A Little Bit of Italy

Transport yourself to the rustic ambiance and sensational aromas of Italia on April 12th and 13th 2014, as the largely untouched, romantic and authentic Broke Fordwich Wine Region in the Hunter Valley will come alive with A Little Bit of Italy. 

Now in its 8th year, the festival that was born from a lavish Italian dinner at a local home and designed by Italian chef Bruno di Sarno, has now grown into a buzz of celebration and tradition that attracts more than 3,000 people to the region each year.

To kick start the weekend, visitors can pick up a passport at the -Passport Office' on the main street of the historic village of Broke which will outline all the venues that are participating in the Festival.

The price of entry is a $5 souvenir tasting glass to be used for a complimentary sample of local wines from each of the region's top 12 wine producers.

As you travel around from venue to venue, get your passport stamped to go in the draw to win over $2,000 worth of wine, food and accommodation.  And to get around, you may want to book your place on the shuttle busses for $20 per person all day or $30 for two days including transport to participating dinner venues in the evening.

In love with Italian food? Indulge in nonna's old-town recipes with live cooking demonstrations happening at several locations across the two days, or enjoy a luscious spread of woodfire pizzas, gelatos, olive oils, formaggi, wines and fresh local produce.

Other highlights during the Festival will include a concerto of live cultural music and dancing from the soul, as well as a fantastic show of Italian cars and motorbikes (on Sunday only).
Feeling competitive? Make your way to Catherine Vale Vineyard and look in on a game of Bocce- Italian bowls. Join in for a bowl or two to show off your skills, or lack of, if you think you can take the heat.  You may also wish to start your journey with a traditional Italian breakfast or by taking in a puppet show or enjoying the quaint market on site.