BITES GUIDE Food and drink to try this July

WORDS BY STAFF WRITER

EMBRACE THE WINTER SPIRIT WITH THE GEELONG’S WINTER SHIRAZ FESTIVAL

The annual Winter Shiraz Weekend returns from 4-6 August. With delightful experiences of tastings, fine drops, and local indulgences, 19 local wineries are participating this year, offering unique programs including special masterclasses, tastings, delicious Shiraz-inspired cuisine and more while talented chefs will pair cool climate wines with hearty winter fare for a truly enjoyable time.

Guzman Y Gomez Opens In Leopold

The popular Mexican fast-food chain has opened its newest location in Leopold, bringing healthy Mexican cuisine to the region, including tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. The restaurant will also feature a drive-thru, marking the very first Mexican drive-thru restaurant in Geelong! Find it at 659 Bellarine Hwy, Leopold.

Immersive Winter Beer Festival Bendigo On The Hop Returns

Bendigo On The Hop, Australia’s best winter craft beer festival, will once again pair some of the finest venues in town and Australia’s best breweries this month when it returns on 26 August. Craft beer lovers get to meet and talk to the brewers, be entertained by talented musicians and meet people who are as passionate about craft beer as you walk from venue to venue in beautiful Bendigo.

I Ragazzi Pasta E Cucina Is The Intimate Italian Pasta Bar On Little Malop Street

Two years from I Ragazzi’s arrival on Pakington Street, Geelong local Julian Barbagallo has opened his newest venture, I Ragazzi Pasta e Cucina. Taking over the small space at 86 Little Malop Street, the intimate Italian pasta bar features a flawless selection of Sicilian dishes based on fresh handmade pasta and topped with the best possible ingredients. You’ll also find antipasti, desserts, wines and cocktails.

The Annual Brewicolo Winter Fest Returns To Ocean Grove

Independent craft brewing company BrewiColo Brewing Co is hosting its annual Winter Fest on 6 August. Running from 1pm-7pm, the festival will feature a snow machine, mulled wine, kids’ activities, food truck specials, live music and Christmas carols. Pull out those ugly Christmas sweaters and head to 32 Marine Parade, Ocean Grove.

The Iconic Barwon Edge Boathouse Is Being Transformed By The Team At Alma And Felix

With a flair for creating outrageously beautiful spaces, the Felix and ALMA team will oversee some exciting changes at their newest venue, the Barwon Edge Boathouse. Slated to reopen in September, the venue will include two incredible offerings with a restaurant and event space in the main building emulating the vibe of ALMA and Felix, alongside a new casual and family-friendly alternative.

An Indulgent Monthlong Hot Chocolate Festival Is Coming To The Coast

This August, the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie will be offering 31 new delicious and exotic hot chocolate flavours with its annual Hot Chocolate Festival. A selection of eight decadent and over-thetop flavours will be available on-site each day, each served with an extra shot of hot couverture chocolate plus the handcrafted giant marshmallow.

Manuko Open Factory Outlet In Torquay

Making premium and indulgent organic products and raw, gluten-free and sugar-free chocolate treats and supplying them across Australia, Manuko has returned to its roots, opening up a factory outlet in Torquay, transforming their Surf Coast factory space. Here you will find all their products, treats and gift packs available, and there’s free hot chocolate for all, served with almond milk. Visit them at Unit 7, 1 Haystacks Drive.