East Gippsland: A chat with Aaron Kyriazis

East Gippsland is characterised by breathtaking landscapes, natural wonders and an inland lake system spanning 400 kilometres – the largest of its kind in Australia. For some, the road to Victoria’s eastern plains may seem like the path less travelled. Today, all that will change. Milk Bar Mag spoke to East Gippsland Food, Wine and Beer Festival co-founder Aaron Kyriazis about the booming food and wine scene and what you missed at this year’s festival. 

Aaron is no stranger to the holy trinity that is good food, wine and beer. Bemused by the lack of independent beers on tap at local waterholes and eateries, he was determined to find a remedy. The result? A partnership with Evan Downie and the founding of the East Gippsland Food, Wine and Beer Festival. 

The motive was simple enough, they were ‘looking for a place [to go to] on Sunday to have a few beers and not get hassled,’ admits Aaron. Although the old-man pubs have their place in the regional patchwork, the East Gippsland Food, Wine and Beer Festival would do something no event in the area had ever achieved. It would put the area on the cultural calendar. 

Last year’s inaugural shindig was a raging success. Over 1500 punters (myself included) rocked up with an assortment of picnic rugs, plastic deck chairs and pop-up umbrellas. According to Aaron, sparking collaborations between local vendors was one of the major perks of the festival. With a goal to ‘empower locals to get on board with the hospitality movement,’ Aaron has finally propelled regional food and wine to the present. 

Held at Bairnsdale Racecourse on Saturday, 6 April, the second festival was an insane smorgasbord of local food and drink. Among the standouts were Paynesville favourite Sardine Eatery and Bar, the glorious The Long Paddock, and Northern Ground, popular for their North England-inspired eats. For wineries, you could select from Wild Dog, Pizzini and Sarsfield Estate. And for beer, Sailors Grave Brewery, Coldstream Brewery and personal favourite 3 Ravens were all in attendance ready to pour you a buttery ale. 

The completely independent festival expanded its range of masterclasses this year. Kyriazis was incredibly chuffed in attaining the Country Women’s Association’s (CWA) scone-making lesson. In addition to revealing intergenerational tips and tricks for making the perfect scone – including addressing the age-old jam or cream first debate – they also promoted their membership to attract those not in the know.

In the Green Space, you could learn all about medicinal cannabis; learn how to properly grow mushrooms (the variety you add to pizza); discover Permaculture and why it’s today’s hot topic; or be a spectator at the Giant Pumpkin Challenge weigh-in. 

Beyond the East Gippsland foodie scene, you can practically embark on any water sport known, whether it is fishing, kayaking or surfing. You can stroll along the picturesque lakeside villages or venture inland to the High Country, to Little River Gorge or take a drive to Lindenow in the west. The possibilities are endless!

At a three-and-half hour drive from Melbourne, make a weekender out of your stay in East Gippsland. If you’ve loved what you’ve read thus far, imagine what a 48-hour dalliance with an eclectic array of restaurants, breweries, natural parks and lakes would look like. Mark the East Gippsland Food, Wine and Beer Festival in your 2020 calendar – it’s one weekend worth the drive. 

East Gippsland Food, Wine and Beer Festival
2020
eastgippslandfoodwinebeerfestival.com.au