Victoria’s High Country is one of Melbourne’s most spectacular food and wine destinations. Seems though there’s a little tyranny of distance factor undermining some of the regions spectacular offerings. It’s only 3hrs folks!

We did the rounds a few weeks back and now highlight our Top 5 experiences in the context of the up and coming High Country Harvest – 40 events across 10 days in one of the states best celebrations of food, wine and beer.

1. Bridge Road Brewers – Ford Street, Beechworth

Grab a beer tasting paddle (10 beers) and try one of their pizza’s. Consumate beer pro’s and award winners this is a place to watch the Beechworth local and tourist crowd do their thing in a relaxed and definitely not pretentious enviro.

The event — Brewer’s Beer & Breakfast — Head of Beer, Ben Krauss will run you through what he has made an art. Beer and Brekky included! ($65  || Sat 19th May)

2. Pfeiffers Winery – Distillery Road, Wahgunyah (Rutherglen)

The legendary Pfeiffers Winery is a James Halliday Red 5 Star Winery. Better than that we were enamored with the most romantic bridge for a smooch in Victoria.

The event — Picnic with Autumn’s Bounty — Expect hampers prepared by Pfeiffer Wines and The Pickled Sisters Cafe, to be laden with the season’s best produce and matched to the Pfeiffer wine range. ($75 per hamper – feeds two || 18- 27th May)

3. The Rail Trail - Rutherglen

The High Country Rail Trail is a refurbished (for you) historic railway line. It’s been stripped of rails and now offers 35km of trail for walkers and cyclists. Bike it between wineries, pack a basket and fill your water bottles with the good stuff.

The event — The Sweet Cycle —  Enjoy three leisurely ‘stages’ of cycling through the picturesque Rutherglen countryside stopping off for 1) a sherry and local charcuterie master class with Australia’s most awarded wine maker; 2) High tea featuring artisan sweet treats, and; 3) an unforgettable Muscat & Topaque tasting with matched regional lovelies. ($90 || Sat 19th May)

4. Milawa Cheese Company - 17 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa

Some of the nations great cheese. Traditional methods and free of preservatives their cheese tasting room is a taste sensation.

The event – Cooking with Milawa Cheese -- A cheese platter is one thing but what about cooking with it?  Let the experts guide you through the different cooking methods to use when cooking with cheese.  ($75 || Thurs 24th May)

5. Pizzini Wines - 175 King Valley Road, Whitfield

Famous wines and famous for their Italian cooking. 25 years in the King Valley and one of the most respected grape growers in the region.

The event — The Dinner Party – Eight people will spend the afternoon in the kitchen with Katrina Pizzini preparing a four course feast. Also explore the vineyard before sitting down for the feast matched with Pizzini wine. ($155 || Sat 19th May)

For more information and tickets for the High Country Harvest Festival – HighCountryHarvest.com.au