It may provoke debate from other contenders, but there’s no doubt Melbourne can  make a strong case for being Australia’s reigning food capital. The southern city is a hive of activity in the foodie realm, particularly when it comes to food-related events. And now one of its biggest has just confirmed its return, with the 2019 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival presented by the Bank of Melbourne naming March 8 to 24 as the dates to mark in your diary.

This year’s festival will see all Victoria join forces in celebration of the state’s foodie talents and produce. And for 2109, a collection of international and national chefs will descend on the event, particularly on the opening weekend. From March 8 to 11, Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre will transform into The House of Food and Wine, where cheffing talents will demonstrate their cooking finesse, while others will debate hot topics dominating the current industry. But who will be there? You can expect to see Paul Carmichael (Momofuku Seiobo), Kirsten Tibballs (Savour Chocolate & Patisserie School) and Peter Gilmore (Quay) among many others.

And that’s just the beginning, says Food and Wine Victoria CEO Anthea Loucas Bosha. “Melbourne is full of extraordinary food and wine experiences so it seemed natural that we celebrate exactly that at the 2019 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. From the perennially popular Bank of Melbourne World’s Longest Lunch which sold out in half an hour on pre-sales alone to our gastronomy program at The House of Food and Wine, the family-friendly River Graze along Southbank and a spate of bespoke gourmet dinners across the city, this program celebrates the great breadth and diversity of the Victorian food and wine experience.

“We’re really excited that top Australian and international chefs, producers and restaurateurs taking part in the Festival will be more accessible than ever before. I’d encourage all food and wine lovers to be in Melbourne come March.”

Standouts for the 2019 festival (outside of House of Food and Wine, of course) include the Bank of Melbourne World’s Longest Lunch, which will see Karen Martini lead an all-female chef line up on March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day. Then there’s the Quebec-themed pop-up supported by Tourism Canada to transport you overseas without the airfare, the Surf Coast BBQ Block Party overlooking Anglesea Beach, and a chicken-themed soirée celebrating signature dishes from different cultures around the globe.

The full line-up of the 2019 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival presented by the Bank of Melbourne can be found online, where tickets are also available to purchase.