A Little Bit of Italy in Broke
Now in its eleventh year, A Little Bit of Italy in Broke will once again transform the Broke Fordwich Wine Region in the Hunter Valley into a mouth-watering Italian haven. Now spanning across three days, from Friday April 8th until Sunday April 10th, the event will celebrate all things Italian to the backdrop of the picturesque and tranquil Broke Fordwich landscape.
Originating as an intimate Italian dinner in 2005 hosted by a local winery, the event now encompasses 12 venues, providing plenty of opportunities to indulge in wood-fired pizza, antipasti, and Italian cheese. But make sure you leave room for gelato and espresso for dessert!
Tickling your taste buds, the weekend will showcase an impressive line-up of fresh produce and local wine, along with master classes and demonstrations hosted by the growers, makers and owners of the venues, all with an Italian twist. Afterwards, relax amongst the grape vines and olive groves while sipping on traditional Hunter Valley blends or try expanding your palette with the numerous Italian varietals grown in the area.
Throughout the weekend look out for the event flags that indicate participating venues and be sure to pick up your event wine glass ($10) at your first stop – this is your ticket to enjoying and sampling wine at each venue. You can also collect passport stamps as you wander through the wineries to enter the prize draw to win a Luxury Broke Fordwich Mid-Week Escape for Two. Plus, to make getting around easier there will be a “Hop on, hop off” shuttle bus available each day for only $25 per day.
To bring out your inner Italian try one of the many workshops on offer and learn how to make authentic Gnocchi, Olive Oil Pizza or Nduja Sausage. Other highlights include market stalls, live music, giant Jenga and bocce!
If you’re bringing the family, a number of venues have kid-friendly activities ranging from scarecrow judging, to the Spaghetti Throwing Competition.
The local winemaking community will be hosting a Village Dinner with an Italian flavour on Saturday April 9th at Catherine Vale Wines, where guests will mingle with the local growers and enjoy an Italian Menu specially designed by The Cellar Restaurant. Shared in true village style, the banquet of entrees will be followed by a delicious spit roasted whole lamb and finished with dessert and an array of cheeses. For $130pp, the meal is paired with local wines and served to the sound of live music.
A Little Bit of Italy’s Event Manager, Rowena Hawkins says, “For our eleventh year we have reinvigorated the event’s format to become a festival dedicated to Italian inspired food, wine and activities spread across a relaxing long weekend. We feel this year’s event is our best one to date and are looking forward to sharing the good food, wine, music and fun that best reflects the passion of the Italian spirit.”
For more details on A Little Bit of Italy in Broke and the full program please visit: www.italyinbroke.com.au
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