The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival has launched a 10-day regional edition with experiences all over Victoria including Gippsland, the Yarra Valley and Ballarat.

The event kicks off on November 10 and includes The Cook Up’s Adam Liaw teaming up with chef Thi Le of Anchovy, Jeow and Ca Com fame. 

Author and former MasterChef winner Emelia Jackson is joining forces with The Invy Baker while more than 10 food stalls and seven festival bars run by local producers will offer tastings.

The World’s Longest Lunch is back as the festival’s signature event in two new locations with more than 150 people dining together in the Yarra Valley at Hubert Estate and in Ballarat at The Goods Shed.

Bands, DJs, sea-shanty singalongs and singer Alex Lloyd provide the soundtrack, while The Village Market is the place to go if you want to buy local produce, plants, gifts and artisanal wares. 

The new Kids’ Zone is dedicated to activities and games for younger enthusiasts, with cupcake decorating, sandcastle-making competitions, plus the ever-irresistible face-painting. 

CEO of Food + Drink Victoria, Anthea Loucas Bosha, said it is great to be back in regional Victoria.

“This program highlights the extraordinary experiences that make Victoria the best place in the world to eat and drink,” she said.

There is a full program of one-off events including an underground three-course meal in the Quartz Mine at Sovereign Hill.

Tickets are on sale from September 7.