The Yarra Valley Herb and Chilli Festival started in 2012 as a local celebration of the taste and health benefits of using herbs and chillis.
The festival was started by Clive and Di Larkman as a way to promote their range of herbs, chillis and other edibles grown under the Renaissance Herbs’ brand.
They are true foodies and have a great love of food, wine and everything related.
They also have a passion for doing things right from day one and making sure that they always deliver a product above expectations.
They wanted their festival to be a fun, family event at which everyone involved has an amazing time and are pleased to be there.
“The festival has become a must-attend part of the food and wine scene in Melbourne,“ Clive said.
“It is a two-day celebration of how we use herbs and chillis in our daily lives through the presentation of food and drinks, sauces, plants and cultural gear associated with those cuisines that focus on spice and flavour.
“There will be a food court with dishes from 15 plus cuisines, four stages: lectures, cooking demonstrations, relaxed music and cultural dance and bands.
“Also, the Australian Chilli Cook-off is on each day. The competition stage has the Hellfire Chicken Wing Challenge, ’Tequila Shot and Holler’ and the Captain Chilli eating competition.”
The festival is a family event so entry for under-14s is free and there is a kid’s area with jumping castles, face painting, pony rides and an animal farm (which are also all free).
A range of boutique and craft breweries, local wine, excellent coffee and the world’s hottest spring roll and dim sims and Australia’s leading hot sauce companies will also be on site.
And for the sweet tooth, there are handmade chocolates, desserts and fresh fruit ice creams available.
It is also a chance to stock up the pantry with an amazing range of sauces, herbs, spices, rubs, blends, relishes and chutneys – not to mention some unusual snacks like salami, jerky, pate and Turkish delight.
The 2020 Herb and Chilli Festival will take place on 14 to 15 March from 10am to 5pm at 125 Quayle Road in Wandin.
For more information and tickets, visit www.herbchillifestival.com.au.
