★ Cook up a storm in regional Victoria

The only thing better than devouring the delectable food and wine on offer in regional Victoria is learning how to replicate some of the regions’ best dishes. There are many cooking classes on offer throughout regional Victoria – some specialised and single ingredient focused, and others capturing the essence of an entire region. Here are some of the best from across Victoria:

Gippsland

Tamsin’s Table Kitchen HarvestSet in the rolling hills of Gippsland, Tamsin’s Table offers a full day cooking class in which visitors harvest fresh, seasonal produce from the surrounding garden and learn how to cook a delicious three course meal focused on traditional farm cookery techniques. 2255 Main South Road, Poowong East, +61 422 976 540

Peppermint Ridge Farm Native Creative CookingDesigned for passionate foodies, classes at Native Creative Cooking begin by sourcing aromatic plants in a bush food garden, before a demonstration of how to incorporate these native flavours into home cuisine. 540 Tynong North Road, Tynong North, +61 3 5942 8580

Milly and Romeo’s Cooking SchoolFrom Italian inspired journeys to kids in the kitchen, Milly and Romeo’s Cooking School offers classes designed to make the most out of seasonal, organic local farm produce using simple yet effective techniques and recipes. 1 Koala Drive, Koonwarra, + 61 3 5664 2211

Goldfields

Catfish ThaiSince opening in 2013, Catfish has quickly established itself as the go to contemporary Thai restaurant in regional Victoria. In addition to mouth watering meals, it offers a hands-on cooking class, imparting the secrets to making Thai dishes such as coconut soups and spicy salads. At the end of the class, participants are invited to feast on their own creations and wash them down with matching wines. 42-44 Main Road, Bakery Hill, +61 3 5331 5248

The Epicurean DelicatessenThe Epicurean Delicatessen is an Italian inspired “tavola calda” (hot table) and gourmet delicatessen that holds regular cooking classes in store. Traditional Italian dishes feature prominently, with classes on the menu that will teach visitors how to make staples such as pasta and risotto. 79 Mitchell Street, Bendigo, Ph: 5443 2699

Saltbush KitchenSaltbush Kitchen brings native Australian flavours to the fore – making them both accessible and delicious. Each Sunday, Saltbush Kitchen offers spice classes covering the history of bush spices, as well as how to use them at home. 102 Stawell St South, Ballarat, +61 404 738 628

Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road Cooking and Lodge RetreatThis cooking retreat combines lodge accommodation cooking classes featuring local produce from the Great Ocean Road. Two cooking classes are held over two days – one profiling local produce and the other a Yum Cha class. 70 Stafford Road, Johanna, +61 408 217 899

Cucina Colac Cookery SchoolAt the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, this cooking school offers small classes in a range of cuisines and specialties such as sourdough breads, pastry making, Japanese food, ice cream, cheese and preserves. 15 Grant St, Colac, +61 3 414 416 161

High Country

Pizzini WinesKatrina Pizzini’s A Tavola! Cooking School runs intimate, hands-on classes, with 10 different class options available, including pasta, gnocchi and risotto, pastries and desserts, street food, vegan and even gluten free classes. When lunch is ready, students join the Pizzini family at the table for a rewarding feast and Italian varietal wines. 175 King Valley Road, Whitfield, +61 3 5729 8278

Simone’sPatrizia Simone’s purpose-built cooking school offers an authentic, in-depth culinary experience with one of the region’s most celebrated chefs. Students are invited to help collect wild herbs and mushrooms before getting hands-on in the kitchen. Specialising in Italian cuisine, classes span pasta and sauces, preserving and pickling, salumi making, bread making, Umbrian cooking on the open fire, and game made easy. 18 Riverside Avenue, Bright, 03 5755 2266

Daylesford and Macedon Ranges

Lake HouseThe Cooking School at Daylesford’s famed Lake House provides a prime opportunity to interact with likeminded foodies and learn from some of Australia’s foremost chefs. Visitors can choose from hands on tuition with senior chefs at the Lake House or demonstration Masterclasses with greats such as Peter Gilmore, Andrew McConnell and George Calombaris. 4 King St, Daylesford, +61 3 5348 3329

Piper St Food Co.At the purpose-built cooking school at Piper St Food Company, charcuterie takes centre stage. Visitors can choose to explore the principles of salting and curing at an all-day charcuterie workshop, undertake a masterclass in sausage making, or focus on making terrines, rillettes and parfaits. There are also fermentation, bread-making workshops and even children’s classes. 9A Piper Street, Cooking School, Kyneton, +61 3 5422 3553

RedBeard Historic BakeryJohn Reid, the founder of RedBeard, leads the sourdough baking workshops at RedBeard Historic Bakery in Trentham. A mix of history, science and practical bread making, these hands-on workshops include lunch, bottomless tea/coffee and snacks from the café. Students leave with the loaves baked, leaven created, a bag of organic flour, a sourdough bread recipe – and lots of baking tips. 38A High Street, Trentham, +61 3 5424 1002

du FermierThe new home of Annie Smithers, of the eponymous restaurant in Kyneton. This French-inspired farmhouse style kitchen also runs cooking masterclasses, allowing visitors to either watch a demonstration or get hands on. Help her recreate a monthly menu direct from du Fermier, find new ways with duck, or learn the skill of tempering chocolate and using it in a range of desserts and pastries. Classes book out well in advance. 42 High Street Trentham, +61 3 5424 1634

Mornington Peninsula

Green Olive at Red HillThe classes at Green Olive are produce-driven and possess an inherently Italian flavour – with wood fired pizzas, coffee and pasta all on the menu. Many of the classes offer the opportunity to tour the farm garden, to pick soft and hard herbs, leaves and vegetables for their dish of the day. 1180 Mornington-Flinders Rd, Main Ridge, +61 3 5989 2992

100 Mile Foodie100 Mile Foodie Cooking School is a platform to showcase local, sustainable and ethical produce; where possible, ingredients are sourced within 100 miles of the school. Founder Marlene Hoff teaches the classes, but also brings in some of Victoria’s brightest young chefs, including Chocolatier and Pastry Chef Elaine Young, and Masterchef finalist Dani Venn. Classes vary from cheese making, to whole foods, to raw dessert making. 26 High Street, Frankston, e:marlene@100milefoodie.com.au

2 MACS FARM2 Macs Farms is a working farm offering accommodation, a market garden, farm gate and weekly cooking classes on a range of topics – but all with an emphasis on seasonal eating and the use of food for health and vitality. Visitors can learn how to make sauces and condiments, or learn the medicinal and nutritional benefits of ingredients like coconut. Corner of Browns Rd and Greens Road, Main Ridge, +61 419 549 654

Yarra Valley

Locavore StudiosLocavore Studios has a delectable mix of cooking classes – from cheese making to pickling to creating the perfect high tea – all run by a local chef who has cooked her way around the world. The studios also host regular event nights – serving up locally grown and prepared produce at soirees as diverse as lavish cocktail parties and intimate dinners. 12 William Street East, Lilydale, +61 3 400 284 949