The Roast Collection

Step out and stay warm this winter with more than 100 food and wine events as part of The Roast Collection, 1 – 30 June, brought to you by the makers of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival presented by Bank of Melbourne.

From caramelised vegetables and whole-roasted snapper to pit-smoked lamb and mulled wine, some of Melbourne's best chefs and restaurants will serve up their take on the humble roast including Epocha, Flower Drum, Rosetta, Saint Crispin and Union Dining. More than 20 events will take place in regional Victoria showcasing the state's bountiful winter produce in glorious settings including Brown Brother's Milawa Vineyard (High Country), Mornington Farmers' Market (Mornington Peninsula) and Tuki Restaurant (Goldfields).

The true spirit of the roast is a shared experience, so gather your friends and family for winter feasting this June. Indulge in roasted suckling pig at Bomba's Cochinillo Asado Suckling Pig; rug up for Gladioli's pit-smoked Lamb-a-licious on the banks of the Barwon River (Great Ocean Road); and indulge in an Elizabethan-style banquet at Pass the Salt (Goldfields).  Or cosy-up at more intimate dinners across the city including Roasted Veal Shoulder for Two at Bottega, Arrosto del Giorno at Merchant Osteria Veneto, and Shoulder to Shoulder at Orange Bar & Restaurant.

Fancy exploring beyond the traditional roast and trimmings? Then try a unique blend of flavours at Tea Infused Roast Dinner at Travelling Samovar Tea House; savour slow-roasted lamb shanks steeped in chocolate at Maya's Winter Mole (Maya Tequila Bar and Grill); or try bush tucker at Native Spiced Roast Lunch (Gippsland).

Roll your sleeves up and discover handy roasting tips at workshops and demonstrations across the state. Take a free lesson in authentic street food at World's Best Roadside Roasts at Dandenong Market; learn how to roast 'tofurkey" at Vegan Roast Masterclass (SPAN Community House); or master the art of perfect crackling at Crackle & Pop! (High Country).

Roasts go hand-in-hand with winter-warming drops so explore the breadth of Portuguese wines at Matt McConnell's 3 Little Pigs Went to Portugal (Bar Lourinhã); delight in the ultimate flavour synergy at Duck and Pinot for 2 at Mandala (Yarra Valley); or try an enlivening tequila twist on mulled wine at Fiesta de la Barbacoa (Mesa Verde), among other events raising a glass to winter tipples.

Now in its sixth year, The Roast Collection is supported by the Department of State Development, Business and Innovation and celebrates the Put Victoria on Your Table philosophy to embrace and promote Victorian produce.