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Toowoomba Event Highlight

Sipping Sparkling Red at Toowoomba’s Festival of Food & Wine

The Festival of Food & Wine brings together some of Queensland's finest regional pours and food stalls in a picturesque outdoor festival setting.

A hand holding a black bottle of Heritage Estate Velvet Red Sparkling 2022 wine against light curtains.
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Finding a cinnamon-dusted Hungarian Langos topped with cream, fresh berries, and chocolate syrup was my favourite sweet moment at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Festival of Food & Wine. Passing through the floral entrance decorated with 'Let's Party' lettering and under the welcoming 'FOOD & WINE!' archway, the festival immediately sets an upbeat, celebratory mood in Toowoomba.

On the open lawn, white umbrellas shade white picnic tables, creating a comfortable base to kick back and unpack a bite between stall visits. It gives the festival grounds a relaxed, picnic-style feel right from the start.

THE QUICK ANSWER

Is Festival of Food and Wine Toowoomba worth adding to your itinerary?

As the afternoon unfolds, the lawn near the stage becomes an inviting spot to gather, with white picnic benches spread across the grass. Nearby, a VIP marquee setup provides sheltered lounge seating and ambient lighting for a quiet rest.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Experience highlights

The details to look out for in Zen’s experience.

At a glance: the experience

  • Hungarian Langos with cinnamon sugar, berries, cream, and chocolate syrup
  • Heritage Estate Wines Velvet Red Sparkling 2022

Regional pours and market stall bites

Exploring the producer stalls brings you face to face with a lineup of regional Queensland labels, from Rosalie House Winery and Ballandean Estate Wines to Bunya Cheese. Stopping at Heritage Estate Wines brought my favourite takeaway of the day: a bottle of Velvet, their red sparkling wine that feels tailor-made for warmer weather sipping.

The food offerings are just as varied across the festival grounds. Grazing boxes sat alongside generous cheese platters, fried pastries, and clear cups of drinks topped with edible flower garnishes. Distillers like Granite Ridge, displaying their Surrender Cream Liquor, added further options to sample while wandering.

Lawn music and evening lights

As the afternoon unfolds, the lawn near the stage becomes an inviting spot to gather, with white picnic benches spread across the grass. Nearby, a VIP marquee setup provides sheltered lounge seating and ambient lighting for a quiet rest.

When dusk arrives, the grounds take on a new character. An illuminated walkway beneath a glowing tree canopy lights up the night, offering a peaceful trail to stroll along before wrapping up the festival experience.

GOOD TO KNOW

Frequently asked questions

Where does this food and wine event take place?

It is held in Toowoomba as part of the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers festivities.

Which wineries and producers are featured at the event?

Producers present include Heritage Estate Wines, Ballandean Estate Wines, Rosalie House Winery, Granite Ridge, and Bunya Cheese.

KEEP EXPLORING

More places and guides connected to this visit

Zen visited in September 2024. Menus, ratings, prices and opening hours can change, so check directly with the venue before you go.

It was a pleasure to be invited to experience Festival of Food and Wine Toowoomba but all opinions shared are my own.