including Master Classes, wine-making workshops, food trucks and live music.

This year Melbourne will host the World’s Best 50 Restaurants awards which have previously only been held in London and New York. With the world’s finest chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers and food critics stopping by, this will give you a chance to taste foods from the world’s top restaurants without leaving town.

In 2017 it’s going to bigger and more jam-packed with indulgences and experiences that one-day alone could not cover. However, a lot of the events are ticketed and can be a bit pricy.

So if the above-mentioned intrigues you, but you don’t want to splurge out, leaving you penniless, let me give you some low-cost and free activities you can be involved in, to get the most out of Melbourne’s most exquisite and delicious festival.

The River Graze: The opening weekend of the MFWF will host the kilometer long culinary playground of producers, winemakers, chefs and food trucks, running along the Yarra River. The event is free to enter and perfect for you and your friends and family to stroll the bustling promenade with food, drinks and entertainment that will excite the taste buds of both big and small foodies alike. Soak up the festival atmosphere, and enjoy three relaxed days of family and fun.

Crown Live: Also held on the opening weekend is another free event, Crown Live Pizza Festival featuring T’Gallant. Experience a slice of Italian culture with local and international pizzaioli, cooking in authentic wood-fire ovens. The air will waft with the scent of wood-fire pizza, tomatoes and basil as you enjoy a slice alongside a T’Gallent wine bar overlooking the water. Get involved in a pizza making class with Gradi’s renowned Johnny Di Francesco as you soak up the vibrant atmosphere and live music.

Restaurant Express: One of the favourite events, is Restaurant Express, which lets you experience fine dining at some of Melbourne’s best restaurants for just $40, this will allow you to indulge your taste buds and dig into a two course express lunch and a Victorian beverage for a fraction of the normal price.

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival runs from March 31 to April 9.