Nestled in Victoria's Goldfields region, the charming town of Heathcote boasts a delightful food and drink scene that celebrates its rich agricultural heritage and thriving wine production. Renowned for robust shiraz and Italian varieties, local wineries offer visitors the chance to taste their finest vintages against stunning vineyard backdrops. Heathcote also features a variety of dining options, ranging from cozy cafés serving sophisticated breakfasts to hatted restaurants housed in heritage buildings, all showcasing fresh regional produce and creative cuisine.
The area's reputation as a City of Gastronomy is evident in its farmers markets, where visitors can sample organic fruit and vegetables, gourmet cheeses, and locally pressed olive oil. Nearby towns like Talbot and Harcourt offer unique culinary experiences through monthly farmers markets, featuring specialties such as bullboar sausages, craft beer, chocolate, and goat cheese. Harcourt, in particular, is renowned for its crisp apples, juicy pears, cider, perry, and fine apple products straight from the growers.