With chefs spanning the world over and creds longer than any bread knife, this event is a nod to the world of ancient spices. The fare ranges from Indian to French, so prepare your taste buds for a journey of epic proportions.

Eccentric: Bompas & Parr: Sweet Architextural
Enjoy a dash of quirkiness and a pinch of absurdity? Than this one’s for you. A couple of Brits, entitling themselves “jellymongers”, will recreate Melbourne icons with the wobbly stuff. Intrigued? Pastry maestros Burch & Purchese (soon to open their sweet studio) will also be sharing their sweet wares, delish.

Affordable alfresco: Cellar Door & Farm Gate
Circumnavigate Victorian wineries at one location. Revel with friends at the grassy South Wharf Precinct amongst 60 boutique wineries and specialist brewers, and enjoy artisan nibbles from the adjoining Farm Gate.

Get shucked: Moonlight Shines
If oysters are your thing, head to Cumulus Inc. Steve Feletti ‘the’ oyster man will guide you through tastings of the delicious slimily delicacies. Here, match with beverages and learn all one needs to know to become a fine shucker.

Learn: Perfect Match
Hone your skills at classes that match wine to cheese, beer and cider to food, and big reds to meat. Take note, so as to showcase your new talents on your next hot date, or group dinner soiree. Impressed they’ll be.

Sweet tooth: Prêt-à-Portea High Tea

Settle at Hotel Nest for a spot of afternoon tea, with a fashionable twist. Savour scones, sandwiches and a swag of sweet things, all in tribute to the fashion-pack of course.

Now, go, do what Melbournites do best.

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival
4 – 14 March 2011
Bompas and Parr image by Carl Palmer and illustration by Emma Rios