Sixteen Years of A Little Bit of Italy in Broke

The much-loved annual wine and food festival A Little Bit of Italy in Broke to be held over the weekend of 1–3 May, brings together boutique cellar doors, artisan food producers and live music to create a uniquely “Australian-Italian” vibe. Set in the picturesque region of Broke Fordwich, Hunter Valley, the festival operates at 12 different venues throughout the weekend, each offering a unique variation on the theme while combining great food and wine with a stunning location and relaxed atmosphere.

The event begins on Friday evening when several local restaurants serve up an Italian-inspired dinner. Margan’s La Grande Fiesta in their courtyard piazza is a highlight every year.

On Saturday, start your journey at the Fire Shed in Broke Village, where you can collect an event glass and program before heading off to your first venue. Or if you have a plan in mind, you can just head straight to any of the venues, who will all have event glasses for sale. Design your own experience by selecting from the many menu choices on offer. Enjoy the live music, free wine tasting and the unique attributes of each participating cellar door.

The Saturday night offers more dinner choices, including Catherine Vale’s traditional Italian Feast by Matteo of Tuscany Untouched Tours.

Sunday is a repeat of Saturday’s activities, giving visitors a chance to check out the venues they may have missed on Saturday. And with 12 venues in the festival, there’s a lot to see. During the weekend, there will also be ample opportunities to learn and experience through masterclasses, tours, workshops and demonstrations. Try your hand at cheese making or olive oil and preserving classes, wine and food matching classes, cooking classes and demonstrations, wine masterclasses or even a bit of Burlesque at a dancing workshop. There really is something for everybody!

Getting Around Many festival-goers arrange their own transport, using a nominated driver who can access free water stations and/or soft drinks throughout the festival. However, on the Saturday of the festival, Rover Coaches also offer a hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus service. Buses will circulate from the Fire Shed base, all around the festival sites throughout the day. Rover also offers a transfer service from Pokolbin.

Gather together friends and family and head to Broke for a great day out! Breathe in the fresh country air, relax and celebrate the good life at the 16th annual Little Bit of Italy in Broke wine and food festival. For more information and a full program of events visit www.italyinbroke.com.au