On The Palate: 23°C with a high chance of 🍷
11am-5pm Saturday March 21 @ Healesville Racecourse
For The Epicurious
Taste the flavours of Yarra Valley at this family-friendly, day to night feast.
On The Palate returns on the 21st of March, 2026 for the first time since 2008 as a part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival program with a feast for the senses in the Yarra Valley.
The fair runs from 11am-5pm, where you can discover wines from 20+ independent producers, plus local distillations, craft brews and ciders.
Taste artisan cheeses, fresh produce, baked goods, and locally made goods from chocolate to jams, plus food trucks adding to the flavour.
Live music, Valais Blacknose sheep, puppet shows, petting zoos round out a superb afternoon fit for the whole family.
By night, explore wine dinners, list takeovers and masterclasses across local venues led by local producers - with an after-dark programme soon to be announced.
Tickets are $50 for adults and include all tastings, a commemorative glass and tote for you to keep. Under 18's are free.
Shuttle Buses to run from Lilydale and Eltham train stations- tickets are available for $40 per person.
Want to learn more? Read our Information Guide for a comprehensive look at the event.
After Dark Herd X SOUMAH
Two stalwarts of the Yarra Valley combine for a wonderful wine-stained weekend in Healesville!
Extend your stay and join the party at Healesville's acclaimed Herd Bar and Grill for a two-part mouth watering event showcasing the delicious and diverse flavours of Soumah Winery.
Wine List Takeover – Free Entry
Soumah is taking over Herd’s wine list! Pouring a range of whites, reds, rosé, sparkling and sticky wines from their extensive catalogue.
A great chance to enjoy some familiar and esoteric wines from one of Yarra Valley’s finest producers.Available anytime 4pm – late.
Walk ins welcome, however we recommend booking a spot in the bar area.
Wine Banquet - $140 inc. Soumah wine pairing.
Enjoy a 4-course banquet menu curated by Herd head chef Jarrod Hudson with expertly paired wines from Soumah Winery. Exotic Thai flavours intertwine with surprising combinations of old-world Italian varietals as you navigate through a unique culinary experience.
Tickets on sale for sittings anytime between 5pm – 9pm Friday to Sunday.
After Dark - Barrique X Mac Forbes
One of the Yarra Valley's most celebrated independent winemakers Mac Forbes is hosting a unique masterclass at Healesville's most loved wine store- Barrique.
On Sunday 22nd March at 2pm, take a deep dive into the challenges, varieties and signature styles of the Yarra Valley as he takes you through a unique masterclass about wines, and teaches you what makes the region's cool climate wines so memorable, valuable and unique.
Only 20 seats available and it's selling fast- tickets are only $25 each with a $20 credit redeemable on bottle purchases on the day!
After Dark- Barrique X Six Acres
Ralph is taking over the Barrique Wine Store tasting corner on Sunday - come and have a yarn, try his wines, and enjoy a glass or bottle at Barrique or to take home.
Free admission all day - no bookings required!
Participating Wineries
Other Participating Producers & Exhibitors
Ticket Types
Entry Ticket - $50 pp
Includes tastings and 1 x souvenir tasting glass and tote bag to keep.
Kids Have Free Entry!
Interested in getting involved?
We are currently taking expressions of interest from participating producers, distilleries, breweries, artisenal food products, food trucks and venues interested in our after dark program.
Event Partners
